Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.8.3
CMMC Assessment Objective: MP.L2-3.8.3[b]
What This Control Means
After identifying how CUI should be labeled (MP.L2-3.8.3[a]), this control verifies that your marking techniques and tools are documented in your security policies, procedures, or SSP.
The documentation should clearly specify:
• What types of media must be labeled
• What label formats to use
• How and when labels must be applied
• Which tools or systems are used (manual or automated)
Why It Matters
Without documented labeling procedures:
• Inconsistent or incorrect labeling could occur
• Employees may apply markings based on assumption or habit
• New or untrained personnel may mishandle CUI
• Auditors won’t be able to verify whether labeling is being done properly
Documentation creates clarity, standardization, and accountability.
How to Implement It
1. Document Labeling Methods in Policy Include the following in your Media Protection Policy or System Security Plan (SSP):
• Which media types must be labeled (e.g., USBs, DVDs, printouts)
• Acceptable label formats (e.g., “CUI,” “CUI//SP-Category”)
• Tools used to apply the labels (e.g., printed stickers, metadata tags)
2. Define When Labels Must Be Applied
• At data creation
• Before transferring media
• Upon export or printing
• When removing from a controlled facility
3. Reference Tools and Platforms
• Microsoft Purview Sensitivity Labels
• Acrobat Pro classification headers
• Custom labels for physical storage
4. Align With DoD and NARA CUI Guidelines
• Ensure your labeling format aligns with federal expectations
• Reference official marking guides in your documentation
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Media Protection Policy with CUI labeling procedures
• Screenshots or examples of labeled media
• Documentation describing labeling tools or platforms
• Training materials showing how users apply or recognize labels
• Version-controlled guidance on acceptable labeling formats
Common Gaps
• Labeling is done inconsistently or informally
• Documentation is missing or outdated
• Only digital media is covered (physical labels forgotten)
• Policies reference “labeling” but provide no detail
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this requirement by:
• Providing policy templates that detail CUI media labeling practices
• Documenting both manual and automated labeling techniques
• Offering workflows that enforce label application before export or transfer
• Integrating with document tagging platforms like Microsoft 365
• Helping ensure full documentation is available for audits and training
With Cuick Trac, your labeling methods aren’t just practiced—they’re defined, documented, and repeatable.
Final CTA
Compliance starts with consistency—and consistency starts with documentation.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo to document and enforce your media labeling practices across your organization.