Back to Control Explorer
MP.2.121
Content
Control Acronym
MP
Family
Media Protection
CMMC Level
2
800-171 Control #
3.8.7
CMMC Description
Control the use of removable media on system components.
CMMC Clarification
Removable media is any type of media storage that you can remove from your computer or machine, for example, CDs, DVDs, diskettes and USB drives. Write a specific policy for removable media for your company. The policy should cover that there are two types of removable media: write-once media and rewritable media. Limit the use of removable media to the smallest number needed. Scan all removable media for viruses. Track removable media that you own and make sure you reuse and dispose of it properly. Example You are in charge of IT operations at your company. You establish a policy for USB drives. All of them must be scanned for viruses and bugs before use on the company’s networks. You set up a separate computer to scan these drives before anyone uses them on the network. This computer has anti-virus software installed that is kept up to date.
800-171 Description
Control the use of removable media on system components.
800-171 Discussion
In contrast to requirement 3.8.1, which restricts user access to media, this requirement restricts the use of certain types of media on systems, for example, restricting or prohibiting the use of flash drives or external hard disk drives. Organizations can employ technical and nontechnical controls (e.g., policies, procedures, and rules of behavior) to control the use of system media. Organizations may control the use of portable storage devices, for example, by using physical cages on workstations to prohibit access to certain external ports, or disabling or removing the ability to insert, read, or write to such devices.Organizations may also limit the use of portable storage devices to only approved devices including devices provided by the organization, devices provided by other approved organizations, and devices that are not personally owned. Finally, organizations may control the use of portable27 The implementation of this requirement is per marking guidance in [32 CFR 2002] and [NARA CUI]. Standard Form (SF) 902 (approximate size 2.125” x 1.25”) and SF 903 (approximate size 2.125” x .625”) can be used on media that contains CUI such as hard drives, or USB devices. Both forms are available from https://www.gsaadvantage.gov. SF 902: NSN 7540-01-679-3318. SF 903: NSN 7540-01-679-3319. storage devices based on the type of device, prohibiting the use of writeable, portable devices, and implementing this restriction by disabling or removing the capability to write to such devices.
Other Source Discussion
N/A
CIS Control References
CIS Controls v7.1 13.7, 13.8
NIST 800-53 Control Ref.
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 4 MP-7
CMMC Derived
NIST CSF Control References
NIST 800-171 References
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 1 3.8.7
Applicable FAR Clause
NIST CSF Control Reference
NIST CSF v1.1 PR.PT-2
CERT RMM Reference
CERT RMM v1.2 MON:SG2.SP4
Modification of NIST 800-171B Reference
NIST 800-171B Reference
UK NCSCCyber Reference
AS ACSC Reference
Sub-Criterias
Assessment Sub-Criteria 1
MP.2.121.[a] the use of removable media on system components is controlled.