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NIST SP 800‑171: Strengthening Personnel Security to Protect CUI

Personnel screening and disciplined access management are essential for protecting CUI—this guide explains NIST SP 800‑171's personnel‑security controls and best practices to keep data secure throughout the employee lifecycle.

By Total Assure Team
NIST SP 800-171Data ProtectionDefense ContractorsAccess Management
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Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

  • Personnel screening verifies trustworthiness before granting access to CUI.
  • Immediate access revocation during departures or role changes prevents lingering privileges.
  • Structured offboarding and continuous access reviews help thwart insider threats.

Why Personnel Security Matters

Meeting NIST SP 800‑171 requirements is mandatory for DoD contractors that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). A robust personnel‑security program ensures only authorized, trustworthy individuals can access sensitive systems—and that permissions are swiftly updated as roles change.

Breaking Down NIST SP 800‑171 Personnel‑Security Controls

Screening Individuals Before Granting Access (3.9.1)

Before providing system access, organizations must evaluate each person's:

  • Conduct – behavioral history and ethical standards
  • Integrity – track record of honesty and policy adherence
  • Judgment – decision‑making capabilities under pressure
  • Loyalty – commitment to organizational objectives
  • Reliability & Stability – consistency and mental steadiness

Thorough screening minimizes the chance of insider threats.

Protecting CUI During and After Personnel Changes (3.9.2)

Offboarding Departing Employees

  • Conduct exit interviews to reinforce security obligations.
  • Recover assets (ID badges, tokens, keys, laptops).
  • Immediately disable all accounts.

Managing Internal Transfers

  • Revoke outdated privileges and issue role‑appropriate ones.
  • Replace physical access credentials.
  • Adjust system permissions to enforce least privilege.

Best Practices for Effective Personnel Security

  • Regular Access Reviews – audit permissions periodically.
  • Clear Termination Procedures – standardize offboarding steps.
  • Continuous Monitoring – automate alerts for inactive accounts.
  • Training & Awareness – educate staff on CUI protection.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Total Assure helps organizations meet NIST SP 800‑171 personnel‑security standards with tailored screening, access‑control, and offboarding solutions. Contact us for a free consultation.

About Total Assure

Total Assure provides a dedicated 24/7/365 in‑house SOC, managed security services, and compliance consulting—leveraging decades of expertise to protect businesses from modern cyber threats.

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