Millions of pieces of controlled unclassified information (CUI) are stored in the system you use for the US Department of Defense (DoD). The thought of a security breach exposing this information sends a chill down your spine.
Research shows that cyber-attacks occur every 39 seconds. Data breaches in 2022 cost over $3.8 million each on average.
This is why the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 compliance checklist was created for organizations doing business with the DoD. The document can help organizations protect their CUI's confidentiality. Let's explore the recommended requirements of the NIST 800-171 compliance checklist and who needs to follow them.
NIST 800-171 Compliance Checklist
The NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-171 compliance document addresses how CUI can be protected against external and insider attacks when transmitted, processed, and kept in organizations' systems. CUI refers to non-military data that the government controls and owns. This information includes the following:
- Personally identifying data (e.g., Social Security numbers)
- Patents
- Court records
- Financial information
NIST's compliance checklist was created for multiple types of organizations with access to federal data. These include service providers and government contractors. Other organizations that should use the NIST SP 800-171 compliance checklist include:
- Federal contractors
- DoD contractors
- Education entities
- Health care data processors
Organizations can use this checklist to help identify their CUI and categorize this information based on its sensitivity level and type. They can then establish robust cybersecurity controls and create implementation plans.
Network Access Control
An important part of achieving NIST 800-171 compliance is mastering network access control. This involves controlling who is authorized to access your CUI.
Restricting access to every section of your organization's network will help you keep out anyone who doesn't have to access your data. Suppose someone gets into a network area where they shouldn't be. You may automatically terminate the intruder's session, kicking them out.
The NIST compliance checklist also requires limiting the number of unsuccessful network login attempts every user gets. It may help prevent hackers from brutally forcing themselves onto your server.
Accountability
Complying with the NIST document also requires creating a consistent accountability and audit protocol for investigating an authorized access event in your organization. This includes developing, reviewing, and maintaining system-level records and logs.
Identification
Another requirement for achieving NIST compliance is identifying and authenticating all users before giving them access to your data. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help you effectively verify every user, process, and device used.
MFA is where you require a user to submit at least two types of evidence to verify they are who they say they are. This evidence may include a code you send to their phone, a password, or a fingerprint scan. It may make it harder for a hacker to enter your network even if they have a password and username.
Network Maintenance
The NIST requires that you practice regular network maintenance to keep your system secure. Let's say you plan to update or replace your equipment. Wipe the old equipment's CUI.
Your system administrator should undergo several identity checks before performing maintenance. This is essential to ensure your CUI doesn't end up in the wrong hands.
Employee Security
Yet another important NIST compliance document requirement is ensuring your personnel's security. This involves completing background checks and screenings for all incoming employees.
Removing permissions when employees are transferred or terminated is also critical. No worker should access your CUI unless they're currently in a position that requires it.
Risk Evaluation
Performing and maintaining risk assessments will help your organization comply with the NIST checklist. Routine assessments will help your staff pinpoint vulnerabilities (e.g., malicious software infections or outdated software) that need to be remediated immediately.
Communications and System Protection
Employees may accidentally share your CUI with people who aren't authorized to know this information. Protect outgoing and incoming communications to prevent this.
You can do this by inspecting email headers. This will help you verify a sender's identity and their message's authenticity. Use encrypted messaging to protect your shared information's confidentiality, too.
Training Awareness
Boost cybersecurity awareness at your organization through employee training. Your staff should understand how to minimize cybersecurity risks when using devices on your network.
Managing Configurations
The NIST compliance checklist requires establishing configuration settings for your organization's systems to make them safer. These settings may include restricting access to nonessential services and programs. You may also blacklist certain users to keep them from accessing your data.
Responding to Incidents
Develop a process for responding to cybersecurity incidents. This process should include analyzing your network, detecting problems, and containing threats. You should also regularly track your company's security capabilities.
Blocking Employees' Personal Media
Employees' personal media remain a major weakness for many companies. These include flash drives, which workers can use to steal files or gain access to a network. Restrict access to your CUI via these media.
Organization's Asset Protection
Criminals who interact with your servers can easily access your CUI. Block unauthorized users from gaining access to your physical media room. Anyone who enters the room should sign a special log before entering and exiting it.
Assessing Your Security
How often do you assess your organization's security? Create a detailed plan for identifying and eliminating all vulnerabilities. Update your system security plan each year to keep it current.
Business System Integrity
Do you notice a system flaw? Identify, report, and correct this as soon as possible to minimize the potential damage. Monitoring your system regularly can help you protect against any malicious code or action.
How We Can Help Your Security Posture
The NIST 800-171 compliance checklist exists to help organizations that work with the DoD protect their CUI. The checklist requirements address areas such as network access control and security assessments. Other requirements range from network maintenance to employee security.
At Hermathena Labs, we can help you achieve your compliance goals. We'll help you understand your current security posture and create a secure turnkey cloud solution that will help you meet the DoD's requirements. Schedule a demo to experience the benefits for your organization today!