NIST SP 800-171
Control 3.8.1
Protect CUI on System Media
CMMC-RP Certified Team
24+ Years Experience
2,500+ Clients Served
Official Requirement
Protect (i.e., physically control and securely store) information system media containing CUI, both paper and digital.
What This Means in Plain English
Any media containing CUI -- hard drives, USB drives, backup tapes, printed documents -- must be physically protected. This means locked storage, controlled access, and tracking of who has possession.
How Petronella Implements This Control
Petronella Technology Group implements this control through:
- Locked server rooms with badge access for all digital media storage
- Locked filing cabinets in restricted areas for paper CUI documents
- Encrypted external storage media with hardware encryption (FIPS 140-2 validated)
- Veeam backup media stored in a secure, access-controlled location
- ComplianceArmor media inventory tracking all CUI-containing media with custodian assignment
Assessment Guidance
Assessors will verify that digital and paper media containing CUI is securely stored, check physical access controls on media storage locations, review media inventory records, and confirm that media handling procedures are documented and followed.
Common Implementation Gaps
- CUI documents left on desks or in unsecured areas
- Backup tapes stored in unlocked cabinets
- USB drives containing CUI not tracked or secured
- No media inventory or custodian tracking
- Server room accessible without badge access
Cross-Framework Mapping
| Framework | Mapped Controls |
|---|---|
| NIST SP 800-53 | MP-2, MP-4 |
| HIPAA | 164.310(d)(1) - Device and Media Controls |
| PCI DSS | Req 9.5 - Physically secure all media |
Need Help Implementing 3.8.1?
Our CMMC-RP certified team can assess your current compliance posture and build a remediation plan.
Schedule a Compliance Assessment