
[Jun-2026] The Best Cyber AB CMMC Study Guide for the CMMC-CCA Exam
CMMC-CCA certification guide Q&A from Training Expert Exam4Labs
NEW QUESTION # 81
You decide to interview the IT security team to understand if and how a contractor has implemented audit failure alerting. You learn they have deployed AlienVault OSSIM, a feature-rich security information and event management (SIEM) tool. The SIEM tool has been configured to send automatic alerts to system and network administrators if an event affects the audit logging process. Alerts are generated for the defined events that lead to failure in audit logging and can be found in the notification section of the SIEM portal.
However, the alerts are sent to the specified personnel 24 hours after the occurrence of an event. As an assessor evaluating the implementation of AU.L2-3.3.4 - Audit Failure Alerting, which of the following would be a key consideration regarding the evidence provided by the contractor?
- A. Checking if the alert notification process integrates with third-party monitoring services
- B. Verifying that the types of audit logging failures defined cover a comprehensive range of potential scenarios
- C. Ensuring the defined alert notification methods (e.g., email, SMS) are secure and encrypted
- D. Determining if the documented personnel roles for alert notification align with the organization's hierarchy
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
AU.L2-3.3.4 requires "alerting personnel when audit logging fails." A 24-hour delay is concerning, but the key consideration is whether defined failure types (B) are comprehensive (e.g., software, hardware, capacity issues), ensuring effective detection. Notification methods (A), roles (C), and third-party integration (D) are secondary to failure coverage, per CMMC guidance.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), AU.L2-3.3.4: "Verify defined failure types are comprehensive."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.3.4: "Examine failure scenarios covered."
Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 82
When assessing a contractor's implementation of CMMC practices, you examine its System Security Plan (SSP) to identify its documented measures for audit reduction and reporting. They have a dedicated section in their SSP addressing the Audit and Accountability requirements. You proceed to interview their information security personnel, who informed you that the contractor has a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) and uses Splunk to reduce and report audit logs. What key features regarding the deployment of Splunk for AU.L2-3.3.6 - Reduction & Reporting would you be interested in assessing?
- A. Ensure that Splunk is configured with appropriate RBAC to restrict access to log data, reports,and dashboards, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or modify audit logs
- B. Ensure that Splunk employs various filter rules for reducing audit logs to eliminate non-essential data and processes to analyze large volumes of log files or audit information, identifying anomalies and summarizing the data in a format more meaningful to analysts, thus generating customized reports
- C. Ensure Splunk can retain audit records for a protracted amount of time
- D. Ensure Splunk can support compliance dashboards that provide real-time visibility into CMMC compliance status
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
CMMC practice AU.L2-3.3.6 - Reduction & Reporting requires organizations to "provide audit reduction and report generation capabilities to support after-the-fact investigations without altering original records." The objectives are: [a] reducing audit records by filtering non-essential data, and [b] generating reports for analysis. Splunk, a SIEM tool, is deployed, and the assessor must evaluate its alignment with these goals.
* Option C: Filter rules for reduction and analysis/reporting processes- This directly addresses the practice's core requirements: reducing logs (e.g., filtering noise) and generating meaningful reports (e.
g., anomaly detection, summaries). These features ensure Splunk meets AU.L2-3.3.6's intent, making it the key focus.
* Option A: RBAC for access restriction- Relevant to AU.L2-3.3.8 (Audit Protection), not reduction
/reporting; it's a security control, not a capability of this practice.
* Option B: Retention time- Pertains to AU.L2-3.3.2 (Audit Retention), not reduction/reporting functionality.
* Option D: Compliance dashboards- Useful but not required by AU.L2-3.3.6; the focus is on reduction and reporting, not real-time compliance visibility.
Why C?The CMMC guide specifies assessing tools for reduction (filtering) and reporting (analysis/report generation), and Splunk's effectiveness hinges on these features, per the scenario's SOC context.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), AU.L2-3.3.6: "Examine tools for capabilities to [a] reduce audit records by filtering non-essential data, and [b] generate reports identifying anomalies and summarizing data."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.3.6: "Assess reduction and reporting functions, such as filtering and customized report generation." Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 83
When validating an OSC's proposed CMMC assessment scope, the Assessment Team finds that the OSC has properly categorized its assets. The OSC has contracted an External Service Provider (ESP) for various cybersecurity functions. The ESP has deployed FortiSIEM and Splunk for real-time security monitoring, threat intelligence, application monitoring, log management, and reporting. They also deployed Microsoft Intune and configured app protection policies blocking proscribed apps and those suspected of data exfiltration. How should you handle the ESP during the CMMC assessment?
- A. They are out of scope; there is no need to assess them against CMMC practices.
- B. Review the SSP per practice CA.L2-3.12.4 - System Security Plan.
- C. Assess them against CA.L2-3.12.4 - System Security Plan only.
- D. Assess against CMMC practices.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
External Service Providers (ESPs) that provide security functions, such as the ESP deploying FortiSIEM, Splunk, and Microsoft Intune, are classified as Security Protection Assets (SPAs) under the CMMC framework. The CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2 mandates that SPAs be assessed against the relevant CMMC practices (up to 110 for Level 2) to ensure they adequately protect the CUI environment. These tools monitor and secure the OSC's network, directly impacting CUI security, and thus must be fully evaluated, not just reviewed in the SSP.
Option B limits the assessment to one practice, which is insufficient. Option C is incomplete, as reviewing the SSP is only part of the process. Option D is incorrect, as SPAs are explicitly in scope. Option A aligns with the scoping guidance.
Reference:
CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2, Section 2.3.3 (Security Protection Assets), p. 6: "ESPs providing security functions are SPAs and must be assessed against applicable CMMC practices."
NEW QUESTION # 84
Dwayne is the Lead Assessor for a C3PAO Assessment Team conducting an assessment for an OSC. During the evaluation, he learns that the OSC recently won a lucrative contract with the Department of Defense, a significant milestone for the organization. Impressed by the OSC's accomplishment, Dwayne begins to view the organization more favorably and is inclined to interpret the evidence gathered during the assessment in a way that would enable the OSC to achieve the desired CMMC certification level. What is the primary reason Dwayne's assessment of the OSC may be influenced?
- A. Incomplete understanding of the CMMC requirements
- B. Bias
- C. Time constraints
- D. Lack of experience
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:
Dwayne's favorable view of the OSC due to its recent DoD contract success exemplifies positive bias, a key concern in the CMMC Assessment Process (CAP). Bias influences how evidence is interpreted, potentially leading to overly favorable assessments that overlook noncompliances. The CAP requires assessors to evaluate practices objectively within the OSC's context, free from external factors like contract wins, to maintain assessment integrity.
Option A (incomplete understanding) assumes a knowledge gap not indicated here. Option B (time constraints) and Option C (lack of experience) are unrelated to Dwayne's described behavior. Option D (bias) directly addresses the influence of his positive perception, making it the correct answer per CAP guidelines.
Reference Extract:
* CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0, Section 2.3:"Personal biases, whether positive or negative, can shape evidence interpretation, leading to potential inaccuracies."Resources:https://cyberab.org/Portals/0
/Documents/Process-Documents/CMMC-Assessment-Process-CAP-v1.0.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 85
The Lead Assessor is ready to complete planning by developing the assessment schedule. The Lead Assessor and the OSC Assessment Official discuss the Assessment Team members.
What MUST be submitted to the Cyber-AB before the assessment?
- A. Non-disclosure agreements
- B. Absence of Conflict of Interest and Confirmation Statement
- C. Verified NIST SP 800-171 assessor qualifications
- D. Individual travel plans
Answer: B
Explanation:
The CAP requires that prior to the assessment, the Lead Assessor submit documentation confirming that Assessment Team members have no conflicts of interest and meet qualification requirements. This is recorded through the Absence of Conflict of Interest and Confirmation Statement.
Extract:
"Before assessment initiation, the C3PAO must provide confirmation to the Cyber-AB that all Assessment Team members have declared absence of conflict of interest and are confirmed to participate." Thus, the required submission is the Absence of Conflict of Interest and Confirmation Statement.
Reference: CMMC Assessment Process (CAP), Pre-Assessment Planning.
NEW QUESTION # 86
A representative of a CMMC Level 2 certified DoD contractor has reached out to you as a CCA for an explanation of FedRAMP equivalency. They want to use a Cloud Service Offering (CSO) from a renowned CSP, but in light of the DoD FedRAMP equivalency memo, they are reluctant. In your conversation, you learn that although the CSO has impressive features, the assessment by a FedRAMP 3PAO resulted in a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) that the CSP is remedying. What is the main reason the contractor shouldn't use the CSP's services?
- A. The CSO hasn't fully met (100%) FedRAMP Moderate or equivalent baselines
- B. The CSO is not DFARS 252.204-7019 compliant
- C. The CSP has not closed out the POA&Ms
- D. The CSO has not been given JAB P-ATO
Answer: A
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:
The DoD FedRAMP Equivalency Memo (January 2024) requires CSOs to be 100% compliant with FedRAMP Moderate baselines, assessed by a 3PAO, without POA&Ms. Open POA&Ms (Option A) indicate noncompliance, but the core issue is Option D-failure to fully meet the baseline, per DFARS 252.204-7012.
Option B is unrelated to FedRAMP. Option C (JAB P-ATO) isn't required. Option D is the correct answer.
Reference Extract:
* DoD FedRAMP Equivalency Memo (January 2024):"CSOs must be 100% FedRAMP Moderate compliant, no POA&Ms allowed."Resources:https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/Library
/FEDRAMP-EquivalencyCloudServiceProviders.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 87
A leading technology solutions provider that works with various government agencies and commercial clients has implemented a dedicated CUI enclave within its network infrastructure to ensure the secure handling of CUI. As a Certified CMMC Assessor, you are tasked with assessing the scope of the solutions provider's CMMC requirements. Which statement best describes the appropriate approach for scoping the assessment within the context of the CUI enclave?
- A. The assessment scope is limited to the physical boundaries of the solutions provider's CUI security domain, excluding any logical or network-based interactions.
- B. Regardless of the CUI security domain implementation, the entire solutions provider's network and all system components must be assessed.
- C. Only the solutions provider's CUI security domain needs to be assessed, as it is the designated system component for handling CUI data.
- D. The assessment scope should include the solutions provider's CUI enclave and any supporting organization's components or systems that interact with or provide services to the CUI security domain.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
The CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2 document outlines that the scope of a CMMC assessment must encompass all assets that process, store, or transmit CUI, as well as those that provide security protections for these assets. A CUI enclave is a segmented portion of the network designed to isolate CUI, but the scope is not limited to just the enclave itself. Supporting components or systems-such as those managed by external service providers (ESPs) or internal IT systems that interact with the enclave-must also be included if they impact the security of the CUI environment. This ensures a holistic evaluation of the security posture.
Option A is incorrect because it excludes logical or network-based interactions, which are critical to assessing the enclave's security. Option B is too broad, as the entire network does not need to be assessed unless all components interact with CUI, contradicting the scoping guidance's allowance for segmentation. Option D is too narrow, as it omits supporting systems that could affect the enclave's security. The correct approach, per the CMMC scoping guide, is to include the enclave and any interacting or supporting components, as stated in Option C.
Reference:
CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2, Section 2.2 (Scoping Considerations), p. 4: "The CMMC Assessment Scope includes all assets within the boundary that process, store, or transmit CUI, as well as Security Protection Assets that provide security functions."
https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/Scope_Level2_V2.0_FINAL_20211202_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 88
A company employs an encrypted VPN to enhance confidentiality over remote connections. The CCA reads a document describing the VPN. It states the VPN allows automated monitoring and control of remote access sessions, helps detect cyberattacks, and supports auditing of remote access to ensure compliance with CMMC requirements.
What document is the CCA MOST LIKELY reviewing to see how these VPNs are controlled and monitored?
- A. Media Protection Policy
- B. Access Control Policy
- C. Configuration Management Policy
- D. Audit and Accountability Policy
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Access Control (AC) domain governs remote access, privileged access, and VPN controls. Documents describing how VPNs are controlled, monitored, and restricted fall under the Access Control Policy.
Extract:
"Access Control practices include the management of remote connections, monitoring of sessions, and enforcement of VPN controls." Thus, the correct document is the Access Control Policy.
Reference: CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2, AC.L2-3.1.x.
NEW QUESTION # 89
A company is seeking Level 2 CMMC certification. During the Limited Practice Deficiency Correction Evaluation, the Lead Assessor is deciding whether the company can be moved to a POA&M Close-Out. What condition will result if a POA&M Close-Out option cannot be utilized?
- A. The Lead Assessor will ask the OSC to justify not meeting all the practices.
- B. The OSC will be granted a provisional status until it can meet all the practices.
- C. The assessment will be paused until the OSC can meet all practices.
- D. The Lead Assessor will not recommend the OSC for CMMC Level 2 certification.
Answer: D
Explanation:
If the OSC cannot remediate deficiencies during the POA&M Close-Out process, the Lead Assessor must issue a recommendation of NOT MET, and the OSC will not be certified. CMMC requires all Level 2 practices to be MET (with limited exceptions under defined POA&M close-out rules).
Exact Extracts:
* CMMC Assessment Guide: "If practices cannot be met within the POA&M Close-Out process, the Lead Assessor must not recommend certification."
* DoD policy: "CMMC Level 2 requires that all 110 practices be met. A failed POA&M Close-Out results in a final determination of NOT MET."
* "There is no provisional certification status in CMMC."
Why the other options are not correct:
* A: Assessments are not paused indefinitely; unresolved deficiencies result in NOT MET.
* B: Justification alone does not satisfy requirements.
* C: Provisional status does not exist in CMMC.
References:
CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2, Version 2.13: POA&M Close-Out procedures (pp. 14-16).
DoD CMMC Program Documentation: Requirement for all practices to be MET for certification.
NEW QUESTION # 90
In order to assess whether an OSC meets AC.L2-3.1.5: Least Privilege, what should be examined by the Assessor?
- A. System configurations for all systems
- B. List of terminated employees over the last three months
- C. User access lists that identify privileged users
- D. Authentication policy
Answer: C
Explanation:
The requirement of least privilege mandates that users be granted only the access necessary to perform their duties. Assessors confirm compliance by reviewing user access lists, ensuring privileged access is limited, documented, and assigned only where required.
Exact Extracts:
* AC.L2-3.1.5: "Employ the principle of least privilege, including for specific security functions and privileged accounts."
* Assessment Guide: "Evidence includes user access lists, role-based access assignments, and documentation of privileged accounts."
* NIST SP 800-171A Objective: "Examine system access lists, rights, and permissions for least privilege." Why other options are not correct:
* A (Authentication policy): Pertains to verifying identity, not enforcing least privilege.
* B (System configurations): Provide technical settings, but access lists are the primary evidence for least privilege.
* D (Terminated employees list): Tied to AC.L2-3.1.2 (Access enforcement) and AC.L2-3.1.7 (Account management), not least privilege.
References:
CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2, Version 2.13: AC.L2-3.1.5 (pp. 17-19).
NIST SP 800-171A: Assessment procedures for least privilege.
NEW QUESTION # 91
During an assessment, the OSC IT security team provided documentation on how they use replay-resistant authentication to protect CUI. What can be used as a replay-resistant mechanism?
- A. MFA devices to protect access for local users
- B. Biometric techniques
- C. Requiring Transport Layer Security (TLS)
- D. Encrypted messages
Answer: C
Explanation:
* Applicable Requirement: IA.L2-3.5.4 - "Use replay-resistant authentication mechanisms for network access to privileged accounts and for network access to non-privileged accounts."
* Why C is Correct: Transport Layer Security (TLS) is explicitly listed in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 as an acceptable replay-resistant mechanism, as it prevents intercepted credentials from being reused.
Why Other Options Are Insufficient:
* A (Encrypted messages): Provides confidentiality but not inherently replay resistance.
* B (Biometrics): Supports authentication but does not prevent replay of transmitted credentials.
* D (MFA devices): Strong authentication, but not necessarily replay-resistant for transmitted session data.
References (CCA Official Sources):
* NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 - IA.L2-3.5.4 (Replay Resistance)
* NIST SP 800-171A - IA.L2-3.5.4 Assessment Objectives
NEW QUESTION # 92
An engineering company works on DoD contracts that involve handling CUI. They use hardcopy media such as printed paper, microfilms, and digital media, including flash drives, SSDs, DVDs, and internal and external hard drives. During a CMMC assessment, you discover the engineering company has defined procedures addressing media storage and access governed by an access control policy. All media containing CUI is marked and stored in biometrically locked cabinets. To store CUI on digital media, an authorized user must be identified using their biometrics or authenticated using an integrated MFA solution. To access non-digital media, the user must be on a defined list of authorized personnel and sign three forms. You also learn that the contractor maintains a comprehensive inventory of all CUI media. The scenario describes a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution being used to access digital media containing CUI. However, the access control procedures for non-digital media require authorized personnel to sign three separate forms. While both methods aim to verify user identity, which of the following is the MOST significant security concern associated with the reliance on a paper-based form process?
- A. The paper forms cannot be easily integrated with other security systems
- B. It requires users to memorize more information for access
- C. It can be time-consuming to complete the forms for frequent access
- D. The forms are susceptible to forgery, resulting in unauthorized access
Answer: D
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
MP.L2-3.8.2 requires "restricting access to CUI on system media to authorized users." The paper-based form process for non-digital media, while aiming to verify identity, is vulnerable to forgery (D), which could allow unauthorized access to CUI-a direct security threat. Integration issues (A) and time consumption (B) are operational concerns, not immediate risks, and memorization (C) isn't relevant. The CMMC guide prioritizes robust, tamper-resistant access controls, and paper forms lack the security of MFA.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), MP.L2-3.8.2: "Ensure access controls prevent unauthorized access; paper processes should be secure."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.8.2: "Assess risks of forgery in manual access methods." Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 93
You are assessing Conedge Ltd, a contractor that develops cryptographic algorithms for classified government networks. In reviewing their network architecture documents, you see they have implemented role-based access controls on their workstations using Active Directory group policies. Software developers are assigned to the "Dev_Roles" group which grants access to compile and test code modules. The "Admin_Roles" group with elevated privileges for system administration activities is restricted to the IT staff. However, when you examine the event logs on a developer workstation, you find evidence that a developer was able to enable debugging permissions to access protected kernel memory - a privileged function. How should execution of the debugging permission be handled to align with AC.L2-3.1.7 - Privileged Functions?
- A. Require it to generate an email alert
- B. Ensure it is logged to the central SIEM system
- C. Perform automatic termination of the action
- D. Implement geo-IP blocking on the workstation
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
AC.L2-3.1.7 requires "preventing non-privileged users from executing privileged functions and logging such attempts." The developer's access to kernel memory (a privileged function) violates least privilege, and logging to a SIEM (D) ensures visibility and auditability, aligning with the practice. Alerts (A) are supplementary, termination (B) isn't required, and geo-IP blocking (C) is unrelated. The CMMC guide emphasizes logging for accountability.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), AC.L2-3.1.7: "Log attempts by non-privileged users to execute privileged functions."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.1.7: "Examine logs for privileged function attempts." Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 94
During a CMMC Level 2 assessment, the OSC's Assessment Official asks the Lead Assessor if they can provide a list of recommended vendors to improve their security practices after the assessment. What should the Lead Assessor do?
- A. Offer to provide general guidance on vendor selection without specific recommendations.
- B. Politely refuse, explaining that the C3PAO cannot offer consulting or vendor recommendations per the CoPC.
- C. Provide the list after the assessment is complete to assist the OSC.
- D. Agree to provide the list but only after approval from the Cyber AB.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:
The CoPC prohibits consulting, including vendor recommendations (Option B). Options A, C, and D risk violating this principle.
Extract from Official Document (CoPC):
* Paragraph 3.1 - Professionalism (pg. 6):"C3PAOs shall not offer consulting services or vendor recommendations." References:
CMMC Code of Professional Conduct, Paragraph 3.1.
NEW QUESTION # 95
During a CMMC assessment, an OSC employee asks the CCA if their current security measures are "good enough" to pass the assessment. The CCA responds by saying, "I can't tell you that, but here's what the CMMC requires for this practice." What principle of the CoPC does this response uphold?
- A. Confidentiality
- B. Information Integrity
- C. Objectivity
- D. Professionalism
Answer: C
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:
By avoiding judgment and focusing on requirements, the CCA upholds Objectivity (Option C). Options A, B, and D are not directly relevant here.
Extract from Official Document (CoPC):
* Paragraph 2.2 - Objectivity (pg. 5):"Maintain objectivity by not providing opinions or recommendations during assessments." References:
CMMC Code of Professional Conduct, Paragraph 2.2.
NEW QUESTION # 96
An OSC has contacted your C3PAO organization for a prospective CMMC Level 2 assessment. You have been selected to lead the Assessment Team. When ascertaining the assessment conditions and requirements, you discuss the prospective CMMC assessment scope with the OSC. Before proceeding to Phase 2 of the CMMC assessment process, the OSC must complete the following steps of its high-level scoping process, EXCEPT?
- A. Identify and take inventory of the various categories of CMMC assets contained in the networked environment.
- B. Evaluate Model Non-Duplication.
- C. Establish the CMMC Assessment Scope of their networked environment.
- D. Propose the scope of the CMMC assessment that will be evaluated by the Lead Assessor and validated by the C3PAO.
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
The CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) outlines the OSC's scoping steps in Phase 1: identifying assets (Option A), establishing the scope (Option C), and proposing it for validation (Option B). "Evaluate Model Non-Duplication" (Option D) is not a defined step in the CAP or scoping guide, making it the exception. D is correct.
Reference:
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0, Section 2.1 (Phase 1: Scoping), p. 8: "OSC steps include asset identification and scope proposal."
NEW QUESTION # 97
When assessing an OSC's implementation of the System and Information Integrity (SI) practices, you examine their system and information integrity policy. You find that they have documented procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques, along with a monitoring strategy. The OSC has implemented a user behavior analytics tool to detect abnormal behavior anddeviations from normal patterns.
To ensure that only authorized users access the system, the OSC uses robust access controls and regularly audits security and system logs for unusual activities. Interviewing the network administration team, you learn they use a network monitoring tool to track inbound and outbound network traffic and identify any distinctive patterns that may suggest unauthorized use. You also learn that they use an IDS to identify suspicious activities, which are aggregated and analyzed using a state-of-the-art SIEM. The scenario mentions that the OSC uses a network monitoring tool to track inbound and outbound traffic and identify unusual patterns.
However, it does not provide details on the tool's specific techniques or methods. Which of the following techniques would be most relevant for the assessor to inquire about during the assessment?
- A. Both signature-based and anomaly-based detection techniques
- B. Deep packet inspection techniques
- C. Anomaly-based detection techniques
- D. Signature-based detection techniques
Answer: A
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
CMMC practice SI.L2-3.14.6 - Monitor Communications for Attacks requires organizations to "monitor organizational communications at external boundaries and key internal boundaries for attacks or indicators of potential attacks." Effective monitoring typically employs bothsignature-based detection(identifying known threats via predefined patterns) andanomaly-based detection(flagging deviations from normal behavior), as these complementary techniques provide comprehensive coverage against known and emerging threats. The OSC's use of IDS, SIEM, and user behavior analytics suggests a mix of capabilities, but the specific techniques aren't detailed. Inquiring about both (C) ensures the assessor verifies a robust approach, as recommended by the CMMC guide. Anomaly-based (A) or signature-based (B) alone are insufficient, and while deep packet inspection (D) is useful, it's a narrower method not explicitly required.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), SI.L2-3.14.6: "Monitoring includes signature-based and anomaly-based detection to identify attacks."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.14.6: "Interview personnel to determine monitoring techniques, including signature and anomaly detection." Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 98
To transfer CUI between a government client and its internal systems, a defense contractor uses a Secure File- Sharing Application provided by the DoD. However, all data traversing this boundary must pass through a next-generation firewall (NGFW) managed by the contractor's Network Admin. All CUI is stored on a Solid State Drive (SSD) and accessed through a laptop. What type of asset is the Network Admin?
- A. CUI Asset
- B. Specialized Asset
- C. Contractor Risk Managed Asset (CRMA)
- D. Security Protection Asset (SPA)
Answer: D
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:
In the CMMC framework, asset types are categorized based on their role in handling or protecting CUI. The Network Admin manages the next-generation firewall (NGFW), which is a critical component in securing the data flow of CUI between the DoD's Secure File-Sharing Application and the contractor's internal systems.
Per the CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2, Security Protection Assets (SPAs) are defined as assets that provide security functions or capabilities to the contractor's CMMC Assessment Scope, irrespective of whether they directly process, store, or transmit CUI. The Network Admin, by managing the NGFW, fulfills a security protection role, making them an SPA.
Option A (CRMA) applies to assets that can but are not intended to process, store, or transmit CUI due to risk management policies, which does not fit the Network Admin's active security role. Option C (Specialized Asset) includes items like OT or government-furnished equipment, not personnel. Option D (CUI Asset) applies to assets that directly handle CUI, like the SSD or laptop, not the admin managing security. Thus, B is correct.
Reference:
CMMC Assessment Scope - Level 2, Section 2.3.3 (Security Protection Assets), p. 6: "SPAs include people, technology, or facilities that provide security functions or capabilities."
NEW QUESTION # 99
The OSC's network consists of a single network switch that connects all devices. This includes the OSC's OT equipment, which processes CUI. The OT controller requires an unsupported operating system.
What can the Lead Assessor BEST conclude about the overall compliance with MA.L2-3.7.1: Perform Maintenance?
- A. It is NOT MET because industrial equipment should not be processing CUI.
- B. It is NOT MET because the OSC has not managed the risk of a CUI system being outdated.
- C. It is MET only if the environments are demarcated on the baseline diagram.
- D. It is MET only if every asset that is not a Specialized Asset is maintained.
Answer: B
Explanation:
MA.L2-3.7.1 (Perform Maintenance) requires that maintenance activities and risks associated with outdated or unsupported systems be managed. Unsupported systems create a security risk if not mitigated, particularly when they process CUI.
Extract:
"Maintenance must be performed and documented to ensure continued secure operation. When systems cannot be updated or patched due to technical limitations, the OSC must implement and document risk mitigation strategies." Because the OSC has not demonstrated risk management for the outdated OT system, the practice is NOT MET.
Reference: CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2, MA.L2-3.7.1.
NEW QUESTION # 100
An assessor is trying to determine if an OSC performs scans of their information system and real-time scans of files from external sources as files are downloaded or executed.
Which evidence is LEAST LIKELY to help this assessor?
- A. System Information and Integrity Policy
- B. Interviews with personnel with configuration management responsibility
- C. Alerts from the anti-virus software
- D. System configuration settings
Answer: A
Explanation:
To verify scanning (such as anti-virus and file integrity functions), the strongest evidence includes system configurations, AV alerts/logs, and interviews with technical staff. A policy document (System Information and Integrity Policy) provides intent but not actual implementation proof, making it the least helpful.
Extract:
"Policies provide documented intent, but assessors must validate actual implementation through configuration reviews, alerts/logs, and personnel interviews." Thus, the policy alone is the least useful evidence for confirming scans are actually performed.
Reference: CMMC Assessment Guide - Level 2, SI.L2-3.14.x.
NEW QUESTION # 101
While examining a contractor's audit and accountability policy, you realize they have documented types of events to be logged and defined content of audit records needed to support monitoring, analysis, investigation, and reporting of unlawful or unauthorized system activities. After the logs are analyzed, the results are fed into a system that automatically generates audit records stored for 30 days. However, mechanisms implementing system audit logging are lacking after several tests because they produce audit logs that are too limited. You find that generated logs cannot be independently used to identify the event they resulted from because the defined content specified therein is too limited. Additionally, you realize the logs are retained for
24 hours before they are automatically deleted. Which of the following is a potential assessment method for AU.L2-3.3.1 - System Auditing?
- A. Testing procedures addressing control of audit records
- B. Examine procedures addressing audit record generation
- C. Testing the system configuration settings and associated documentation
- D. Examining the mechanisms for implementing system audit logging
Answer: B
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:
AU.L2-3.3.1 requires "creating and retaining audit records with sufficient content." Examining procedures (A) assesses if the defined content meets requirements, per NIST SP 800-171A's focus on documented processes. Testing procedures (B) and configs (C) are misaligned, and examining mechanisms (D) isn't a standard method here. The CMMC guide supports procedural examination.
Extract from Official CMMC Documentation:
* CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2 (v2.0), AU.L2-3.3.1: "Examine audit record generation procedures."
* NIST SP 800-171A, 3.3.1: "Examine documented processes."
Resources:
* https://dodcio.defense.gov/Portals/0/Documents/CMMC/AG_Level2_MasterV2.
0_FINAL_202112016_508.pdf
NEW QUESTION # 102
You are the Lead Assessor for a C3PAO Assessment Team that has recently completed a CMMC Level 2 assessment for an OSC. You and your Assessment Team have finalized the assessment process and are now in Phase 3 - Report Recommended Assessment Results. You are preparing to deliver the final recommended findings to the OSC Assessment Official and OSC participants during the Final Findings Briefing. After you present the final recommended findings and practice scores, what is the next step in the CMMC Assessment Process?
- A. You submit the Assessment Results Package directly to CMMC eMASS.
- B. You archive all assessment artifacts and dispose of them after three years.
- C. The OSC submits an appeal using the Assessment Appeals Process if it disagrees with the findings.
- D. The C3PAO CQAP conducts an internal quality review of the Assessment Results Package.
Answer: D
Explanation:
Comprehensive and Detailed in Depth Explanation:
The CAP requires a CQAP quality review before eMASS submission (Option A), not immediate submission (Option C), appeals (Option B, optional), or archiving (Option D, later step).
Extract from Official Document (CAP v1.0):
* Section 3.2 - Report Assessment Results (pg. 32):"The C3PAO CQAP conducts an internal quality review of the Assessment Results Package post-Final Findings Briefing." References:
CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) v1.0, Section 3.2.
NEW QUESTION # 103
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