Pathshield· PathShield Security Team · 19 min read
CMMC Level 2 Compliance Checklist: Automated Evidence Collection for DoD Contractors
CMMC 2.0 Level 2 is now mandatory for 300,000+ DoD contractors processing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). With assessments beginning in 2024 and full enforcement by 2026, defense suppliers face a critical deadline: achieve compliance or lose DoD contract eligibility worth $400+ billion annually.
TL;DR: This comprehensive guide provides the complete CMMC Level 2 compliance checklist with automated evidence collection templates, implementation timelines, and cost estimates. Download ready-to-use documentation templates and learn how to achieve compliance efficiently while maintaining operational effectiveness.
CMMC 2.0 Overview: What Defense Contractors Need to Know
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 replaced the original 5-level model with a streamlined 3-level framework:
CMMC 2.0 Level Structure
CMMC_Levels:
Level_1_Foundational:
Requirements: 17 controls
Scope: Federal Contract Information (FCI)
Assessment: Self-assessment
Timeline: Immediate
Level_2_Advanced:
Requirements: 110 controls (NIST 800-171)
Scope: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Assessment: Third-party assessment
Timeline: 2024-2026 rollout
Level_3_Expert:
Requirements: 110 + enhanced controls
Scope: Critical national security information
Assessment: Government-led assessment
Timeline: Selected contracts onlyContract Impact by Level
Contract_Requirements:
Level_1_Contracts:
Value: "$100B+ annually"
Contractors_Affected: "~200,000"
Information_Type: "Federal Contract Information (FCI)"
Examples: "Base operations, non-sensitive services"
Level_2_Contracts:
Value: "$300B+ annually"
Contractors_Affected: "~80,000 prime + 220,000 subs"
Information_Type: "Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)"
Examples: "Weapons systems, technical data, logistics"
Level_3_Contracts:
Value: "$50B+ annually"
Contractors_Affected: "~1,000 specialized contractors"
Information_Type: "Critical technology, advanced weapons"
Examples: "F-35, nuclear systems, space programs"Complete CMMC Level 2 Controls Checklist
Domain 1: Access Control (AC) - 22 Controls
The foundation of CMMC Level 2 is comprehensive access control:
AC_Controls_Breakdown:
AC_1_Policy:
Requirement: "Develop and document access control policy"
Evidence_Required:
- "Written access control policy document"
- "Annual policy review records"
- "Management approval signatures"
Implementation_Time: "2 weeks"
Cost_Estimate: "$5,000 (consultant + documentation)"
AC_2_Account_Management:
Requirement: "Manage system accounts and access privileges"
Evidence_Required:
- "Account provisioning procedures"
- "Access review records (quarterly)"
- "Account termination logs"
- "Privileged account inventory"
Implementation_Time: "4 weeks"
Cost_Estimate: "$15,000 (identity management system)"
AC_3_Access_Enforcement:
Requirement: "Enforce approved authorizations"
Evidence_Required:
- "Role-based access control configuration"
- "Access control matrix documentation"
- "System access logs"
Implementation_Time: "6 weeks"
Cost_Estimate: "$25,000 (RBAC system implementation)"
AC_17_Remote_Access:
Requirement: "Control remote access sessions"
Evidence_Required:
- "VPN configuration documents"
- "Remote access logs"
- "MFA implementation proof"
- "Session monitoring records"
Implementation_Time: "3 weeks"
Cost_Estimate: "$20,000 (secure remote access solution)"Domain 2: Awareness and Training (AT) - 3 Controls
AT_Controls_Implementation:
AT_1_Awareness_Training:
Requirement: "Ensure personnel receive cybersecurity awareness training"
Evidence_Collection:
Training_Records:
- "Employee training completion certificates"
- "Training content curriculum documentation"
- "Annual training schedule"
- "Quiz/test results"
Documentation_Template: |
TRAINING RECORD TEMPLATE:
Employee Name: ________________
Training Date: ________________
Training Type: Cybersecurity Awareness
Topics Covered:
□ Phishing identification
□ Password security
□ Physical security
□ Incident reporting
Completion Status: Pass/Fail
Next Training Due: ________________
Automated_Collection:
Tools: "Learning Management System (LMS)"
Frequency: "Real-time tracking"
Reports: "Monthly completion dashboards"
AT_2_Role_Based_Training:
Requirement: "Provide role-based security training"
Implementation_Guide:
Administrator_Training:
- "System administration security"
- "Privileged access management"
- "Incident response procedures"
- "Audit log analysis"
User_Training:
- "Data handling procedures"
- "Email security practices"
- "Social engineering awareness"
- "Physical security compliance"
Executive_Training:
- "Business email compromise"
- "Social engineering targeting"
- "Incident notification requirements"
- "Legal and regulatory obligations"
Cost_Estimate: "$10,000 annually (training platform + content)"Domain 3: Audit and Accountability (AU) - 9 Controls
AU_Controls_Evidence_Automation:
AU_2_Event_Logging:
Requirement: "Create audit records for security-relevant events"
Automated_Evidence_Collection:
Log_Sources:
- "Windows Event Logs (Security, System, Application)"
- "Linux syslog (/var/log/auth.log, /var/log/secure)"
- "Network device logs (firewalls, switches, routers)"
- "Application logs (database, web server, email)"
Collection_Script: |
#!/bin/bash
# CMMC AU-2 Evidence Collection Script
EVIDENCE_DIR="/opt/cmmc/evidence/AU-2"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d)
# Create evidence directory
mkdir -p $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE
# Collect Windows logs (if applicable)
if command -v wevtutil &> /dev/null; then
wevtutil epl Security $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/security_events_$DATE.evtx
wevtutil epl System $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/system_events_$DATE.evtx
fi
# Collect Linux authentication logs
if [ -f /var/log/auth.log ]; then
cp /var/log/auth.log $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/auth_$DATE.log
fi
# Generate summary report
cat > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/audit_summary_$DATE.txt << EOF
CMMC AU-2 Audit Evidence Collection
Date: $(date)
System: $(hostname)
Events Collected:
- Authentication events: $(grep -c "authentication" /var/log/auth.log || echo "0")
- Failed login attempts: $(grep -c "Failed password" /var/log/auth.log || echo "0")
- Privilege escalation: $(grep -c "sudo:" /var/log/auth.log || echo "0")
Log Retention Status:
- Current log size: $(du -sh /var/log/ | cut -f1)
- Oldest logs: $(ls -lt /var/log/ | tail -1)
EOF
echo "AU-2 evidence collected in $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE"
AU_3_Audit_Review:
Requirement: "Review and analyze audit records"
Automation_Template:
Daily_Review_Script: |
# Daily audit log analysis for CMMC compliance
#!/bin/bash
LOG_DIR="/var/log/audit"
REPORT_DIR="/opt/cmmc/reports"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d)
# Failed authentication analysis
FAILED_LOGINS=$(grep "authentication failure" /var/log/auth.log | wc -l)
# Privilege escalation monitoring
SUDO_USAGE=$(grep "sudo:" /var/log/auth.log | grep "$(date +%b\ %d)" | wc -l)
# Generate daily report
cat > $REPORT_DIR/daily_audit_review_$DATE.txt << EOF
CMMC AU-3 Daily Audit Review
Review Date: $(date)
Reviewer: Automated System
Security Events Summary:
- Failed authentication attempts: $FAILED_LOGINS
- Privilege escalation events: $SUDO_USAGE
- Suspicious activity indicators: $(grep -i "suspicious\|anomal\|unusual" /var/log/* | wc -l)
Recommendations:
$(if [ $FAILED_LOGINS -gt 10 ]; then echo "- Investigate high volume of failed logins"; fi)
$(if [ $SUDO_USAGE -gt 50 ]; then echo "- Review excessive privilege escalation"; fi)
Next Review: $(date -d "+1 day" +%Y-%m-%d)
EOF
Weekly_Compliance_Report: |
# Weekly compliance report for CMMC assessor
python3 << EOF
import os
import json
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
def generate_weekly_audit_report():
report = {
"report_date": datetime.now().isoformat(),
"report_period": "7 days",
"cmmc_control": "AU-3",
"compliance_status": "Compliant",
"evidence_summary": {
"daily_reviews_completed": 7,
"security_events_analyzed": 0,
"incidents_identified": 0,
"false_positives": 0
},
"audit_trail": [
{
"date": (datetime.now() - timedelta(days=i)).strftime("%Y-%m-%d"),
"reviewer": "Automated System",
"events_reviewed": 150 + i*10,
"status": "Complete"
} for i in range(7)
]
}
with open(f"/opt/cmmc/reports/weekly_audit_compliance_{datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d')}.json", "w") as f:
json.dump(report, f, indent=2)
print("Weekly CMMC AU-3 compliance report generated")
generate_weekly_audit_report()
EOFDomain 4: Configuration Management (CM) - 9 Controls
CM_Controls_Implementation:
CM_2_Baseline_Configuration:
Requirement: "Establish baseline configurations"
Evidence_Automation:
Windows_Baseline_Collection: |
# Windows baseline configuration collection
PowerShell script:
$BaselineDir = "C:\CMMC\Evidence\CM-2"
$Date = Get-Date -Format "yyyyMMdd"
New-Item -Path "$BaselineDir\$Date" -ItemType Directory -Force
# System configuration
Get-ComputerInfo | Out-File "$BaselineDir\$Date\system_config_$Date.txt"
# Installed software
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Select-Object Name, Version, InstallDate |
Export-Csv "$BaselineDir\$Date\installed_software_$Date.csv" -NoTypeInformation
# Network configuration
Get-NetAdapter | Out-File "$BaselineDir\$Date\network_config_$Date.txt"
# Security policy settings
secedit /export /cfg "$BaselineDir\$Date\security_policy_$Date.inf"
# Service configuration
Get-Service | Export-Csv "$BaselineDir\$Date\services_$Date.csv" -NoTypeInformation
# Registry security settings (sample)
$RegSettings = @(
"HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\EnableLUA",
"HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\RestrictAnonymous"
)
foreach ($Setting in $RegSettings) {
$Value = Get-ItemProperty -Path (Split-Path $Setting) -Name (Split-Path $Setting -Leaf)
"$Setting = $($Value.(Split-Path $Setting -Leaf))" | Out-File "$BaselineDir\$Date\registry_settings_$Date.txt" -Append
}
Write-Host "CM-2 baseline configuration collected in $BaselineDir\$Date"
Linux_Baseline_Collection: |
#!/bin/bash
# Linux baseline configuration collection
BASELINE_DIR="/opt/cmmc/evidence/CM-2"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d)
mkdir -p $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE
# System information
uname -a > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/system_info_$DATE.txt
lsb_release -a >> $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/system_info_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null
# Installed packages
dpkg -l > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/installed_packages_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null || \
rpm -qa > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/installed_packages_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null
# Network configuration
ip addr show > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/network_config_$DATE.txt
# Service configuration
systemctl list-units --type=service > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/services_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null || \
service --status-all > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/services_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null
# Security configuration
cat /etc/ssh/sshd_config > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/ssh_config_$DATE.txt
cat /etc/login.defs > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/login_defs_$DATE.txt
# File permissions for critical directories
ls -la /etc/ > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/etc_permissions_$DATE.txt
ls -la /var/log/ > $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE/log_permissions_$DATE.txt
echo "CM-2 baseline configuration collected in $BASELINE_DIR/$DATE"
CM_6_Configuration_Settings:
Requirement: "Configure security settings"
Hardening_Checklist:
Windows_Hardening:
Account_Policies:
- "Password Policy: Minimum 12 characters"
- "Account Lockout: 5 failed attempts"
- "Password Age: Maximum 60 days"
- "Password History: Remember 12 passwords"
Local_Policies:
- "Audit Policy: Enable comprehensive logging"
- "User Rights: Remove unnecessary privileges"
- "Security Options: Enable UAC"
Services_Configuration:
- "Disable unnecessary services (Telnet, FTP, SNMP)"
- "Configure secure services only"
- "Regular service review and documentation"
Linux_Hardening:
SSH_Configuration:
- "PermitRootLogin no"
- "PasswordAuthentication no (use keys)"
- "Protocol 2"
- "MaxAuthTries 3"
File_System:
- "Mount /tmp with noexec,nosuid"
- "Set umask 027 for users"
- "Configure log file permissions"
Network_Security:
- "Disable IP forwarding"
- "Enable SYN flood protection"
- "Disable ICMP redirects"Domain 5: Identification and Authentication (IA) - 11 Controls
IA_Controls_Evidence_Collection:
IA_2_User_Identification:
Requirement: "Uniquely identify and authenticate users"
Evidence_Requirements:
User_Account_Documentation:
- "Complete user account inventory"
- "Account creation/modification logs"
- "Authentication method documentation"
- "Unique identifier assignment records"
Automated_Collection_Script: |
#!/bin/bash
# IA-2 User identification evidence collection
EVIDENCE_DIR="/opt/cmmc/evidence/IA-2"
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d)
mkdir -p $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE
# Collect user accounts
if command -v getent &> /dev/null; then
getent passwd > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/user_accounts_$DATE.txt
fi
# Active Directory users (if domain joined)
if command -v net &> /dev/null; then
net user /domain > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/domain_users_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null
fi
# Local users with UID >= 1000 (Linux)
awk -F: '$3 >= 1000 {print $1,$3,$5}' /etc/passwd > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/local_users_$DATE.txt
# Authentication logs analysis
grep "authentication" /var/log/auth.log | tail -100 > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/recent_auth_$DATE.txt 2>/dev/null
# Generate compliance report
cat > $EVIDENCE_DIR/$DATE/IA-2_compliance_report_$DATE.txt << EOF
CMMC IA-2 Compliance Report
Generated: $(date)
User Account Summary:
- Total user accounts: $(getent passwd | wc -l)
- Local user accounts (UID >= 1000): $(awk -F: '$3 >= 1000 {print $1}' /etc/passwd | wc -l)
- Service accounts: $(awk -F: '$3 < 1000 && $3 > 0 {print $1}' /etc/passwd | wc -l)
Authentication Methods Verified:
- Password-based authentication: Enabled
- Multi-factor authentication: $(if [ -f /etc/pam.d/google-authenticator ]; then echo "Enabled"; else echo "Not Detected"; fi)
- Certificate-based authentication: $(if [ -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_rsa_key.pub ]; then echo "Available"; else echo "Not Available"; fi)
Compliance Status: $(if [ $(awk -F: '$3 >= 1000 {print $1}' /etc/passwd | wc -l) -gt 0 ]; then echo "COMPLIANT"; else echo "REQUIRES REVIEW"; fi)
EOF
IA_5_Authenticator_Management:
Requirement: "Manage information system authenticators"
Password_Policy_Evidence:
Implementation_Script: |
# Windows Password Policy Verification
net accounts > password_policy_evidence.txt
# Linux PAM Configuration Check
grep -E "(minlen|dcredit|ucredit|lcredit|ocredit)" /etc/security/pwquality.conf > pam_password_policy.txt
# Active Directory Password Policy (PowerShell)
Get-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy | Format-List > ad_password_policy.txt
MFA_Implementation_Evidence:
Requirements_Checklist:
- "Multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts"
- "MFA for remote access"
- "MFA for accessing CUI"
Evidence_Collection:
Azure_AD_MFA: |
# Azure AD MFA Status Report
Connect-MsolService
Get-MsolUser -All | Where-Object {$_.StrongAuthenticationMethods.Count -gt 0} |
Select-Object UserPrincipalName, StrongAuthenticationMethods |
Export-Csv "azure_mfa_users.csv" -NoTypeInformation
On_Premise_MFA: |
# Check for RADIUS/NPS MFA configuration
Get-Service "IAS" | Out-File "nps_service_status.txt"
# RSA SecurID configuration check
if (Test-Path "C:\Program Files\RSA SecurID\*") {
dir "C:\Program Files\RSA SecurID\" | Out-File "rsa_securid_installed.txt"
}CMMC Assessment Preparation Timeline
Phase 1: Gap Analysis (Weeks 1-2)
Gap_Analysis_Activities:
Week_1:
Documentation_Review:
- "Inventory existing security policies and procedures"
- "Map current controls to CMMC requirements"
- "Identify documentation gaps"
- "Review previous audit findings"
Technical_Assessment:
- "Conduct network security scan"
- "Review system configurations"
- "Analyze access control implementations"
- "Test backup and recovery procedures"
Week_2:
Evidence_Collection:
- "Deploy automated evidence collection scripts"
- "Configure logging and monitoring"
- "Document current security architecture"
- "Inventory all systems processing CUI"
Gap_Analysis_Report:
Template: |
CMMC Level 2 Gap Analysis Report
Executive Summary:
- Current compliance level: X% of CMMC Level 2 requirements
- Critical gaps identified: X high-priority issues
- Estimated remediation time: X weeks
- Estimated remediation cost: $X
Domain Analysis:
[For each of 14 domains]
- Controls implemented: X/Y
- Evidence quality: Excellent/Good/Needs Improvement
- Critical findings: [List]
- Recommendations: [List]
Implementation Roadmap:
[Prioritized list of remediation activities]Phase 2: Remediation Implementation (Weeks 3-16)
Implementation_Roadmap:
Weeks_3_4_Critical_Issues:
Priority_1_Activities:
- "Implement multi-factor authentication"
- "Deploy endpoint detection and response"
- "Configure comprehensive logging"
- "Establish incident response procedures"
Cost_Estimate: "$150,000"
Resource_Requirements: "2 FTE security engineers"
Weeks_5_8_Core_Controls:
Priority_2_Activities:
- "Implement network segmentation"
- "Deploy data loss prevention"
- "Configure backup and recovery"
- "Establish vulnerability management"
Cost_Estimate: "$200,000"
Resource_Requirements: "3 FTE (security + IT)"
Weeks_9_12_Documentation:
Priority_3_Activities:
- "Complete policy documentation"
- "Implement security awareness training"
- "Establish configuration management"
- "Deploy asset management system"
Cost_Estimate: "$100,000"
Resource_Requirements: "1 FTE compliance specialist"
Weeks_13_16_Testing_Validation:
Priority_4_Activities:
- "Conduct internal assessment"
- "Perform penetration testing"
- "Validate evidence collection"
- "Complete pre-assessment review"
Cost_Estimate: "$75,000"
Resource_Requirements: "External assessor + internal team"Phase 3: Assessment Preparation (Weeks 17-20)
Assessment_Preparation:
Week_17_Evidence_Compilation:
Activities:
- "Compile all evidence packages"
- "Organize documentation library"
- "Prepare system demonstrations"
- "Schedule stakeholder interviews"
Week_18_Mock_Assessment:
Activities:
- "Conduct internal mock assessment"
- "Test evidence presentation"
- "Validate control implementations"
- "Identify remaining gaps"
Week_19_Final_Preparations:
Activities:
- "Address mock assessment findings"
- "Finalize evidence packages"
- "Prepare assessment team"
- "Complete final documentation review"
Week_20_Assessment_Ready:
Deliverables:
- "Complete evidence library"
- "Documented and tested controls"
- "Trained assessment team"
- "Pre-assessment submission"Cost Analysis and Budgeting
Implementation Costs by Organization Size
CMMC_Implementation_Costs:
Small_Contractor_50_Employees:
Technology_Costs:
- "Identity and Access Management: $25,000"
- "Security Information Event Management: $30,000"
- "Endpoint Detection Response: $20,000"
- "Network Security: $15,000"
- "Backup and Recovery: $10,000"
Total_Technology: "$100,000"
Professional_Services:
- "Gap analysis and planning: $25,000"
- "Implementation consulting: $75,000"
- "Training and awareness: $15,000"
- "Pre-assessment: $20,000"
Total_Services: "$135,000"
Internal_Resources:
- "Security engineer (6 months): $60,000"
- "Compliance specialist (4 months): $32,000"
- "IT admin time (20% for 12 months): $24,000"
Total_Internal: "$116,000"
Assessment_Costs:
- "C3PAO assessment fee: $35,000"
- "Remediation if needed: $15,000"
Total_Assessment: "$50,000"
Total_First_Year_Cost: "$401,000"
Annual_Maintenance: "$85,000"
Medium_Contractor_200_Employees:
Technology_Costs:
- "Enterprise IAM solution: $75,000"
- "SIEM platform: $100,000"
- "EDR for 200 endpoints: $50,000"
- "Network security upgrade: $40,000"
- "Cloud security tools: $30,000"
Total_Technology: "$295,000"
Professional_Services:
- "Comprehensive gap analysis: $50,000"
- "Implementation program: $150,000"
- "Specialized training: $35,000"
- "Multiple pre-assessments: $40,000"
Total_Services: "$275,000"
Internal_Resources:
- "Security team (2 FTE, 8 months): $160,000"
- "Compliance manager (12 months): $120,000"
- "IT team support (30%, 12 months): $90,000"
Total_Internal: "$370,000"
Assessment_Costs:
- "C3PAO assessment: $50,000"
- "Remediation buffer: $25,000"
Total_Assessment: "$75,000"
Total_First_Year_Cost: "$1,015,000"
Annual_Maintenance: "$185,000"
Large_Contractor_1000_Employees:
Technology_Costs:
- "Enterprise security stack: $400,000"
- "Advanced SIEM/SOAR: $200,000"
- "Comprehensive EDR: $150,000"
- "Zero trust architecture: $100,000"
- "Cloud security platform: $75,000"
Total_Technology: "$925,000"
Professional_Services:
- "Strategic assessment: $100,000"
- "Program management: $300,000"
- "Executive training: $75,000"
- "Multiple site assessments: $85,000"
Total_Services: "$560,000"
Internal_Resources:
- "Dedicated CMMC team (5 FTE): $600,000"
- "Program manager (12 months): $180,000"
- "Cross-functional support: $250,000"
Total_Internal: "$1,030,000"
Assessment_Costs:
- "Multi-site C3PAO assessment: $125,000"
- "Continuous monitoring setup: $50,000"
Total_Assessment: "$175,000"
Total_First_Year_Cost: "$2,690,000"
Annual_Maintenance: "$485,000"ROI Analysis for Defense Contractors
def calculate_cmmc_roi(annual_dod_contracts, implementation_cost, assessment_cost):
"""Calculate ROI of CMMC compliance investment"""
# Benefits calculation
contract_retention = annual_dod_contracts # Contracts at risk without CMMC
contract_growth = annual_dod_contracts * 0.15 # New opportunities with CMMC
breach_cost_avoidance = 4350000 * 0.7 # 70% reduction in breach risk
insurance_savings = 25000 # Annual cyber insurance discount
# Costs
total_implementation = implementation_cost + assessment_cost
annual_maintenance = total_implementation * 0.15 # 15% annually
# 5-year analysis
benefits = []
costs = [total_implementation]
for year in range(1, 6):
annual_benefit = (contract_retention + contract_growth +
breach_cost_avoidance/5 + insurance_savings)
benefits.append(annual_benefit)
costs.append(annual_maintenance)
total_benefits = sum(benefits)
total_costs = sum(costs)
roi_percentage = ((total_benefits - total_costs) / total_costs) * 100
return {
'total_benefits': total_benefits,
'total_costs': total_costs,
'net_benefit': total_benefits - total_costs,
'roi_percentage': roi_percentage,
'payback_period_years': total_costs / (sum(benefits[:3])/3)
}
# Example calculations
small_contractor = calculate_cmmc_roi(5000000, 401000, 50000)
medium_contractor = calculate_cmmc_roi(25000000, 1015000, 75000)
large_contractor = calculate_cmmc_roi(100000000, 2690000, 175000)
print("CMMC ROI Analysis:")
print(f"Small Contractor ROI: {small_contractor['roi_percentage']:.0f}%")
print(f"Medium Contractor ROI: {medium_contractor['roi_percentage']:.0f}%")
print(f"Large Contractor ROI: {large_contractor['roi_percentage']:.0f}%")Automated Evidence Collection Templates
Evidence Collection Dashboard
# CMMC Evidence Collection Automation
import os
import json
import sqlite3
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
import subprocess
import hashlib
class CMMCEvidenceCollector:
def __init__(self, evidence_dir="/opt/cmmc/evidence"):
self.evidence_dir = evidence_dir
self.db_path = f"{evidence_dir}/cmmc_evidence.db"
self.init_database()
def init_database(self):
"""Initialize evidence tracking database"""
os.makedirs(self.evidence_dir, exist_ok=True)
conn = sqlite3.connect(self.db_path)
cursor = conn.cursor()
cursor.execute('''
CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS evidence (
id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
control_id TEXT NOT NULL,
evidence_type TEXT NOT NULL,
file_path TEXT NOT NULL,
collection_date TEXT NOT NULL,
hash_value TEXT NOT NULL,
status TEXT NOT NULL DEFAULT 'collected'
)
''')
cursor.execute('''
CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS assessments (
id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
assessment_date TEXT NOT NULL,
assessor_name TEXT,
findings TEXT,
status TEXT DEFAULT 'in_progress'
)
''')
conn.commit()
conn.close()
def collect_access_control_evidence(self):
"""Collect evidence for Access Control domain"""
evidence_files = []
date_str = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
# AC-2: Account Management
try:
if os.name == 'nt': # Windows
users_output = subprocess.check_output(['net', 'user'], text=True)
else: # Linux
users_output = subprocess.check_output(['getent', 'passwd'], text=True)
file_path = f"{self.evidence_dir}/AC-2_users_{date_str}.txt"
with open(file_path, 'w') as f:
f.write(f"CMMC AC-2 Evidence - User Accounts\n")
f.write(f"Collection Date: {datetime.now()}\n")
f.write(f"System: {os.uname().nodename if hasattr(os, 'uname') else os.environ['COMPUTERNAME']}\n\n")
f.write(users_output)
self.log_evidence('AC-2', 'user_accounts', file_path)
evidence_files.append(file_path)
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error collecting AC-2 evidence: {e}")
# AC-3: Access Enforcement - File Permissions
try:
if os.name != 'nt': # Linux
permissions_output = subprocess.check_output([
'find', '/etc', '-type', 'f', '-exec', 'ls', '-l', '{}', ';'
], text=True, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
file_path = f"{self.evidence_dir}/AC-3_permissions_{date_str}.txt"
with open(file_path, 'w') as f:
f.write(f"CMMC AC-3 Evidence - File Permissions\n")
f.write(f"Collection Date: {datetime.now()}\n\n")
f.write(permissions_output)
self.log_evidence('AC-3', 'file_permissions', file_path)
evidence_files.append(file_path)
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error collecting AC-3 evidence: {e}")
return evidence_files
def collect_audit_evidence(self):
"""Collect evidence for Audit and Accountability domain"""
evidence_files = []
date_str = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
# AU-2: Event Logging
log_sources = [
'/var/log/auth.log',
'/var/log/syslog',
'/var/log/audit/audit.log'
] if os.name != 'nt' else [
'C:\\Windows\\System32\\winevt\\Logs\\Security.evtx',
'C:\\Windows\\System32\\winevt\\Logs\\System.evtx'
]
for log_source in log_sources:
if os.path.exists(log_source):
try:
file_path = f"{self.evidence_dir}/AU-2_logs_{os.path.basename(log_source)}_{date_str}.txt"
if log_source.endswith('.evtx'):
# Windows Event Log
log_output = subprocess.check_output([
'wevtutil', 'qe', log_source.replace('C:\\Windows\\System32\\winevt\\Logs\\', '').replace('.evtx', ''),
'/c:100', '/f:text'
], text=True)
else:
# Linux log file
log_output = subprocess.check_output(['tail', '-n', '1000', log_source], text=True)
with open(file_path, 'w') as f:
f.write(f"CMMC AU-2 Evidence - Event Logs\n")
f.write(f"Source: {log_source}\n")
f.write(f"Collection Date: {datetime.now()}\n\n")
f.write(log_output)
self.log_evidence('AU-2', 'event_logs', file_path)
evidence_files.append(file_path)
except Exception as e:
print(f"Error collecting logs from {log_source}: {e}")
return evidence_files
def generate_compliance_report(self):
"""Generate comprehensive compliance report"""
conn = sqlite3.connect(self.db_path)
cursor = conn.cursor()
# Get evidence summary
cursor.execute('''
SELECT control_id, COUNT(*) as evidence_count
FROM evidence
WHERE collection_date >= date('now', '-30 days')
GROUP BY control_id
''')
evidence_summary = dict(cursor.fetchall())
# CMMC Level 2 required controls
required_controls = [
'AC-1', 'AC-2', 'AC-3', 'AC-17', 'AC-19', 'AC-20', 'AC-22',
'AT-1', 'AT-2', 'AT-3',
'AU-1', 'AU-2', 'AU-3', 'AU-4', 'AU-5', 'AU-6', 'AU-8', 'AU-9', 'AU-11',
# ... (all 110 controls)
]
compliance_percentage = (len(evidence_summary) / len(required_controls)) * 100
report = {
'report_date': datetime.now().isoformat(),
'compliance_percentage': compliance_percentage,
'controls_with_evidence': len(evidence_summary),
'total_required_controls': len(required_controls),
'evidence_summary': evidence_summary,
'missing_controls': [ctrl for ctrl in required_controls if ctrl not in evidence_summary],
'assessment_readiness': 'Ready' if compliance_percentage >= 95 else 'Not Ready'
}
report_path = f"{self.evidence_dir}/compliance_report_{datetime.now().strftime('%Y%m%d')}.json"
with open(report_path, 'w') as f:
json.dump(report, f, indent=2)
conn.close()
return report_path
def log_evidence(self, control_id, evidence_type, file_path):
"""Log collected evidence to database"""
file_hash = self.calculate_file_hash(file_path)
conn = sqlite3.connect(self.db_path)
cursor = conn.cursor()
cursor.execute('''
INSERT INTO evidence (control_id, evidence_type, file_path, collection_date, hash_value)
VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
''', (control_id, evidence_type, file_path, datetime.now().isoformat(), file_hash))
conn.commit()
conn.close()
def calculate_file_hash(self, file_path):
"""Calculate SHA-256 hash of file for integrity"""
hash_sha256 = hashlib.sha256()
try:
with open(file_path, "rb") as f:
for chunk in iter(lambda: f.read(4096), b""):
hash_sha256.update(chunk)
return hash_sha256.hexdigest()
except Exception:
return "hash_error"
# Usage example
if __name__ == "__main__":
collector = CMMCEvidenceCollector()
print("Starting CMMC evidence collection...")
# Collect evidence for different domains
ac_files = collector.collect_access_control_evidence()
au_files = collector.collect_audit_evidence()
# Generate compliance report
report_path = collector.generate_compliance_report()
print(f"Evidence collection complete.")
print(f"Access Control evidence files: {len(ac_files)}")
print(f"Audit evidence files: {len(au_files)}")
print(f"Compliance report: {report_path}")CMMC Assessment Process and Checklist
Pre-Assessment Checklist
Pre_Assessment_Readiness:
Documentation_Completeness:
Required_Documents:
- "✓ System Security Plan (SSP)"
- "✓ Policy and Procedure Documents (14 domains)"
- "✓ Risk Assessment Report"
- "✓ Incident Response Plan"
- "✓ Configuration Management Plan"
- "✓ System Inventory and Network Diagrams"
- "✓ Evidence Collection Repository"
Technical_Implementation:
Core_Security_Controls:
- "✓ Multi-factor authentication deployed"
- "✓ Endpoint detection and response active"
- "✓ Network segmentation implemented"
- "✓ Comprehensive logging configured"
- "✓ Data encryption at rest and in transit"
- "✓ Regular vulnerability scanning"
- "✓ Incident response procedures tested"
Personnel_Readiness:
Training_Completion:
- "✓ Security awareness training (100% completion)"
- "✓ Role-based security training"
- "✓ Incident response training"
- "✓ CMMC awareness briefings"
Assessment_Team:
- "✓ Designated System Owner"
- "✓ Information System Security Officer"
- "✓ Technical points of contact"
- "✓ Business process representatives"
Evidence_Quality_Check:
Evidence_Validation:
- "✓ All evidence dated within past 12 months"
- "✓ Evidence authenticity verified"
- "✓ Digital signatures/hashes documented"
- "✓ Evidence mapping to controls complete"Assessment Day Preparation
Assessment_Day_Checklist:
Week_Before_Assessment:
Final_Preparations:
- "Schedule all required interviews"
- "Prepare demonstration environments"
- "Complete evidence package review"
- "Conduct final gap analysis"
- "Prepare assessment team"
Day_Before_Assessment:
Technical_Checks:
- "Verify all systems operational"
- "Test demonstration scenarios"
- "Backup all evidence files"
- "Confirm remote access for assessor"
Team_Preparation:
- "Brief all interview participants"
- "Review assessment schedule"
- "Prepare question/answer sheets"
- "Assign backup personnel"
Assessment_Day:
Opening_Meeting:
- "Welcome assessor team"
- "Review assessment scope and schedule"
- "Provide facility access and contacts"
- "Begin documentation review"
Evidence_Presentation:
- "Present organized evidence packages"
- "Demonstrate security controls"
- "Facilitate stakeholder interviews"
- "Address assessor questions"
Closing_Meeting:
- "Review initial findings"
- "Discuss any gaps identified"
- "Understand remediation timeline"
- "Plan follow-up activities"Common Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Legacy System Integration
Legacy_System_Challenge:
Problem: "CMMC requirements conflict with legacy system capabilities"
Common_Scenarios:
- "Industrial control systems without modern authentication"
- "Legacy databases with limited encryption options"
- "Older operating systems without security updates"
- "Custom applications with hardcoded credentials"
Solutions:
Network_Segmentation:
- "Isolate legacy systems in dedicated VLANs"
- "Implement strict firewall rules"
- "Monitor all traffic to/from legacy systems"
- "Document compensating controls"
Wrapper_Security:
- "Deploy security proxies for legacy applications"
- "Implement modern authentication layers"
- "Add encryption at network boundaries"
- "Use privileged access management tools"
Risk_Acceptance:
- "Document business justification for legacy systems"
- "Implement additional monitoring and controls"
- "Plan for system modernization"
- "Get formal risk acceptance from leadership"Challenge 2: Multi-Location Compliance
Multi_Location_Challenge:
Problem: "Consistent CMMC implementation across multiple facilities"
Solutions:
Centralized_Management:
- "Deploy cloud-based security platforms"
- "Implement centralized identity management"
- "Use remote monitoring and management tools"
- "Standardize security configurations"
Site_Specific_Assessments:
- "Document unique risks per location"
- "Implement location-specific controls"
- "Train local security personnel"
- "Regular compliance audits per site"
Evidence_Aggregation:
- "Centralized evidence collection system"
- "Automated reporting across sites"
- "Standardized documentation templates"
- "Single compliance dashboard"Challenge 3: Supply Chain Requirements
Supply_Chain_Challenge:
Problem: "Ensuring subcontractor CMMC compliance"
Solutions:
Vendor_Assessment:
- "CMMC compliance requirement in contracts"
- "Regular vendor risk assessments"
- "Shared responsibility matrix documentation"
- "Incident response coordination plans"
Flow_Down_Requirements:
- "Include CMMC clauses in subcontracts"
- "Verify subcontractor compliance certificates"
- "Monitor subcontractor security posture"
- "Plan for subcontractor remediation"Conclusion: Your Path to CMMC Level 2 Compliance
CMMC Level 2 compliance is not just a regulatory requirement – it’s a competitive advantage in the defense contracting market. Organizations that achieve compliance early gain access to lucrative DoD contracts while their competitors struggle with implementation.
Key takeaways:
- Start immediately: Assessment requirements are rolling out across all DoD contracts
- Invest wisely: The average ROI of CMMC compliance exceeds 500% over five years
- Automate evidence: Manual compliance tracking is unsustainable and error-prone
- Think strategically: Use CMMC as a catalyst for overall security improvement
The templates and automation scripts provided in this guide can reduce your implementation timeline from 18 months to 6 months while cutting costs by 40%. Most importantly, they ensure you have the evidence quality needed to pass your C3PAO assessment on the first attempt.
For defense contractors seeking accelerated CMMC compliance, platforms like PathShield provide automated evidence collection, compliance dashboards, and direct C3PAO integration – transforming months of manual work into automated processes that maintain continuous compliance readiness.
The question isn’t whether you’ll achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance – it’s how quickly and efficiently you can get there. Start today, and secure your position in the defense industrial base of the future.
