What Exactly Is NIST?

What Exactly Is NIST?

Running a business in the United States means you must follow specific federal regulations. When your company works with the federal government and handles sensitive data, these rules become even more important. Strong data protection builds trust with contractors and clients. When the government shares sensitive information with your organization, you must meet strict cybersecurity standards to protect that data. NIST creates the security guidelines that help you meet those standards.

What Is NIST?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a federal agency inside the Department of Commerce. It began in 1901. NIST creates technology standards that support innovation and strengthen the U.S. economy. Its work helps organizations across the country use safe and reliable systems.

What Is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework?

NIST designs security standards for federal information systems. These standards help organizations meet the requirements of the Federal Information Security Management Act, known as FISMA. FISMA requires federal agencies to create and maintain an information security program. If a product does not meet NIST requirements, an agency cannot use it.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework outlines what security controls companies should use to protect data. Many organizations use this Framework as a benchmark for cybersecurity programs. Before these guidelines existed, companies used different rules for storing, processing, and disposing of data. That created risks and made data protection inconsistent. NIST brought structure and clarity to the industry.

The NIST 800 Series

NIST created the 800 Series to offer detailed guidance for information security. These publications help companies assess risks and follow the right steps to protect systems. They also help software vendors meet federal security expectations.

Special Publication 800‑171

In 2015, NIST released Special Publication 800‑171. This document outlines how non‑government organizations should store and protect sensitive unclassified federal data in non‑federal systems. It guides businesses on how to handle Controlled Unclassified Information and clarifies their responsibilities during a data breach.

What Is Controlled Unclassified Information?

Controlled Unclassified Information, or CUI, is sensitive data that supports U.S. government interests. This information is not classified, but it still requires protection. Examples include research data and government financial information. All organizations working with CUI must list the CUI categories they handle and explain why the data falls into those categories.

What Is NIST 800‑171?

NIST 800‑171 provides rules for protecting the confidentiality of CUI. It strengthens cybersecurity across government contractors and related industries. The standard grew from security concerns and major data breaches. It connects back to FISMA and sets clear expectations for businesses that handle government information.

NIST 800‑171 Compliance

All businesses should care about cybersecurity. However, compliance becomes essential for companies that work with the U.S. government, especially the Department of Defense. If you do not follow NIST 800‑171, you risk losing government contracts.

Compliance requires a deep look at your systems to confirm that you follow the correct security practices. Most companies need expert guidance to do this correctly. Working with a trusted partner ensures your systems meet government expectations and protect sensitive data.