How to Secure Your Totem.Tech for NIST 800-171 Compliance and Get the Badge/Seal

 

Securing Totem.Tech for NIST 800-171 means making sure your company’s data—especially Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—is protected according to US government standards. NIST 800-171 is a set of rules for non-federal organizations, often required if you work on Department of Defense contracts or handle sensitive government data. Here’s exactly how to secure your systems, what’s required, and how to successfully earn the NIST 800-171 compliance seal.

• Understand What Needs Protecting: First, know what Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is on your Totem.Tech systems. CUI can include documents, emails, research, or any other sensitive data your team manages for government projects.
• Perform a Gap Assessment: Compare your current security controls to the 110 requirements in NIST 800-171. Use tools like checklists and templates from reputable sources or work with experts like OCD Tech who specialize in readiness assessments for NIST 800-171.
• Implement Security Controls: Secure your Totem.Tech environment by following the 14 control families in the standard, such as:
  • Access Control: Restrict who can see or use sensitive data. Create strong passwords, use two-factor authentication, and limit accounts to only what’s necessary.
  • Audit and Accountability: Keep records (logs) of who accesses what and when. Monitor these logs for anything suspicious.
  • Incident Response: Make a step-by-step plan for what your team will do if there’s a breach or cybersecurity event.
  • System and Communications Protection: Use encryption for stored and shared CUI, keep systems updated and patched, and use firewalls/antivirus solutions.
• Document Everything: NIST 800-171 requires clear written policies, procedures, and evidence. Keep track of security training, access logs, incident response tests, and regular risk assessments.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check for vulnerabilities, scan for out-of-date software, and train staff on the latest threats. Totem.Tech platforms can often be configured for automated alerts and vulnerability scanning.
• Prepare for the Audit: The NIST 800-171 badge/seal isn’t a physical badge, but a status of compliance. You’ll need a completed System Security Plan (SSP) and a Plan of Actions & Milestones (POA&M) for any gaps. Sometimes, a DoD assessor might review your systems, or you may be asked to self-attest and submit documentation through compliance platforms like SPRS.
• Get Expert Help: Most organizations, especially small to mid-size businesses, find it much easier and faster to work with consultants like OCD Tech. They offer readiness assessments, help fill out SSP/POA&M, and can walk you through each NIST requirement one by one to ensure you’re truly ready for an audit or to self-attest with confidence.

The most important thing for passing a NIST 800-171 audit is detailed documentation matched with actual practice. Make sure what you claim on paper matches what your Totem.Tech environment actually does.

• Key documents: System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Actions & Milestones (POA&M), access control logs, incident response records, user security training records.
• Key practices: Regular risk assessments, timely software updates, limiting data access, and immediately addressing weaknesses.

If you follow these steps, you’ll not only secure your Totem.Tech systems and data according to government standards—you’ll also be able to confidently submit your attestation or prepare for a third-party inspection, meeting all the requirements for NIST 800-171 and achieving that all-important compliance seal. For the smoothest experience, seriously consider a walkthrough or gap assessment with seasoned professionals like OCD Tech, who specialize in how to get How to Secure Your Totem.Tech for NIST 800-171 badge/seal, taking out the guesswork and helping you avoid common pitfalls.