What Is the FTC Safeguards Rule?
The FTC Safeguards Rule is about how to protect customers’ non-public personal informat…
NIST Special Publication 800-171
LOCATION
-
United States
industry
-
Government
-
Federal Contractors
Requirements
14
Achieve Compliance Confidence
Understanding NIST 800-171: Safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information
NIST 800-171 outlines 14 control families and 110 practices that contractors must implement to protect CUI within non-federal information systems. Compliance is mandatory under DFARS 252.204-7012 and a prerequisite for future CMMC Level 2 certification.
Success hinges on accurately scoping where CUI resides, documenting each practice in a System Security Plan, and maintaining an up-to-date Plan of Action & Milestones. Organizations must also submit a self-assessment score to the DoD’s SPRS portal and be prepared for audits.
Forgepath streamlines this process—delivering gap analysis, SSP/POA&M development, control implementation, and continuous-monitoring support—so defense contractors can protect CUI, satisfy contractual clauses, and remain competitive in the federal supply chain.
Be Informed
NIST 800-171 Compliance At a Glance
NIST SP 800-171 defines security requirements non-federal organizations must implement to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in support of U.S. government contracts.
Requirements
Access Control
Limit system access to authorized users, processes, and devices; enforce least privilege and session controls.
Awareness & Training
Provide role-based security awareness and CUI-handling training to all personnel.
Audit & Accountability
Generate, protect, review, and retain audit logs to detect and investigate security events.
Configuration Management
Establish secure baselines, track changes, and prevent unauthorized configuration alterations.
Identification & Authentication
Verify user and device identities using strong, multifactor authentication where practical.
Incident Response
Detect, report, contain, and eradicate incidents; meet DoD 72-hour reporting timelines.
Maintenance
Perform timely, secure maintenance on systems and restrict remote maintenance activities.
Media Protection
Safeguard digital and physical media; sanitize or destroy media before disposal or reuse.
Personnel Security
Screen personnel prior to authorizing CUI access and ensure secure off-boarding.
Physical Protection
Restrict physical access to facilities, devices, and media containing CUI.
Risk Assessment
Identify threats and vulnerabilities; analyze likelihood and impact to prioritize safeguards.
Security Assessment
Develop Security Assessment Plans (SAP), test controls, and record results in POA&Ms.
System & Communications Protection
Protect CUI in transit and at rest via encryption, segmentation, and secure protocols.
System & Information Integrity
Monitor for malicious code, patch flaws promptly, and validate software integrity.
How Forgepath Can Help
Policy & Procedure Creation
Develop access control, incident response, configuration, and media-handling policies aligned to the 14 families.
vCISO for DoD Cyber Programs
Provide executive guidance, coordinate with DoD contracting officers, and oversee ongoing governance.
Incident Response Planning & Table-Top Exercises
Build IR playbooks, run drills, and align reporting with DFARS and NIST requirements.
Working With ForgePathForgepath delivered outstanding service on our network and app security tests.
View Full Testimonial
Working With ForgePathForgepath separates themselves from the rest as they’re a true security partner.
View Full Testimonial
Ready to Get Started?
Protect CUI and Win Defense Contracts
Demonstrate compliance, reduce risk, and build DoD trust. Forge Path guides you from assessment to ongoing monitoring—closing gaps, documenting evidence, and sustaining NIST 800-171 controls for long-term success.
FAQ
Have Questions About NIST 800-171?
Expert Perspectives on Emerging Cyber Threats and Trends
