Introduction
Neutral Partners is your premier information security readiness consulting firm, helping organizations align with essential standards, such as NIST 800-171. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing unparalleled support, ensuring your organization achieves and maintains compliance with the NIST 800-171 requirements, and protecting sensitive unclassified information in nonfederal systems and organizations.
What is NIST 800-171?
NIST 800-171, also known as “Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations,” is a set of requirements established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems. The standard ensures that organizations working with the U.S. federal government maintain a consistent and robust security posture to protect sensitive information.
The standard consists of 14 control families covering various aspects of information security, such as access control, incident response, risk assessment, and system and information integrity. Organizations must implement the appropriate controls based on their specific needs and the sensitivity of the CUI they handle.
NIST 800-171 is particularly relevant for organizations that work with the U.S. federal government, including contractors, subcontractors, and grant recipients. Compliance with the standard is often a prerequisite for securing federal contracts and grants.
Who should consider aligning to NIST 800-171?
Organizations that handle CUI and work with the U.S. federal government, such as contractors, subcontractors, and grant recipients, should consider aligning with NIST 800-171. The standard protects sensitive unclassified information shared by federal agencies with nonfederal entities.
Compliance with NIST 800-171 is essential for organizations seeking to establish or maintain a relationship with the U.S. federal government. Aligning with the standard demonstrates an organization’s commitment to information security and helps to build trust with federal agencies.
Benefits of NIST 800-171
Enhanced security posture
Implementing the requirements of NIST 800-171 helps organizations establish a comprehensive and systematic approach to information security, protecting sensitive unclassified information.
Improved trust with federal agencies
Alignment with NIST 800-171 demonstrates an organization’s commitment to information security, helping build trust with federal agencies and making it easier to secure contracts and grants.
Competitive advantage
Organizations that align with NIST 800-171 can differentiate themselves from competitors, offering a competitive advantage in the marketplace, especially when working with the U.S. federal government.
How Neutral Partners can help.
Managed Compliance
Our end-to-end management of your NIST 800-171 compliance program ensures that your organization always maintains a robust security posture. We assist you in implementing the necessary policies, processes, and controls, monitor your ongoing compliance, and provide guidance on continuous improvement. Our expert team takes the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
Readiness Assessment
Our Readiness Assessment service identifies and remediates gaps in your security posture, ensuring complete alignment with NIST 800-171 requirements. Our experienced consultants comprehensively analyze your existing information security practices, compare them to the standard, and provide actionable recommendations for addressing any identified gaps. This service is essential for organizations seeking NIST 800-171 compliance.
Internal Audit
Our Internal Audit service evaluates the effectiveness of your information security controls, ensuring that your organization remains in compliance with NIST 800-171. Our skilled auditors thoroughly examine your organization’s security policies, procedures, and controls, identifying any areas of non-conformance and providing recommendations for improvement. This service helps you maintain a strong security posture and ensure compliance with NIST 800-171.
Risk Assessment
Our Risk Assessment service identifies and prioritizes risks to your information assets, ensuring that you implement appropriate controls in line with NIST 800-171 requirements. We evaluate your organization’s unique risk landscape, considering threats, vulnerabilities, and potential business impacts. Based on this analysis, we help you develop a risk treatment plan that addresses the most significant risks, ensuring your information security practices remain effective and resilient.
Policy Development
Our Policy Development service creates tailored policies and procedures that align with the NIST 800-171 standard, ensuring that your organization meets the requirements. We work closely with your team to develop customized documentation, considering your specific business needs, goals, and operational processes. This service ensures your organization has a solid foundation for maintaining compliance with NIST 800-171.
Tabletop Exercise
Our Tabletop Exercise service designs and facilitates custom tabletop exercises to test your organization’s incident response capabilities in NIST 800-171. These exercises simulate actual information security incidents, allowing your team to practice their response strategies and identify areas for improvement. Participating in our expert-led tabletop exercises can strengthen your organization’s incident response capabilities and ensure preparedness for real-world security events.
Get Started
Achieving and maintaining NIST 800-171 compliance is essential for your organization’s security and success, especially when working with the U.S. federal government. Partner with Neutral Partners to benefit from our expertise and dedicated support in navigating the complexities of the standard. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a robust information security posture.