NIST SP 800-171: Securing Information and Technology

Organizing Systems and Improving Cybersecurity Communications 

Adhering to security control methodologies is vital for safeguarding CUI and ensuring business continuity. NIST SP 800-171's System and Communications Protection guidelines provide insights into strategic implementation strategies that will create resilience in the overall cybersecurity structure. Outlined below are essential measures to strengthen and secure your systems to counteract invasive and present cyber risks.

Communication Boundary Protection (3.13.1). Monitoring and controlling communications at both external and internal system boundaries is crucial. Organizations should deploy firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) to regulate network traffic, detect anomalies, and limit access to only authorized users. These protocols allow verified data flows through secured network perimeters.

Secure Architecture and Development (3.13.2). Implementing secure-by-design architectural principles and software engineering techniques reinforces information security. Cybersecurity should be embedded into system designs to create a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding evolving threats.

Operator and Cyber Management Segregation (3.13.3). Separating user-level capabilities from system functionality is critical in reducing unauthorized privilege escalation. Role-based controls are mandatory to ensure strict access segmentation.

Unsanctioned Data Transfer (3.13.4). To avoid information leakage, accidental or intentional, through shared system resources, organizations must adhere to strict policies. This includes employing access controls, data loss prevention (DLP) mechanisms, and system isolation techniques.

Network Segmentation for Public-Facing Networks (3.13.5). Internal systems must be segregated from system components that are accessible to the public. Threatening external risks can be mitigated by installing proper operational segmentation strategies.

Default-Deny Traffic Policy (3.13.6). A "deny-all, permit-by-exception" approach should be rigorously maintained at network boundaries limiting communication to only necessary, pre-approved contacts. This reduces the attack surface and mitigates risks associated with unauthorized access attempts.

Prevent Split Tunneling in Remote Devices (3.13.7). Remote devices must be configured to prevent simultaneous connections to both organizational and external networks. Disabling split tunneling ensures that traffic is routed through secured channels, reducing vulnerabilities to cyber intrusions.

Encrypting CUI in Transit (3.13.8). To secure safe transmission of CUIs, cryptographic mechanisms must be established and installed. Secure transmission protocols should be employed to control cyber risks associated with data interception and unauthorized access.

Automatic Session Termination (3.13.9). Network connections must be terminated at the end of a session or after a defined period of inactivity. Configurations should enforce session expiration policies to prevent unauthorized access through dormant connections.

Cryptographic Key Management (3.13.10). Cryptographic keys must be securely established and managed in compliance with federal policies and industry best practices. Effective key management practices prevent compromise and unauthorized decryption of sensitive data.

FIPS-Validated Cryptography (3.13.11). To align with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) or National Security Agency (NSA)-approved encryption methods, cryptographic solutions are essential to protect CUI privacy.  

Disable Remote Activation (3.13.12). Remote devices such as microphones, whiteboards, and cameras must be configured to eliminate remote activation. Group policies to disable unauthorized remote control should be enforced as well as installing visibility indicators to alert users when devices are in use.

Mobile Code Execution (3.13.13). Security policies must regulate the use of mobile code, restrict downloads to trusted sources, and implement endpoint security solutions that detect and block malicious scripts. Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems enhance oversight by enforcing controlled execution environments.

Securing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) (3.13.14). The deployment of session border controllers (SBCs) is a method to manage VoIP traffic securely. SBCs enable encryption, call filtering, and monitoring capabilities that protect against suspicious and unauthorized call interceptions.

Credible Communications Safety (3.13.15). Strong authentication measures, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and digital certificates, must be in place to safeguard communication sessions from man-in-the-middle threats, impersonation through session or cookie hijacking, and unauthorized tampering.

CUI at Rest Security (3.13.16). At rest or stored CUI must be fortified from threats through methods of encryption and physical security measures. This includes implementing robust encryption algorithms, securing digital access to storage devices, and restricting physical entry to CUI repositories.

Increase Safety, Decrease Risks 

Compliance with NIST SP 800-171, particularly its System and Communications Protection controls, is instrumental in defending against sophisticated cyber threats. By proactively securing communication channels, enforcing encryption policies, and monitoring for vulnerabilities, organizations can maintain the highest level of integrity in their information ecosystems.

Government contractors, defense industrial base (DIB) members, and cybersecurity professionals must adopt these protective measures to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and uphold trust in the face of emerging cyber challenges.

Ensuring NIST SP 800-171 Compliance for DoD Contracts

Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is crucial for DoD contractors and Defense Industrial Base (DIB) members. At Total Assure, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions tailored to help businesses achieve compliance and protect critical assets. Our team brings experience in cybersecurity strategy and compliance readiness, helping organizations:

• Achieve DFARS Compliance

• Align with FISMA and FedRAMP Security Standards

• Implement NIST SP 800-171 Controls

• Strengthen Data Privacy and Protection Frameworks

  
  

Take the next step toward securing your organization—contact our cybersecurity experts for a free consultation on developing and maintaining your NIST SP 800-171 SSP.