RSI Security

Category: NIST 800-171 / DFARS

Stay informed on NIST 800-171 compliance. Access expert guides, requirements, and updates to help your organization protect CUI and meet federal security standards.

  • Understanding NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-53: A Guide for Government Contractors

    Understanding NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-53: A Guide for Government Contractors

    If your organization works with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies, it’s essential to understand how compliance frameworks like NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-53 affect your eligibility for contracts.

    These standards are designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive federal data from cyber threats.

    In this guide, we’ll explain:

    • What each framework requires
    • How they overlap and differ
    • What steps your organization must take to achieve and maintain compliance

    Whether you’re pursuing a DoD contract or supporting another federal agency, understanding these cybersecurity frameworks is key to staying secure—and competitive. (more…)

  • Understanding the Interplay Between CMMC, NIST, and DFARS

    Understanding the Interplay Between CMMC, NIST, and DFARS

    Organizations that contract with the U.S. military deliver essential goods and services that support national defense. To qualify for and maintain these contracts, companies must meet strict cybersecurity and compliance requirements, especially when handling sensitive government data. Three frameworks form the foundation of these requirements: CMMC, NIST, and DFARS. Understanding how they overlap and work together is key to staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and securing future contracts.

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  • How to Map NIST Cybersecurity Framework Controls

    How to Map NIST Cybersecurity Framework Controls

    To work with the US government, organizations need to implement NIST Cybersecurity Framework Controls . NIST SP 800-53 maps CSF principles into executable controls, which then translate into requirements in other frameworks, like SP 800-171, that are required for specific contracts. (more…)

  • Why You Should Adopt the Cybersecurity NIST Framework

    Why You Should Adopt the Cybersecurity NIST Framework

    The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) is a risk-based approach to managing and reducing cybersecurity threats. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology following Executive Order 13636 signed by Barack Obama in 2013, the framework was created to strengthen the security and resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure.

    Today, organizations across industries use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to identify vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, detect threats, respond to incidents, and recover from cyberattacks. By providing structured guidance for cybersecurity risk management, the NIST CSF helps businesses reduce the likelihood and impact of costly data breaches.

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  • NIST Security Operations Center Best Practices

    NIST Security Operations Center Best Practices

    The NIST Security framework, formally known as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), provides a structured and risk-based approach to protecting critical systems and data. For organizations operating a Security Operations Center (SOC), aligning with NIST security best practices strengthens detection, response, compliance, and overall cyber resilience.

    The NIST CSF is built around five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Together, these functions serve as a practical roadmap for building, auditing, and improving your SOC.

    In this guide, we explain:

    • NIST CSF SOC implementation

    • A complete security operations center audit checklist

    • How to perform a SOC gap assessment

    • Whether managed SOC services are right for your organization

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  • DFARS Compliant Countries

    DFARS Compliant Countries

    Organizations working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure they are DFARS compliant. One critical requirement many contractors overlook is sourcing products from approved DFARS compliant countries, also known as qualifying countries.

    Failure to comply can result in contract termination, financial penalties, and reputational damage.

    In this guide, we’ll cover:

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  • How to Prepare for CMMC and NIST Assessments

    How to Prepare for CMMC and NIST Assessments

     

    If your organization works with U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense, you may be required to undergo CMMC assessments and NIST assessments. Preparing for these assessments starts with identifying the standards relevant to your contracts, conducting a readiness review, implementing the necessary controls, and collaborating with an accredited assessor to ensure compliance.

    Not sure if your organization is ready? Schedule a consultation today to evaluate your CMMC assessment readiness and streamline your compliance process.

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  • What Are the 5 Functions of NIST CSF?

    What Are the 5 Functions of NIST CSF?

    Businesses, governments, educational institutions, and society all use computers, handheld devices, and electronic storage containers on a daily basis. Life and work depend on the secure and reliable functionality of these devices. However, with the widespread use of such technology, international cooperation and transnational business have also increased significantly. Consequently, it is now vital that all entities involved maintain an equal level of security. Such measures engender trust and also improve efficiency. To encourage better cyber security standards in the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) formulated a Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Do you know what are the 5 functions of NIST CSF? Keep reading to learn more about NIST’s cybersecurity framework and what you can expect from a cyber security provider.

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  • What is NIST and NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

    What is NIST and NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

    When it comes to technology and science, the U.S. Government has a variety of bodies and agencies that help support innovation and promote industry-wide standards. One of the most important (and under appreciated) of these organizations is NIST. (more…)

  • NIST 800-171 Checklist: What You Need to Know

    NIST 800-171 Checklist: What You Need to Know

    When it comes to data that cyber criminals are after, defense and military information rank near (if not at) the top of the list. And its not something the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) federal government is taking lightly. Between cyber protection, support, and other teams, the DOD is on pace to have 133 teams of federal agencies dedicated specifically to cyber defense. In addition, the DOD is working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to implement regulations that will also make sensitive data handled by DOD and government contractors secure as well.

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