The purpose of the NIST 800-171 Security and Control Framework is to standardize cybersecurity in enterprises that handle vital infrastructure. Companies in every industry have embraced this framework as a means of achieving more reliable and organized cybersecurity.
In the realm of cybersecurity, compliance and good governance are unavoidable. To ensure that your cyber vigilance is as strong as possible, you can audit your practices NIST 800-171. A NIST 800 audit and assessment checklist can help make the most of this audit and its outcomes.
So, let’s explore the steps you must take to prepare for a NIST 800-171 audit.
What is a NIST Audit?
You might be familiar with the phrase “NIST audit.” This usually refers to a two-step procedure: first, you would perform a comprehensive study and then evaluate the risk of the auditor’s conclusion.
A “NIST audit” assesses if the standards and controls in place at your company are enough to satisfy NIST criteria. Auditing your controls and procedures as part of a structured approach to governance makes perfect sense in an era where regulatory compliance is more crucial than ever.
Like any procedure or audit, a checklist may help you prepare and make sure you’ve covered everything. So, what ought to be on your checklist for the NIST 800-171 audit and assessment?
There is no need to guess; just follow the one we provided below for NIST 800-171 compliance.
1. Controlled Access
Limit access to each component of your network to manage who has permission to access your data. You have the option to instantly end a session and kick someone out if they enter an area where they don’t belong. In an effort to stop hackers from brute-forcing your server, you should also restrict the number of unsuccessful login attempts that each user receives.
2. Training and Awareness
Your organization should concentrate on raising awareness and providing training to deal with the human side of things. Users are at the center of a significant portion of cybersecurity. As your employees utilize networked devices, make sure they are aware of the cybersecurity dangers and how to reduce them.
3. Accountability and Audit
Investigations may be conducted after an incident. You should have a regular auditing and accountability section of your firm to save time and effort. Creating, examining, and keeping system-level logs and records are all part of this. If the logging process is unsuccessful, create an alert.
4. Managing Configurations
You should create and maintain several configurations for every system in your company in this section of the NIST 800-171 compliance checklist. Your company will be safer if the security setup settings are correct. Make use of regulations such as whitelisting, blacklisting, and restricting programs and services that are not necessary.
That said, it is necessary to review and update these configurations from time to time to counter emerging threats. Furthermore, it is recommended that if any changes are to be made, then the change management process must be followed. This effectively decreases exposure to risks, decreases the number of settings where systems can be incorrectly configured, and increases organizational security.
5. Recognition and Verification
Before granting access, your system must verify each user’s identity. This is known as authentication and identity in the field of cybersecurity. It involves confirming the usage of every user, equipment, and procedure. For improved outcomes, use multi-factor authentication.
6. Incident Response
Establishing a procedure for managing issues is the first step. Preparement, analysis, detection, recovery, containment, and user reactions are all included in this. After that, make sure to monitor and assess the capabilities of your company.
7. Maintenance
Maintaining your network regularly will keep it as safe as possible. When updating or replacing equipment, erase the old equipment and get rid of all CUI. To make sure the power doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, whoever executes your maintenance—usually a system administrator—should be subject to several identity checks.
8. Media Safety
For the majority of businesses, personal media is a major vulnerability. It is possible to upload viruses, steal files, and access your entire network via USB flash drives. You should, therefore, shield your system from such media. You should also limit CUI access through media.
The usage of any internal medium should be regulated and identified with the appropriate CUI.
9. Employee Security
New hires are screened, and their backgrounds are checked as the first stage in personnel security. When an employee is transferred or fired, the last step is to remove their permissions. They should only be able to access CUIs if they are currently employed in a position that requires them.
10. Physical Defense
It is extremely risky to physically interact with servers, papers, and media. A criminal has a decent probability of breaking into your network if they can physically reach one of the devices on it.
A log should be signed each time someone enters a room used to store physical media. Every physical access device needs to be appropriately handled and under control.
11. Assessing risks
Conduct and keep up with regular risk assessments. This will assist you in determining which vulnerabilities need to be fixed right away.
12. Security Assessment
The security of your business is no different. You must have a solid strategy in place for locating, removing, and minimizing any vulnerabilities. To keep the system security plans current, update them frequently.
13. Communications and System Security
It’s relatively easy for a staff member to unintentionally give information to someone who isn’t authorized to know. One approach to fighting this is to protect communications, both inbound and outbound.
Make sure to maintain the privacy of any information given over encrypted communications.
Final Words
Preparing for a NIST 800-171 audit is essential for ensuring robust cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
By following this comprehensive checklist, you can strengthen your organization’s defenses, minimize risks, and create a culture of security awareness. From controlled access and employee training to risk assessments and incident response, every step enhances your readiness for the audit.
Embrace these best practices to protect sensitive data, build trust, and demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity excellence in an increasingly connected world.
