CMMC 2.0 Media Protection Requirement

As part of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, protecting physical and electronic media that stores CUI and FCI involves a strategic approach that combines technology, policy, and awareness. Consider the following best practices when developing a media protection program that adheres to the CMMC 2.0 media protection requirement.

1. Conduct Regular Employee Training for Proper Media Protection

Regular security awareness training programs that address media protection—and the sensitive information stored on that media—keep employees updated on the latest threats and prevention techniques, fostering a culture of security awareness and vigilance. By understanding these evolving threats, employees are better equipped to identify and respond to suspicious activities.

2. Implement Strict Access Controls to Limit Media Access

Implement stringent access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have the ability to handle and interact with confidential data, whether it is stored in physical formats or in electronic mediums. Explore and consider both Attribute based access control (ABAC) and role-based access control (RBAC). For physical media, use secure storage solutions liked locked cabinets and restricted areas where only those with the appropriate clearance can enter. For electronic media protection, focus on digital security like passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

3. Use Encryption Tools to Protect Physical and Electronic Media

For data in transit and at rest, employ encryption to ensure that sensitive data remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access. Convert data into a secure, unreadable format without that requires the appropriate decryption key.

4. Establish a Comprehensive Media Protection Policy

A media protection policy should contain clear guidelines on the proper handling of sensitive media. Naturally, the policy should be communicated to employees. The policy should contain secure storage, transport, usage, and disposal protocols that help maintain data integrity and confidentiality.

5. Regularly Audit and Monitor Media Use and Storage Practices

Systematically review and assess the protocols and technologies your organization employs to manage your digital and physical media so you can pinpoint any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in your existing systems that might be exploited by malicious actors. Audits often include evaluating the effectiveness of encryption methods, access controls, and data handling procedures. Monitoring practices keep track of how data is moving within the organization and who has access to it. This continuous oversight allows organizations to detect unauthorized access or data leakage promptly.

6. Utilize Secure Data Transfer Methods for Sharing Media

When transferring sensitive data, use secure file transfer or secure managed file transfer to protect the data from unauthorized access. These methods employ advanced security protocols that often incorporate encryption. Authentication features are also employed to confirm the identity of the parties involved in the data exchange. These practices prevent unauthorized access and ensure that data is not tampered with during transmission.

7. Maintain an Up-to-Date Inventory of All Media Devices

By knowing exactly what devices are in use and where they are located, organizations can prevent potential issues from arising, such as devices becoming outdated or malfunctioning, which could lead to system inefficiencies or disruptions. Regular updates and timely replacements of media devices are essential in maintaining robust security protocols, as outdated devices may have unpatched security flaws that can be exploited by malicious actors.

8. Develop and Implement a Secure Backup and Recovery Process

Identify all critical data and determine the appropriate backup strategies based on its importance and the potential impact of its loss. Regularly scheduled backups should be implemented, leveraging both onsite and offsite solutions to provide robust protection. This dual approach ensures that data is stored in multiple locations, reducing the risk of data loss due to localized incidents. Testing the recovery process periodically is also crucial to ensure that data can be successfully restored in the event of data loss. Incorporating a disaster recovery plan as part of the overall backup strategy helps organizations prepare for larger-scale disruptions.

Learn More About CMMC Media Protection

To learn more about the CMMC Media Protection domain, be sure to check out How to Meet the CMMC 2.0 Media Protection Requirement: Best Practices Checklist for CMMC Compliance.

And to learn more about Kiteworks for CMMC compliance, be sure to check out Achieve CMMC Compliance With Complete Protection of CUI and FCI.