NIST 800-171
Tailored Solutions for NIST 800-171 Compliance
An expert team to guide you in achieving NIST 800-171 compliance. Let us help you improve and standardize your organization’s approach to meeting CMMC requirements effectively
What is NIST 800-171 Compliance?
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An expert team of CMMC professionals to help you meet NIST 800-171 compliance.
NIST 800-171 compliance involves meeting security requirements designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems. For CMMC clients, adhering to these guidelines is essential, as they form the foundation for achieving CMMC certification and ensuring that sensitive data is adequately safeguarded in alignment with federal standards.
At Secure-Centric, NIST 800-171 compliance is tailored to your unique organization.
Our CMMC specialists will work closely with your organization to ensure compliance with NIST 800-171 standards, addressing any gaps related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). We offer a comprehensive remediation plan and a standardized, risk-based scoring approach to provide you with the information and solutions necessary for achieving CMMC certification.
Connect with our CMMC specialists to initiate meeting NIST 800-171 compliance.
We will enhance and develop your compliance program to meet NIST 800-171 requirements, focusing on the key elements that significantly impact your organization’s readiness for CMMC certification.
NIST 800-171 vs CMMC
At Secure-Centric, we specialize in helping organizations navigate the complexities of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a critical framework mandated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-171 standards. Since January 1, 2018, DoD contractors have been required to meet these cybersecurity standards, but over the last few years, the adoption rate within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) has been lower than expected. In response, the DoD introduced CMMC as a more structured and auditable approach to ensuring cybersecurity compliance across the supply chain.
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Why CMMC Matters: It is estimated that between 200,000 and 300,000 organizations will fall under the scope of CMMC compliance, including not only traditional defense contractors but also a broad range of third-party vendors. This includes businesses in fields like IT support, bookkeeping, janitorial services, and even component manufacturers. The reason for this wide scope is the trickle-down effect—third-party vendors that handle, store, transmit, or process Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) play a crucial role in maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive government data.
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Understanding CMMC Levels: CMMC is structured into five levels, each with a progressively higher set of cybersecurity controls. These controls are assessed in a formal audit process to verify an organization's cybersecurity posture. Below is a breakdown of the key levels of CMMC:
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CMMC Level 1: 15 Controls
Basic Cyber Hygiene and Safeguarding of FCI. Requirements: Annual self-assessment and annual affirmation of compliance with the 15 security requirements in FAR clause 52.204-21. -
CMMC Level 2: 110 Controls (Includes Level 1 Controls)
Intermediate Cyber Hygiene and Broad Protection of CUI. Requirements: Either a self-assessment or a C3PAO assessment every three years, as specified in the solicitation (Decided by the type of information processed, transmitted, or stored on the contractor or subcontractor information systems). Also, annual affirmation, verify compliance with the 110 security requirements in NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2. -
CMMC Level 3: 134 Controls (Includes Level 2 Controls)
Good Cyber Hygiene (Aligns with NIST SP 800-171) and Higher-Level Protection of CUI Against Advanced Persistent Threats. Requirements: Achieve CMMC Status of Final Level 2. Undergo an assessment every three years by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC). Provide an annual affirmation verifying compliance with the 24 identified requirements from NIST SP 800-172.
As your trusted partner, Secure-Centric can guide your organization through each step of the CMMC process—from initial gap assessments and control implementation to preparation for audit and certification. Let us help ensure that your cybersecurity practices meet the rigorous standards required to do business with the DoD and other government agencies.
CMMC Level 1: The Foundation of Cybersecurity Compliance
We understand the critical importance of CMMC Level 1 for organizations seeking to do business with the Department of Defense (DoD). CMMC Level 1 consists of 17 controls, each of which is directly mapped to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.204-21. While FAR 52.204-21 outlines 15 specific controls, CMMC expands on these to create 17 controls to ensure comprehensive coverage of basic cybersecurity practices.
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Why the difference? The FAR controls are relatively high-level, leaving room for subjective interpretation. To provide more clarity and ensure robust cybersecurity practices, CMMC Level 1 includes additional controls to address those nuances. In essence, CMMC Level 1 is about complying with FAR 52.204-21 while aligning with the foundational cybersecurity principles outlined in NIST SP 800-171.
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A CMMC Level 1 audit will assess your organization's adherence to these controls, covering roughly 15% of the NIST 800-171 requirements related to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). While Level 1 represents a starting point for cybersecurity maturity, it is a critical first step for any organization seeking to ensure compliance and secure government contracts.
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We help organizations navigate CMMC Level 1 requirements, ensuring you are well-prepared for audit and can confidently meet the foundational cybersecurity standards necessary for working with the DoD. Let us help you build a secure, compliant foundation from the start.
CMMC Level 2: Building a Stronger Cybersecurity Foundation
There are 72 controls that make up CMMC Level 2, which encompasses the CMMC Level 1 controls. A CMMC Level 2 audit will cover 65% of the NIST 800-171 CUI controls .
NIST 800-171 vs CMMC Level 2
Endorsed Standards
NIST 800-171
NIST CSF
CMMC
Why Choose Secure-Centric?
Our Custom-Tailored Approach
Expertise + Proficiency
With decades of experience in the technology sector, Secure-Centric's team is well-equipped to assist you with all your CMMC compliance needs. By choosing to enhance your security program through our vCISO services, you gain the advantage of extensive expertise tailored to achieving compliance. Beyond our experience, you’ll be partnering with a dedicated team that genuinely cares about your organization’s success.
Mission Based + Goal Oriented
At Secure-Centric, our goal is to help you achieve CMMC compliance and restore confidence in your data security. We understand the challenges organizations face in safeguarding sensitive information and are committed to partnering with you throughout the entire compliance journey. By working together before, during, and after any potential breach, we focus on genuinely enhancing your security measures and protecting your organization's reputation and integrity.
Focus + Expertise
Our exclusive focus is on CMMC compliance and nothing else. Our sole dedication is to understanding the requirements, protocols, and services necessary for achieving certification. This specialization allows our virtual CISO team to provide impartial guidance that truly transforms your compliance practices. We will work closely with your team, informing and educating them throughout the entire process to ensure you meet all necessary standards.
Strategy + Approach
We recognize that no organization is the same, so why would our approach to CMMC compliance be standardized? You are unique, and so is our strategy. We understand that each organization has its own compliance needs at varying levels of development. We conduct a thorough assessment to understand your current CMMC practices, identifying assets and challenges. From there, we apply industry best practices to provide tailored recommendations that facilitate meaningful enhancements and refinements to your compliance journey.