NIST Special Publication 800-171, published in 2015 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), offers a comprehensive framework for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. It primarily targets federal contractors, subcontractors, and other non-federal organizations that store or process CUI on behalf of the U.S. government. CUI encompasses sensitive but unclassified information in areas such as defense and healthcare, and protecting it is crucial for national security.
NIST SP 800-171 highlights identity security as a critical component in protecting CUI, recognizing the shift in cyberattacks towards exploiting compromised credentials and weak access controls. Key requirements include implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), conducting regular user account audits, and enforcing the principle of least privilege to limit access to sensitive data.
The Silverfort Unified Identity Security Platform complements NIST SP 800-171 by enhancing identity security across all Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems within an organization. It provides tools such as advanced MFA, Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM), and Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR). Silverfort extends MFA to previously unprotected resources, applies strong access controls, continuously monitors for anomalies, and actively detects and blocks identity-based threats. These capabilities help organizations comply with NIST SP 800-171 by strengthening identity security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access to CUI.
Download our white paper to discover the full details of how Silverfort makes complying with NIST SP 800-171 easy.