NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · 3.8 Media Protection

3.8.4 Mark media with CUI markings

Mark media with necessary CUI markings and distribution limitations.

SPRS weight

1

1 point deducted from 110 when not implemented.

CMMC level

L2

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

Assessment objectives

2

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

What an assessor checks

NIST SP 800-171A breaks 3.8.4 into 2 objectives. Every one has to be met for the requirement to be met; a partial answer scores as not implemented.

1. [a]Determine if media containing CUI is marked with applicable CUI markings.
2. [b]Determine if media containing CUI is marked with distribution limitations.

Examine

[SELECT FROM: System media protection policy; procedures addressing media marking; physical and environmental protection policy and procedures; security plan; list of system media marking security attributes; designated controlled areas; other relevant documents or records].

Interview

[SELECT FROM: Personnel with system media protection and marking responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].

Test

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

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 3.8.4 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 3.8.4
get_assessment_objectives 3.8.4
generate_poam_entries ["3.8.4"]

Install the MCP server, free, no account.