Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nist-800-171
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is paramount for organizations working with the U.S. government. The NIST SP 800-171 framework, with its 110 controls across 14 families, provides the essential guidelines for protecting this sensitive data. If your organization handles CUI, understanding and implementing these requirements is not just a best practice, it’s a necessity. Fortunately, Coursera offers a robust learning path designed to guide you through the complexities of NIST 800-171 compliance.
This course offers a deep dive into the framework, starting with the foundational DFARS requirements that necessitated its creation. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of what CUI is, how to identify it, and the definition of a nonfederal information system in this context. The real strength of the course lies in its detailed breakdown of each of the 110 controls. It doesn’t just present the requirements; it teaches you how to understand and, crucially, satisfy them.
A significant portion of the syllabus is dedicated to the practical application of these controls. You’ll learn to create essential documentation like a System Security Plan (SSP) for implemented controls and a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) for those that require further attention. The course also emphasizes the creation of a Body of Evidence (BOE), which is critical for demonstrating your organization’s compliance posture. Furthermore, it effectively bridges the gap between NIST 800-171 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Levels 1-3, showing how compliance with the former prepares you for the latter.
For anyone tasked with ensuring their organization’s cybersecurity and compliance, especially those in the defense industrial base, this Coursera course is an invaluable resource. It transforms a potentially daunting regulatory requirement into an actionable roadmap. The structured approach, clear explanations, and practical exercises make understanding and implementing NIST 800-171 feel achievable. We highly recommend this course for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and direct applicability to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nist-800-171