NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · 3.8 Media Protection
3.8.6 Encrypt CUI on media in transport
Implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of CUI stored on digital media during transport unless otherwise protected by alternative physical safeguards.
- 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
- 1
- From NIST SP 800-171A, each one a “determine if” an assessor answers.
What an assessor checks
NIST SP 800-171A breaks 3.8.6 into 1 objectives. Every one has to be met for the requirement to be met; a partial answer scores as not implemented.
- Determine if the confidentiality of CUI stored on digital media is protected during transport using cryptographic mechanisms or alternative physical safeguards.
- Examine
- [SELECT FROM: System media protection policy; procedures addressing media transport; system design documentation; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system media transport records; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
- Interview
- [SELECT FROM: Personnel with system media transport responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities].
- Test
- [SELECT FROM: Cryptographic mechanisms protecting information on digital media during transportation outside controlled areas].
If it is open: POA&M eligibility
May be carried on a Level 2 POA&M · 1 point deducted
A 1-point requirement outside the six named exclusions - eligible to carry, and NOT MET until a closeout assessment confirms it.
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 3.8.6 maps
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
No direct mapping.
NIST CSF 2.0
- Data-at-rest is protected Data Security
SOC 2
No direct mapping.
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 3.8.6 get_assessment_objectives 3.8.6 generate_poam_entries ["3.8.6"]
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