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What is NIST 800-171? | Cybersecurity & AI Glossary

Posted: March 23, 2026 to Compliance.

NIST 800-171: Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information with AI-Driven Cybersecurity

At Petronella Technology Group, Inc., 5540 Centerview Dr Suite 200, Raleigh NC 27606, our team of experts leverages artificial intelligence to enhance NIST 800-171 compliance, a critical standard for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations. Published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2015, NIST 800-171 provides a set of guidelines and requirements for safeguarding CUI, which is crucial for companies that work with the federal government or handle sensitive data.

Our AI-first approach enables us to provide more effective and efficient CMMC services, including NIST 800-171 compliance. By combining AI-driven insights with our cybersecurity expertise, we help organizations assess their current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement the necessary controls to meet NIST 800-171 requirements.

Key Points About NIST 800-171

The following are key points about NIST 800-171:

  • NIST 800-171 is based on the security requirements outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-53, with a focus on protecting CUI in nonfederal systems and organizations.
  • Compliance with NIST 800-171 requires organizations to implement a set of security controls, including access control, awareness and training, audit and accountability, and incident response.
  • Our AI capabilities enhance our ability to detect and respond to potential security threats, ensuring that our clients' sensitive data is protected.

In addition to our CMMC services, we also provide a range of cybersecurity solutions designed to help organizations protect themselves against evolving cyber threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of NIST 800-171?

The purpose of NIST 800-171 is to provide a set of guidelines and requirements for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations.

How does Petronella Technology Group help with NIST 800-171 compliance?

We help organizations assess their current security posture, identify vulnerabilities, and implement the necessary controls to meet NIST 800-171 requirements, leveraging our AI-driven insights and cybersecurity expertise.

Need help with nist 800-171? Call 919-348-4912 or schedule a free assessment.

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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