Microsoft RMS Sharing: Ensuring Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 for Government CUI

The Microsoft Government Community Cloud (GCC), Office 365 GCC High, and DoD are in-scope cloud platforms and services that cater to the needs of government agencies and organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). As a leading provider of cloud-based solutions, Microsoft has taken significant steps to ensure compliance with the stringent requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-171.

For entities processing or storing US government CUI, such as research institutions, consulting companies, and manufacturing contractors, compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is mandatory. This standard provides guidelines on how CUI should be securely accessed, transmitted, and stored in nonfederal information systems and organizations. The requirements are categorized into four main areas: access controls, awareness and training, configuration management, and incident response.

Microsoft has implemented robust technological and physical security measures to ensure the secure processing, transmission, and storage of CUI. Accredited third-party assessment organizations, Kratos Secureinfo and Coalfire, have partnered with Microsoft to attest that its in-scope cloud services meet the criteria outlined in NIST SP 800-171.

To further demonstrate its commitment to compliance, Microsoft has implemented clear practices and procedures for end users, monitoring and management of IT systems, and controls and processes for managing and protecting CUI. These measures are designed to provide an additional layer of security and assurance that CUI is handled in a secure manner.

The benefits of using Microsoft's in-scope cloud services for government CUI workloads are numerous. Firstly, Microsoft has already been assessed and authorized under the FedRAMP program, which ensures that its cloud services meet or exceed the requirements outlined in NIST SP 800-53. Secondly, the company's implementation of FedRAMP requirements is mapped directly to the relevant security controls in NIST SP 800-171, providing customers with confidence that their CUI workloads are being handled securely.

In conclusion, Microsoft RMS sharing provides a secure and compliant platform for government agencies and organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). With its robust security measures, clear practices and procedures, and accreditation from third-party assessment organizations, Microsoft is well-positioned to support the needs of customers processing CUI workloads. By leveraging Microsoft's in-scope cloud services, entities can ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and protect their sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure.

Microsoft rms sharing