Audit Protection
Protect audit information and audit logging tools from unauthorized access, modification, and deletion.
What an assessor scores, the objectives
AU.L2-3.3.8 is met only when every one of these 6 objectives, from NIST SP 800-171A, is satisfied. A single missed objective makes the whole requirement not met.
- a.audit information is protected from unauthorized access
- b.audit information is protected from unauthorized modification
- c.audit information is protected from unauthorized deletion
- d.audit logging tools are protected from unauthorized access
- e.audit logging tools are protected from unauthorized modification
- f.audit logging tools are protected from unauthorized deletion
How a C3PAO checks it
NIST SP 800-171A defines three assessment methods. For AU.L2-3.3.8, an assessor uses these:
Audit and accountability policy; access control policy and procedures; procedures addressing protection of audit information; system security plan; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation, system audit logs and records; audit logging tools; other relevant documents or records
Personnel with audit and accountability responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators; system developers
Mechanisms implementing audit information protection
What it means, in context
Audit information includes all information (e.g., audit records, audit log settings, and audit reports) needed to successfully audit system activity. Audit logging tools are those programs and devices used to conduct audit and logging activities . This requirement focuses on the technical protection of audit information and limits the ability to access and execute audit logging tools to authorized individuals. Physical protection of audit information is addressed by media protection and physical and environmental protection requirements.
Audit information is a critical record of what events occurred, the source of the events, and the outcomes of the events; this information needs to be protected . The logs must be properly secured so that the information may not be modified or deleted, either intentionally or unintentionally. Only those with a legitimate need -to-know should have access to audit information, whether that information is being accessed directly from logs or from audit tools. Example Y ou are in charge of IT operations in a company that handles CUI. Your responsibilities include protecting audit information and audit logging tools. You protect the information from modification or deletion by having audit log events forwarded to a central server and by restricting the local audit logs to only be viewable by the system administrators [a,b,c]. Only a small group of security professionals can view the data on the central audit server [b,c,d]. For an additional layer of protection, you back up the server daily and encrypt the backups before sending them to a cloud data repository [a,b,c]. Potential Assessment Considerations • Is there a list of authorized users for audit systems and tools [a]?
What passing evidence looks like
Proof ordinary users cannot read, change, or delete logs and their tooling: the access model note plus permissions screenshots.
Common ways contractors fail AU.L2-3.3.8
- !In M365 and Google the platform protects log storage and only privileged roles can search or purge, that inheritance is a legitimate answer, state it and show who holds those roles.
The step by step walkthrough for Microsoft 365 GCC High, Google Workspace, and on premises setups, plus the exact evidence to capture, lives inside the Level 2 Accelerator.
Prove AU.L2-3.3.8, and the other 109
The Level 2 Accelerator walks all 110 requirements with you, generates your SSP, POA&M, and Audit Room from real evidence, includes the full Level 1 platform, and puts a credentialed officer alongside you for 180 days. Filed in 180 days, or we work free until you are.
No credit card. Phase 2 begins Nov 10, 2026, when applicable DoD solicitations start requiring a current Level 2 status to win the award.
AU.L2-3.3.8 questions, answered
How many points is CMMC requirement AU.L2-3.3.8 worth?+
AU.L2-3.3.8 is worth 1 point in the CMMC Level 2 score under 32 CFR 170.24. If it is not met, you lose 1 from your total of 110.
Can AU.L2-3.3.8 be placed on a POA&M?+
Yes. A gap on AU.L2-3.3.8 can be deferred to a Plan of Action and Milestones, provided your overall score is 88 or better and the item closes within 180 days.
What family does AU.L2-3.3.8 belong to?+
AU.L2-3.3.8 is in the Audit & Accountability (AU) family, one of the 14 families of NIST SP 800-171 that make up CMMC Level 2.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 3.3.8