NIST Releases Final Versions of SP 800-171 Rev. 3 and SP 800-171A Rev. 3: Updated Security Controls for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released the final versions of two key publications for organizations safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): SP 800-171 Rev. 3, “Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations,” and its companion assessment guide, SP 800-171A Rev. 3, “Assessing Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information.” This long-awaited update, finalized on May 14, 2024, replaces the previous Revision 2 documents.

What is CUI?

CUI is unclassified information that requires safeguarding but doesn’t rise to the level of national security classification. It’s critical for government contractors and organizations working with the federal government to protect CUI.

Why Update the Standards?

The security landscape is constantly evolving, and NIST periodically updates its Special Publications to reflect these changes. SP 800-171 Rev. 3 incorporates the latest best practices and addresses potential vulnerabilities in protecting CUI.

What’s New in Rev. 3?

While the specific details are available in the official publications, here are some anticipated updates:

• Alignment with evolving cybersecurity threats: The controls likely address new hacking techniques and data breaches.
• Improved clarity and organization: The document might be reorganized for better user experience.
• Streamlined controls: There could be a consolidation or reduction in the number of controls for better efficiency.
• Focus on emerging technologies: The update might address security considerations for cloud computing and mobile devices.

What to Do Now?

Organizations that handle CUI should take the following steps:

• Obtain the documents: Download the final versions of SP 800-171 Rev. 3 and SP 800-171A Rev. 3 from the NIST website https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/171/r2/upd1/final.
• Gap analysis: Compare the new controls with your existing security measures to identify any gaps that need to be addressed.
• Implementation plan: Develop a plan to implement the new or updated controls. This might involve updating policies, procedures, and security systems.
• Training: Educate employees on the updated security requirements and their roles in protecting CUI.

The release of SP 800-171 Rev. 3 and SP 800-171A Rev. 3 signifies NIST’s commitment to providing robust security guidelines for CUI. By adopting these updated standards, organizations can ensure they are effectively safeguarding sensitive government information.