For businesses navigating government or industry cybersecurity frameworks, the jargon can get overwhelming. Terms like CUI, DFARS, NIST, and CMMC often appear in compliance documentation, and understanding the basics can make a big difference.
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information): Sensitive information that requires safeguarding but isn’t classified. It’s often found in contracts and communications with federal agencies.
DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement): A set of rules that govern how defense contractors must handle CUI and other requirements.
NIST 800-171: A special publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology that outlines how to protect CUI in non-federal systems.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): A framework that builds on NIST standards, introducing maturity levels and assessments to verify security practices.
When handling CUI, organizations often turn to purpose-built environments to simplify compliance. A CMMC enclave is a good example—it's a separate system designed to meet CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements, helping companies avoid a complete infrastructure overhaul.
Understanding these terms is a first step in building a roadmap toward secure and compliant operations. Breaking them down into clear definitions can demystify the process and help teams focus on implementation.