NIST 800-171, a critical cybersecurity framework, outlines requirements for securing information systems. One important aspect is security assessment, covered in section 3.12. These assessments help identify weaknesses and determine if existing security controls are working effectively.

There are three main controls within NIST 800-171's security assessment requirements. First, organizations must regularly conduct assessments, as mandated by AU-12. This ensures ongoing monitoring for vulnerabilities. Second, AU-13 requires using various assessment techniques. These can include penetration testing, which simulates cyberattacks, vulnerability scanning to find weaknesses in systems, and code reviews to identify flaws in software. Finally, AU-14 dictates that the findings from these assessments are reported to designated officials. This ensures appropriate action is taken to address any security risks discovered.

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By following these NIST 800-171 security assessment requirements, organizations can proactively identify and address security weaknesses in their systems. This helps maintain a strong security posture and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.