NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · 3.8 Media Protection

3.8.1 Protect media containing CUI

Protect (i.e., physically control and securely store) system media containing CUI, both paper and digital.

SPRS weight

3

3 points deducted from 110 when not implemented.

CMMC level

L2

Level 2 only; not among the 17 Level 1 practices.

Assessment objectives

4

From NIST SP 800-171A, each one a “determine if” an assessor answers.

What an assessor checks

NIST SP 800-171A breaks 3.8.1 into 4 objectives. Every one has to be met for the requirement to be met; a partial answer scores as not implemented.

1. [a]Determine if paper media containing CUI is physically controlled.
2. [b]Determine if digital media containing CUI is physically controlled.
3. [c]Determine if paper media containing CUI is securely stored.
4. [d]Determine if digital media containing CUI is securely stored.

Examine

[SELECT FROM: System media protection policy; procedures addressing media access restrictions; access control policy and procedures; physical and environmental protection policy and procedures; security plan; media storage facilities; access control records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview

[SELECT FROM: Personnel with system media protection responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].

Test

[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for restricting information media; mechanisms supporting or implementing media access restrictions].

If it is open: POA&M eligibility

A POA&M is only permitted at a score of 88 or above, and closes in one 180-day window. Check a full gap list or compute your score.

Where 3.8.1 maps

Query it from your own tools

This page and the MacTech CMMC MCP server render the same dataset. Ask your assistant and it will answer from the methodology, not from memory.

lookup_control 3.8.1
get_assessment_objectives 3.8.1
generate_poam_entries ["3.8.1"]

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