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…)
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
-
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:
- What it means to be DFARS compliant
- What qualifying countries are
- The official DFARS compliant countries list
- How cybersecurity requirements impact compliance
- Key NIST SP 800-171 obligations
-
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.
-
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.
-
Understanding the List of DFARS Compliant Countries 2023
The US Department of Defense (DoD) spent $439.4 billion on contracts for products and services in 2020. That’s billions of tax dollars awarded to hundreds, if not thousands of companies contributing to US national defense. To get involved in this lucrative industry, contractors must abide by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS) requirements, such as limiting offshore acquisitions to organizations located in DFARS-compliant countries. Read on to review the list of DFARS-compliant countries (2021) and the safeguards that organizations must demonstrate to secure DoD contracts. (more…)
-
What Is a NIST 800-171 Passing Score?
Compliance with the National Insitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171 is critical to demonstrating your security posture as a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor—helping you maintain preferred contractor status. NIST 800-171 compliance helps safeguard sensitive information such as Covered Defense Information (CDI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Read on to learn all about NIST 800-171 passing scores. (more…)
-
How and Why DoD Contractors Must Protect Covered Defense Information
The federal government utilizes contractors to provide routine services and products to achieve the nation’s missions and conduct operations. During the course of business, the government shares sensitive information with federal contractors, which is then stored, processed, and transmitted via information systems. Department of Defense (DoD) contractors must abide by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements for protecting Covered Defense Information (CDI), which is directly related to national security. (more…)
