For many organizations doing business with the federal government, the handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is becoming a major compliance issue. Unlike classified data, CUI may not seem especially sensitive at first glance—but its mishandling can pose national security risks and lead to contract violations.
CUI includes a wide range of information such as technical drawings, financial records, and legal documents related to government work. The Department of Defense and other federal agencies now require contractors to have specific controls in place for protecting CUI, especially in digital environments.
Frameworks like NIST SP 800-171 define how organizations should secure this data, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) builds on these requirements to enforce accountability through third-party assessments.
One common approach to managing CUI effectively is to separate systems and users into dedicated, secure environments. These environments—often called CMMC enclaves—help limit exposure by isolating CUI from broader business operations. This setup allows organizations to meet compliance without needing to revamp their entire infrastructure.
Planning for CUI isn’t just a technical exercise. It requires governance policies, training, and a well-documented security strategy. As regulatory expectations grow, being proactive about how you manage this data can save time, reduce risk, and improve competitiveness in the federal contracting space.