NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · 3.8 Media Protection

3.8.5 Control media during transport

Control access to media containing CUI and maintain accountability for media during transport outside of controlled areas.

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 3.8.5 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 access to media containing CUI is controlled.
2. [b]Determine if accountability for media containing CUI is maintained during transport outside of controlled areas.

Examine

SELECT FROM: System media protection policy; procedures addressing media storage; physical and environmental protection policy and procedures; access control policy and procedures; security plan; system media; designated controlled areas; other relevant documents or records].

Interview

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

Test

[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for storing media; mechanisms supporting or implementing media storage and media protection].

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 3.8.5 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 3.8.5
get_assessment_objectives 3.8.5
generate_poam_entries ["3.8.5"]

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