Mapped to NIST 800-171 Requirement: 3.10.4
CMMC Assessment Objective: PE.L2-3.10.4
What This Control Means
You must keep verifiable, reviewable records that show who accessed areas where CUI is stored, when they accessed it, and for how long. These records can include:
• Badge swipe logs
• Manual sign-in/sign-out sheets
• Visitor logs with escort information
• Surveillance footage (if used as part of your access tracking)
The logs must be maintained over a defined period and reviewed as part of your physical security enforcement.
Why It Matters
If physical access logs are not retained:
• You cannot investigate security incidents effectively
• Insider threats may go undetected
• Visitors may enter secure areas without accountability
• You will likely fail physical security portions of a CMMC assessment
Audit logs help demonstrate that your security controls are working—and being monitored.
How to Implement It
1. Establish Logging Requirements
• Define what must be logged:
◦ Person’s name or ID
◦ Time of entry and exit
◦ Area accessed
◦ Escort details for visitors (if required)
2. Use Automated Systems Where Possible
• Badge access systems or security software that track entry automatically
• Ensure timestamps and user credentials are captured consistently
3. Maintain Manual Logs If Needed
• For smaller facilities, manual logs may be sufficient—just ensure they are:
◦ Legible
◦ Complete
◦ Secured and reviewed
4. Define Retention Period
• Retain logs for a period appropriate to your security program (e.g., 90 days, 6 months, or 1 year)
• Align with incident response and audit needs
5. Review Logs Periodically
• Regularly review access logs to identify anomalies
• Investigate any access that appears unauthorized or unusual
Evidence the Assessor Will Look For
• Access logs showing who entered secure CUI areas and when
• Visitor logs or sign-in sheets (manual or digital)
• Logging configuration from badge reader or access control software
• Documentation showing how long logs are kept and who reviews them
• Incident reports referencing access log data
Common Gaps
• No logs maintained for physical access to CUI zones
• Logs created but not reviewed or retained
• Visitor logs missing escort info or timestamps
• Audit logs overwritten or deleted too soon
How Cuick Trac Helps
Cuick Trac supports this requirement by:
• Collecting and storing physical access logs linked to CUI-protected zones
• Integrating with badge systems, visitor management tools, and manual log uploads
• Tracking access by person, role, and time for full traceability
• Enforcing log retention and review policies
• Helping you prepare documentation for auditors and compliance teams
With Cuick Trac, your access logs are secure, centralized, and always ready for review.
Final CTA
Security isn’t just about access—it’s about accountability.
Schedule a Cuick Trac demo to maintain and monitor audit logs that protect your physical access to CUI.