Monitor Facility
Protect and monitor the physical facility and support infrastructure for organizational systems.
What an assessor scores, the objectives
PE.L2-3.10.2 is met only when every one of these 4 objectives, from NIST SP 800-171A, is satisfied. A single missed objective makes the whole requirement not met.
- a.the physical facility where organizational systems reside is protected
- b.the support infrastructure for organizational systems is protected
- c.the physical facility where organizational systems reside is monitored
- d.the support infrastructure for organizational systems is monitored
How a C3PAO checks it
NIST SP 800-171A defines three assessment methods. For PE.L2-3.10.2, an assessor uses these:
Physical and environmental protection policy; procedures addressing physical access monitoring; system security plan; physical access logs or records; physical access monitoring records; physical access log reviews; other relevant documents or records
Personnel with physical access monitoring responsibilities; personnel with incident response responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities
Organizational processes for monitoring physical access; mechanisms supporting or implementing physical access monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing the review of physical access logs]. DISCUSSION [NIST SP 800-171 R2] Monitoring of physical access includes publicly accessible areas within organizational facilities. This can be accomplished, for example, by the employment of guards; the use of sensor devices; or the use of video surveillance equipment such as cameras. Examples of support infrastructure include system distribution, transmission, and power lines. Security controls applied to the support infrastructure prevent accidental damage, disruption, and physical tampering. Such controls may also be necessary to prevent eavesdropping or modification of unencrypted transmissions. Physical access controls to support infrastructure include locked wiring closets; disconnected or locked spare jacks; protection of cabling by conduit or cable trays; and wiretapping sensors
What it means, in context
The infrastructure inside of a facility, such as power and network cables, is protected so that visitors and unauthorized employees cannot access it. The protection is also monitored by security guards, video cameras, sensors, or alarms. Example You are responsible for protecting your IT facilities. You install video cameras at each entrance and exit, connect them to a video recorder, and show the camera feeds on a display at the reception desk [c,d]. You also make sure there are secure locks on all entrances, exits, and windows to the facilities [a,b]. Potential Assessment Considerations • Is physical access monitored to detect and respond to physical security incidents [c, d]?
What passing evidence looks like
How the facility is protected and monitored: alarm, cameras, locked entry, and who watches or responds, in one short note with photos.
Common ways contractors fail PE.L2-3.10.2
- !Monitor does not require a guard desk. The alarm service, camera app on the owner's phone, and locked entry after hours are a complete small shop answer, document them together.
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 PE.L2-3.10.2, 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.
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PE.L2-3.10.2 questions, answered
How many points is CMMC requirement PE.L2-3.10.2 worth?+
PE.L2-3.10.2 is worth 5 points in the CMMC Level 2 score under 32 CFR 170.24. If it is not met, you lose 5 from your total of 110.
Can PE.L2-3.10.2 be placed on a POA&M?+
No. PE.L2-3.10.2 must be fully met before you can file. It cannot be deferred to a POA&M, so it is a gate on your assessment.
What family does PE.L2-3.10.2 belong to?+
PE.L2-3.10.2 is in the Physical Protection (PE) family, one of the 14 families of NIST SP 800-171 that make up CMMC Level 2.
- NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.10.2