Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.1.6
CMMC Assessment Objective: AC.L2-3.1.6[b]
What This Objective Means
This control enforces the practice of separating day-to-day system use from administrative activity. It requires that users—including system administrators—use non-privileged accounts for regular business operations (e.g., checking email, browsing the internet, working with documents).
Privileged accounts should only be used when performing administrative tasks, such as:
• Installing software
• Managing user accounts
• Configuring firewalls
This reduces the risk of accidental system changes or misuse of privileges.
Why It Matters
If users (especially IT personnel) use privileged accounts all the time:
• Malware can run with elevated rights if a device is compromised
• Sensitive settings may be altered unintentionally
• Privileged credentials are exposed more often, increasing risk
Using non-privileged accounts for standard work helps enforce least privilege and secure behavior.
How to Implement It
• Require administrators to have separate accounts for daily use and elevated access
• Configure systems to:
◦ Block privileged accounts from logging into workstations for normal use
◦ Prompt for elevation only when admin tasks are required
• Use group policies or endpoint management tools to enforce login restrictions
• Audit user behavior and login logs to ensure policies are followed
• Educate users (especially IT staff) on this expectation
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Separate non-privileged and privileged accounts assigned to administrators
• System settings that restrict the use of admin credentials for standard login
• Group policy or endpoint management settings enforcing user account control (UAC)
• Login logs showing use of non-privileged accounts for daily activity
Common Gaps
• Admins use the same account for all activities
• Privileged accounts are used for routine operations like browsing or email
• Lack of monitoring or enforcement of privileged account behavior
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac enforces this best practice by:
• Assigning clearly defined role-based access with separation between user and admin accounts
• Restricting access to privileged functionality within the enclave
• Preventing login or session elevation outside of authorized activities
• Offering audit-ready access logs showing proper account use
With Cuick Trac, users operate with only the access they need—no more, no less.
Final CTA
Privilege should be granted when needed—not used by default.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo and secure your environment with clear account separation and least privilege.