Solution Spotlight: NIST 800-171 Preparation
Providing insight into what Hightower can deliver.
Under our Contracting and Consulting umbrella we offer a wide variety of services that can be leveraged by all of our clients. Our goal with these spotlights is to provide more upfront knowledge to organizations looking for more targeted solutions.
Achieving compliance.
For clients seeking government contracts, achieving NIST 800-171 compliance is essential. However, navigating the path to compliance can be daunting, especially for those new to government regulations. Clients should expect to follow the structured steps outlined below.
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Organizations should conduct an internal audit of their Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) posture. This audit can be facilitated by a third party like Hightower Consulting or by utilizing internal cybersecurity staff. NIST provides a detailed document outlining the specific controls necessary for government engagement.
Throughout this process, organizations must document the controls they currently adhere to and identify those requiring action to achieve compliance.
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After concluding the internal audit, organizations embark on implementing or improving solutions to address the identified gaps in controls.
Throughout this phase, organizations often find that certain platforms, tools, or processes no longer meet the updated requirements and opt to introduce new solutions accordingly.
It's essential to maintain a dynamic audit document that reflects the modifications made to existing controls and the addition of new controls to ensure comprehensive coverage.
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Throughout the self-audit and implementation of new controls, organizations should diligently document the evidence for each control. This involves compiling the necessary documentation and organizing it into a structured format that references each control appropriately.
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Organizations will collaborate with their DoD contract provider to initiate the verification process. The contract provider will then schedule a thorough review of the audit with a designated DoD resource. This review aims to assess whether all controls outlined in the NIST 800-171 framework are being effectively met by the organization.
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The DoD resource tasked with reviewing the documented controls will assess whether further information is necessary or if any controls were not adequately fulfilled.
In the event of an unsuccessful initial review, the organization will be required to devise a comprehensive remediation plan. Subsequently, the organization's progress will undergo a subsequent review at a later date.
Providing our guidance.
Engaging Hightower for NIST compliance is a personalized experience, tailored to the unique needs of each organization. Recognizing that organizations vary in their configurations and requirements, we've developed a flexible solution that offers comprehensive guidance from start to finish. Our services can be customized to fit your specific needs, whether you require project management, technical expertise, or assistance with documentation. We offer a modular approach, allowing you to select the services that best suit your organization's needs, streamlining the compliance process for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.