Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.4.1
CMMC Assessment Objective: CM.L2-3.4.1[c]
What This Objective Means
Defining a secure baseline is step one. Documenting it is step two. But now, this control asks:
• Are your systems actually following that baseline?
• Can you prove the security settings, applications, and hardening configurations are in place?
This is the implementation proof that your baselines aren’t just theoretical—they’re active.
Why It Matters
A documented baseline is meaningless if the systems deviate from it without detection or control. This objective helps prevent:
• Misconfigurations
• Inconsistent security enforcement
• Increased attack surface due to unapproved software or open services
Enforcing baselines ensures consistency, predictability, and control over your CUI systems.
How to Implement It
• Use system management tools (e.g., SCCM, Intune, GPO, Ansible, Puppet) to:
◦ Push and enforce baseline configurations
◦ Report on compliance with those settings
• Validate that deployed systems match the documented baseline by:
◦ Reviewing installed software and services
◦ Verifying OS version, patch levels, and system settings
◦ Checking for adherence to hardening guides (e.g., CIS, STIG)
• Perform regular audits and record deviations or remediation actions
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Configuration reports showing system compliance with the baseline
• Screenshots from control panels or management consoles reflecting baseline settings
• Endpoint or server scans verifying security controls and patch levels
• Change logs or drift detection reports from config management tools
Common Gaps
• Baseline is documented but never checked for enforcement
• Systems configured inconsistently or manually
• No tooling or process to validate that the baseline is actually applied
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this control by:
• Enforcing secure baselines across all enclave systems out of the box
• Providing documented, tested configurations aligned with CMMC expectations
• Helping customers validate their existing environments match baseline expectations
• Offering audit-ready exports of system configuration compliance
With Cuick Trac, what you define is what gets deployed—and what stays in place.
Final CTA
Baselines aren’t just about planning—they’re about proof.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo and confirm your configurations match what your documentation promises.