Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.3.9
CMMC Assessment Objective: AU.L2-3.3.9[b]
What This Objective Means
This objective is the technical enforcement counterpart to AU.L2-3.3.9[a]. It requires that your:
• Logging systems (e.g., SIEM, servers, firewalls)
• File systems or storage locations where logs reside
• Security appliances and cloud platforms
are all configured to restrict log access to only those individuals or roles you’ve previously identified.
This is about access enforcement—not just access documentation.
Why It Matters
If logs are accessible by unauthorized users:
• Sensitive system and security data could be viewed or exfiltrated
• Logs could be modified to cover up unauthorized behavior
• Investigations could be compromised
This control ensures that audit integrity and confidentiality are protected by system design.
How to Implement It
• Review system configurations for:
◦ File-level permissions on log files or directories
◦ Role-based access controls (RBAC) within SIEMs or log viewers
◦ Access policies in cloud logging platforms (e.g., AWS CloudTrail, Azure Monitor)
• Use system tools (e.g., icacls, getfacl, or security groups) to validate permissions
• Restrict log access to:
◦ Security team members
◦ Auditors or compliance officers
◦ Trusted system administrators (if justified)
• Deny or remove access for general users, helpdesk staff, or unapproved admins
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Screenshots or exports showing ACLs or RBAC settings limiting log access
• System documentation describing log file or directory permissions
• Log viewer role settings from SIEM or cloud logging interfaces
• Test results showing denied access to logs by unauthorized users
Common Gaps
• Logs stored in directories accessible by all users or all administrators
• Log access permissions inherited unintentionally from parent folders
• SIEM or cloud logging platforms not configured with granular access controls
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this control by:
• Restricting log access within the enclave to predefined administrative and security roles
• Enforcing RBAC at the infrastructure level for log storage and viewing
• Logging all log access events—yes, even access to the logs is audited
• Helping you verify and document your log access controls for CMMC assessments
With Cuick Trac, audit logs are visible only to those who need to see them—and no one else.
Final CTA
Protect the protectors.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo and enforce technical controls that lock down access to your most sensitive system data: the audit trail.