Understanding NIST Compliance

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

 A Guide for Small to Midsize US Manufacturers

At a basic level, maintaining strong cybersecurity is all about protecting your business. But beyond this, ensuring your business meets industry standards is critical as well. For many manufacturing companies, particularly those dealing with federal contracts or sensitive information, maintaining NIST compliance is crucial.


What is NIST?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST develops a wide variety of standards, guidelines, and best practices to enhance security and promote innovation across various sectors. One of the agency's priorities is to provide a framework for managing and reducing cybersecurity risk.

For organizations, particularly those in manufacturing, NIST compliance often involves adhering to specific guidelines like NIST SP 800-171 or the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which outlines a comprehensive approach to managing cybersecurity risks.


Who Needs to Maintain NIST Compliance?


NIST compliance is particularly important for:

  1. Federal Contractors: Any business that contracts with the federal government, especially in sectors like defense or aerospace, must comply with NIST standards to safeguard sensitive information.
  2. Organizations Handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): If your business deals with CUI, compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is a requirement. For example, if you manufacture a component of a military-grade device, the design of that component itself may not be classified, but must be safeguarded to maintain national security.
  3. Small to Midsize Businesses in Regulated Industries: Manufacturers and businesses in the healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure sectors may also need to adhere to NIST guidelines to ensure data protection. These institutions often handle massive amounts of PII (personally identifiable information), such as names, social security numbers, and banking information, and require extra measures to safeguard this data. While you may not be obligated to meet this standard, it is the most secure solution for your organization, and an easy one to implement—if you know what to implement.
  4. Any Organization Seeking to Strengthen Cybersecurity: Even if not mandated, businesses that aim to improve their cybersecurity posture can benefit from implementing NIST guidelines.


Comparing Cybersecurity Compliances

Understanding the various cybersecurity frameworks can help you determine the best fit for your organization’s needs.

NIST 800-171

  • Type: Standard
  • Focus: Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems.
  • Who Needs It: Primarily federal contractors and organizations that handle CUI.
  • Key Features: 14 families of security requirements, emphasizing access control, awareness training, incident response, and system integrity.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)

  • Type: Standard
  • Focus: A voluntary framework that helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.
  • Who Needs It: Any organization, regardless of size or sector, looking to improve its cybersecurity posture.
  • Key Features: Composed of five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. It’s flexible and adaptable to various organizational needs.

NIST 800-53

  • Type: Standard
  • Focus: Comprehensive security and privacy controls for federal information systems.
  • Who Needs It: Federal agencies and organizations that operate on their behalf.
  • Key Features: Over 1,000 security controls across 18 control families, with a strong emphasis on compliance and risk management.

ISO 27001

Type: Framework

Focus: An international guide for information security management systems (ISMS).

Who Needs It: Organizations of any size looking to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an ISMS.

Key Features: Emphasizes risk management and the continuous improvement of security processes, with a certification process that provides third-party validation.

How to Remain NIST Compliant

Achieving and maintaining NIST compliance can seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it becomes manageable. Here are some steps to help your manufacturing business remain compliant:


1. Conduct a Risk Assessment

Identify and evaluate the risks to your organization’s data and systems. This assessment will inform your compliance strategy.


2. Implement NIST Guidelines

Adopt the relevant NIST publications that apply to your business. This might include implementing the password guidelines mentioned above and ensuring proper access controls (including physical access requirements/restrictions) HR policies, and required logging of personnel and visitors. While NIST isn’t entirely about IT protocols, at NOC, we are experienced with the standards and can assist with all aspects of compliance.


3. Develop Policies and Procedures

Create clear, documented policies and procedures around data protection, incident response, and user access. Make sure all employees are trained on these policies.


4. Regular Audits and Assessments

Periodically review and assess your compliance status. Regular audits will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure that your organization remains compliant over time.


5. Stay Updated

Cybersecurity is a rapidly changing field. Stay informed about updates to NIST guidelines and other regulations that may impact your compliance requirements.


6. Engage with Experts

If you find the process overwhelming, consider consulting with cybersecurity experts who can guide you through compliance requirements and help you develop a robust cybersecurity posture.


Conclusion

For many small to midsize businesses— and particularly manufacturers— maintaining NIST compliance is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a critical component of protecting sensitive information and building customer trust. If you have further questions about NIST compliance or need assistance in implementing these guidelines, feel free to reach out. Together, we can ensure that your business remains secure and compliant.

Missouri Sheltered Workshops can empower human potential through AI
By Jon Lober April 24, 2025
Embracing the potential of both AI and humans
Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
Could your sheltered workshop benefit from grant funding for new technology?
By Jon Lober April 7, 2025
As a sheltered workshop, you play a crucial role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. However, like any organization, securing funding for technology upgrades can be a challenge. While investing in the right tools can improve efficiency, security, and overall productivity—that’s all only if you can afford the tools in the first place.
More Articles