Cybersecurity for NIH-Funded Innovators

Stay eligible. Protect your research. Scale securely.
Tailored cybersecurity solutions for life science and healthtech teams funded by NIH.

Why NIH-Funded Teams Need Cybersecurity

NIH-backed innovation goes beyond solving medical challenges—it demonstrates your ability to protect the breakthrough science powering your research. Securing sensitive data and proprietary algorithms isn’t just smart—it’s essential for scaling your innovation safely.

• Maintain eligibility for future NIH funding rounds (Phase II/III)
• Safeguard research IP before peer review or publication
• Align early with HIPAA, NIST SP 800-171, and NIH data mandates
• Build trust with primes, collaborators, and reviewers
• Reduce risk of compliance setbacks or breaches

NIH Cybersecurity Readiness

Funding eligibility secured
IP & data protections in place
Policy alignment: HIPAA / NIST
Research trust maintained
Ready for scaling and audits

Which Compliance Frameworks Apply?

From mobile clinical trials to cloud-based diagnostics, your NIH-funded research likely touches on federally protected data. Here’s what that means:

NIST SP 800-171

Applies if your systems handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) — common in collaborative federal R&D environments

• Includes 110 security controls across 14 control families
• Mandated by many federal agencies for handling CUI
• Reduces risk of data breaches and ensures future eligibility
• Supports federal audit readiness with comprehensive controls
• For further details, visit our Federal Smaller Company Program

HIPAA

Applies if you collect, store, or transmit electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) — even indirectly via clinical workflows or devices.

• Requires administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
• Enforces strict privacy and security rules for ePHI
• Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and legal implications
• Enhances patient trust and data integrity
• Optimizes operational efficiency through robust protocols

NIH Data Sharing Policy

New mandates require careful planning around data access, sharing, and security to remain compliant with NIH expectations.

• Emphasizes transparent data management plans
• Impacts grant eligibility and funding renewals
• Encourages broader data sharing while maintaining security
• Facilitates collaboration through clear data governance
• Supports compliance with evolving NIH mandates

HHS Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs)

Voluntary guidance for healthcare organizations to improve cyber resilience, protect patient data, and reduce risk from cyber threats.

• Developed by HHS and CISA for the Healthcare & Public Health (HPH) Sector
• Offers prioritized, outcome-driven cybersecurity practices
• Helps small and mid-sized health orgs improve cyber maturity
• Supports protection of patient health information and operations
• Complements broader compliance with HIPAA and NIST frameworks

NIH Cybersecurity Resource Guide

Tackle NIH compliance challenges head-on and secure your research funding. Our new resource guide provides you with a comprehensive, organized collection of management and technical resources that will help you correctly build a cybersecurity and privacy program that complies with HIPAA and NIST SP 800-171. This information intends to ensure that your data is protected and your breakthrough research stays on track.

Unlock actionable insights and industry best practices, including access to resources such as the Security Risk Assessment Tool and more.

Request Your Free Guide