The CUI Dilemma for DIB Leaders: A Practical Guide to Safeguarding Sensitive Information

Why Now Is the Time for Owners and Executives to Take Control—and How Microsoft Purview and Strategic Partnerships Offer a Clear Path Forward

Introduction: The CUI Dilemma in the DIB

For more than a decade, rules and regulations have outlined how Defense Industrial Base (DIB) organizations should protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Yet, even with clear expectations, many defense contractors find themselves at a crossroads. Owners and executives are grappling with a critical question: Are we truly safeguarding CUI in a way that meets both today’s threats and tomorrow’s requirements? The rising tide of cyber risk and regulatory scrutiny makes this more than a compliance checkbox—it’s a business imperative.

Key Questions for Owners and Executives

If you’re leading a defense contracting business, pause and ask:

- Have we made the necessary arrangements to safeguard CUI?
- Do we already have CUI in our environment?
- What should we do if we do have CUI?
- Does not having CUI now mean we are in the clear?
- Regardless of our current state, what are our options for moving forward?

These questions are the foundation of a healthy and resilient operating environment.

Current Gaps and the Need for Action

Many defense contractors would like to answer “yes” to having proper CUI safeguards in place. However, recent surveys, self-assessments, and industry reports consistently reveal gaps—especially in adapting to modern technologies and threats. Whether due to generational knowledge gaps, shifting priorities, or plain uncertainty, the reality is that inaction leaves organizations exposed. The time for critical self-assessment and proactive steps is now.

Leveraging Microsoft Purview for CUI Identification

Addressing CUI challenges starts with knowing what you have and where it resides. Microsoft Purview provides a powerful suite of tools specifically designed to help DIB organizations efficiently identify, classify, and manage sensitive information. By connecting your organization’s cloud environment to Microsoft Purview, you can:

- Automate the discovery of CUI across emails, documents, and databases
- Apply policy-driven labels to flag and protect CUI
- Monitor data usage and sharing to prevent leaks or unauthorized access
- Generate compliance reports to satisfy regulatory requirements

These features not only streamline compliance but create a foundation for confident decision-making and risk reduction.

Proper Procedures for Handling Discovered CUI

If CUI is found in your environment, don’t panic—but don’t delay either. Immediately:

1. Isolate and secure identified CUI to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Review current policies and access controls—tighten where necessary.
3. Train staff on handling requirements and update documentation.
4. Begin remediation efforts using automated tools, workflows, and, if needed, expert assistance.

Following these steps ensures that any discovery of CUI becomes a manageable compliance event, not a business crisis.

How Should I Handle CUI Going Forward?

Every DIB leader should ask: “How should I handle CUI as we grow, adapt, and innovate?” The answer is to embed CUI management into your organization’s culture and processes—not as a one-off project, but as a continuous, evolving discipline. Leverage technology, keep staff engaged, and stay vigilant as regulations and threats change.

Efficient Scoping: The KISS Principle and Praesidium

The old adage “Keep It Simple, Stupid” (KISS) has never been more relevant. When it comes to CUI, complexity breeds mistakes and inefficiency. Start with a clear scoping process:

- Identify where CUI could reside—limit the scope to only what is necessary.
- Segment networks and systems to minimize exposure.
- Automate where possible to reduce manual errors and resource drain.

This approach aligns with the “Praesidium” concept—a layered, fortified defense where sensitive information is ring-fenced and closely monitored. It’s logical, effective, and proven in both cybersecurity and operational risk management.

Separating Commercial and Sensitive Environments

One of the most effective strategies is to separate commercial operations from sensitive CUI environments. By creating distinct, controlled spaces for handling CUI, you reduce risk, simplify compliance, and make incident response more manageable. While this separation may pose challenges—such as data migration, user training, and integration—it pays long-term dividends in security and audit readiness.

Partnering with Jadex Strategic Group

Navigating CUI regulations and technology can be daunting. Partnering with a Microsoft-focused expert like Jadex Strategic Group gives your organization the advantage of specialized knowledge and hands-on experience. Jadex can help you scope your environment, implement Microsoft Purview, and develop a tailored strategy that fits your unique needs—freeing up your team to focus on core business objectives.

Conclusion: Taking Proactive Steps

The evolving CUI landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for the Defense Industrial Base. Owners and executives who embrace efficient scoping, leverage advanced tools like Microsoft Purview, and seek guidance from proven partners set their organizations on a path to resilience and success. Don’t wait for a compliance crisis—take proactive steps today to secure your future.