NIST 800-171, a publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, outlines security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within nonfederal organizations. Section 3.10 of this publication focuses on physical safeguards, ensuring a secure environment for CUI systems and data.

One key requirement involves establishing physical barriers to restrict access. This includes securing the physical premises with fences, security gates, and badging systems. It also mandates securing individual devices like workstations, servers, and storage units. Additionally, NIST 800-171 emphasizes controlling access to these secured areas. This can be achieved through issuing authorized personnel with unique access badges and implementing rigorous mantrap procedures.

Another critical aspect of physical protection involves safeguarding against environmental threats. NIST 800-171 calls for measures to mitigate fire, water damage, power outages, and temperature extremes. This may involve fire suppression systems, flood protection measures, and uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) to ensure system availability and prevent data loss. Regular maintenance of these environmental controls is also essential.