After a security audit, a contractor documents specific vulnerabilities and deficiencies in an audit report. After examining its POA&M, you realize it has a clearly defined policy on addressing these deficiencies and by when. However, after interviewing the contractor's security and compliance team, you learn that while an audit is regularly conducted, the remediating measures are not always taken, and when taken, they are not always practical. The security and compliance team informs you they have tried reaching the system administrator to explain the repercussions of this without success. What assessment objective has the contractor failed to implement from CMMC practice CA.L2-3.12.2 - Plan of Action?
Correct Answer: C
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation: CA.L2-3.12.2 requires "developing and implementing plans of action to correct deficiencies." Objectives include: [a] identifying deficiencies, and [c] implementing the POA&M to correct them. The contractor identifies issues (objective [a]), but fails to consistently implement remediation (C), per interview evidence, violating the practice's intent. A (all met) is false, B isn't an objective, and D is met. Extract from Official CMMC Documentation: * CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), CA.L2-3.12.2: "[c] Implement POA&M to correct deficiencies; failure to act is non-compliant." * NIST SP 800-171A, 3.12.2: "Verify implementation of remediation actions." Resources: * https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2. 0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
Question 47
When interviewing a contractor's CISO, they inform you that they have documented procedures addressing security assessment planning in their security assessment and authorization policy. The policy indicates that the contractor undergoes regular security audits and penetration testing to assess the posture of its security controls every ten months. The policy also states that after every four months, the contractor tests its incident response plan and regularly updates its monitoring tools. Impressed by the contractor's policy implementation, you decide to chat with various personnel involved in security functionalities. You realize that although it is documented in the policy, the contractor has not audited their security systems in over two years. How many points would you score the contractor's implementation of the practice CA.L2-3.12.1 - Security Control Assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation: CA.L2-3.12.1 requires "periodically assessing security controls to determine effectiveness." The policy defines a 10-month cycle, but no audits have occurred in over two years, failing the implementation objective. Per the DoD Scoring Methodology, this 5-point practice scores -5 (Not Met) when not fully implemented, as partial compliance isn't recognized. The CMMC guide stresses actual execution over documented intent. Extract from Official CMMC Documentation: * CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), CA.L2-3.12.1: "Assess controls at defined frequency." * DoD Scoring Methodology: "5-point practice: Met = +5, Not Met = -5." Resources: * https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2. 0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
Question 48
You are assessing an OSC that uses various collaborative computing devices, such as video conferencing systems, networked whiteboards, and webcams, for remote meetings and presentations. During your assessment, you examine the OSC's collaborative device inventory and find that they have identified and documented all collaborative computing devices. Most of the identified devices have indicators (e.g., LED lights) that notify users when the devices are in use. The OSC has also implemented a policy prohibiting the remote activation of collaborative computing devices without user consent. However, you find that the web cameras can be activated remotely by authorized IT personnel for troubleshooting purposes. In addition to interviewing personnel, what other evidence would be helpful to assess the OSC's compliance with CMMC practice SC.L2-3.13.12 - Collaborative Device Control regarding the remote activation of web cameras? Choose all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation: SC.L2-3.13.12 requires "prohibiting remote activation of collaborative devices without user authorization, or controlling it to prevent unacceptable risk." The IT exception for webcams suggests a controlled allowance. A risk assessment (A) justifies this exception, showing risks (e.g., privacy) and mitigations (e.g., IT authorization), aligning with CMMC's risk-based approach. Logs (B) show usage, not policy compliance; training (C) supports awareness, not control; configs (D) confirm capability, not authorization rationale. A is most directly tied to compliance evidence. Extract from Official CMMC Documentation: * CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), SC.L2-3.13.12: "Examine risk assessments for exceptions to remote activation prohibitions." * NIST SP 800-171A, 3.13.12: "Assess documented risk mitigations for controlled exceptions." Resources: * https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2. 0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
Question 49
A CCA is asked to validate if an OSC has separated their systems containing CUI from other departments' systems on their local network. Which of the following MUST the CCA assess?
Correct Answer: C
To validate separation of CUI systems from non-CUI systems on a local network, the assessor must evaluate the VLAN configuration. VLANs are a recognized logical segmentation method for separating enclaves, as defined in the CMMC Scoping Guide. Exact Extracts: * CMMC Scoping Guide: "Isolation can be achieved by implementing subnetworks with firewalls, routers, and VLANs to ensure separation of CUI assets from out-of-scope assets." * "CUI Assets must be isolated from non-CUI assets unless those non-CUI assets are designated as Security Protection Assets or Contractor Risk Managed Assets." Why other options are not correct: * A (WAN): Wide Area Networks describe external connectivity, not local separation. * B (VPN): VPN provides encrypted remote access but does not enforce local network segmentation. * D (NAT): NAT provides IP translation, not logical separation of traffic. References: CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2, Version 2.13: Isolation requirements and VLAN as an example (pp. 9- 11). CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2: Assessor validation of enclave boundary methods.
Question 50
Sarah, a Certified CMMC Assessor, is conducting an assessment for DataSecure, a cloud service provider that hosts various applications for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). During the assessment, Sarah encounters a complex and highly specialized cloud architecture that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as containerization, serverless computing, and advanced security controls. As Sarah reviews the evidence provided by DataSecure for the relevant CMMC practices, she realizes that some of the evidence and implementations are unlike anything she has encountered in previous assessments. What is the most appropriate action for Sarah to take as a CCA in this scenario?
Correct Answer: D
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation: The CAP requires assessors to adapt to unique implementations by researching and understanding them, not forcing simplification (Option A), ignoring context (Option B), or delaying unnecessarily (Option C). Option D ensures a thorough, context-aware assessment. Extract from Official Document (CAP v1.0): * Section 2.2 - Conduct Assessment (pg. 25):"Assessors shall research and understand unique implementations, seeking clarification from SMEs as needed." References: CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0, Section 2.2.
