Training & Education

Printers, copiers, scanners, monitors, and shared workspaces can all become physical CUI exposure points if they are not properly controlled. NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 3 explicitly requires organizations to restrict physical access to output devices so unauthorized individuals cannot obtain Controlled Unclassified Information. This article breaks down what that means in practice, why shared office equipment creates real compliance risk, and how physical safeguards like coversheets, signs, labels, and controlled workspaces help protect CUI during everyday handling.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) can be confusing, especially for organizations trying to understand what it is, who must protect it, and how physical marking fits into compliance. This FAQ answers common questions about CUI, including safeguarding requirements, physical CUI risks, marking practices, controlled environments, visitor access, and the practical steps organizations can take to improve compliance readiness.

How do you properly mark Controlled Unclassified Information? This guide explains how to identify, label, and protect CUI across documents, computers, digital media, manufacturing areas, and controlled workspaces. It covers core CUI marking requirements, best practices by media type, common audit-failure mistakes, and a simple step-by-step framework for building a consistent CUI marking program aligned with NIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, and CMMC.

If you work with the Department of Defense (DoD) or support the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), you’ve almost certainly heard the term CUI—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood concepts in compliance. Understanding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is foundational to DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC compliance. This guide breaks it down clearly and practically.

Does ITAR or EAR-controlled technical data count as CUI under a DoD contract? In many cases, yes. When export-controlled technical data or technology is provided by the government or generated during DoD contract performance, it may qualify as CUI and require proper marking, access controls, and physical safeguarding. This guide explains how ITAR, EAR, DFARS 252.204-7012, and CUI requirements intersect, what manufacturers need to protect, and how to reduce compliance risk in engineering, production, quality, and visitor-access areas.

CMMC Phase I is officially HERE! Are you ready to go? Read more about the Final Rule below: Prepare with CUI Supplies HERE: https://cuisupply.com/

❗❗ATTENTION ❗ ❗CMMC Phase I officially begins NOVEMBER 10TH, 2025! If you haven't started preparing already, the time is NOW! We want to help you get ready. Get 10% off your order total, automatically applied at checkout, at CUISupply.com.DO NOT WAIT! Get ready NOW. To read more about the Final Rule, click HERE:

Important clarifications provided by the DoD were recently released on the CMMC Phase I timeline and the impact on contracts after the effective date. The deadline is September 2025... Are you ready?