LLMResponse MA.L2-3.7.2.c

I'll help you determine the most effective approach for collecting evidence and evaluating assessment objective "[c] mechanisms used to conduct system maintenance are controlled" in practice MA.L2-3.7.2.

Ranking Evidence Types for Assessment Objective [c]

Based on the CMMC Assessment Guide and the assessment objects you provided, I would rank the evidence types for this objective as follows:

1. **Artifacts** - Most valuable because they demonstrate actual implementation:

  - Access control lists for maintenance mechanisms
  - Authentication logs for access to automated maintenance mechanisms
  - Configuration settings for maintenance mechanisms
  - Approval records for use of maintenance mechanisms
  - Output logs from maintenance mechanisms showing controlled usage

2. **Screen Share** - Second most valuable:

  - Live demonstration of access controls for maintenance mechanisms
  - Observation of authentication requirements for mechanisms
  - Demonstration of how maintenance mechanisms are monitored
  - Verification of approval workflows for maintenance mechanisms

3. **Documents** - Third most valuable:

  - System maintenance policy for mechanisms
  - Procedures documenting control of maintenance mechanisms
  - Configuration standards for maintenance mechanisms
  - Documentation of authorized mechanisms

4. **Physical Review** - Fourth most valuable:

  - Physical observation of access controls to maintenance mechanisms
  - Observation of physical security measures for maintenance equipment
  - Review of physical maintenance mechanism storage and access

Prioritizing Assessment Approaches

For assessment objective [c], I recommend prioritizing the assessment approaches in this order:

1. **Test** - Highest priority as it verifies functional controls:

  - Test access controls for automated mechanisms
  - Verify authentication requirements for accessing mechanisms
  - Test monitoring capabilities for maintenance mechanisms
  - Verify scheduled jobs and automated scripts are properly controlled

2. **Examine** - Second priority to establish the control framework:

  - Review documentation of maintenance mechanisms
  - Examine access control lists for mechanisms
  - Review approval processes for maintenance mechanisms
  - Examine logs showing controlled access to mechanisms

3. **Interview** - Third priority to validate understanding:

  - Interview maintenance personnel about mechanism controls
  - Discuss with security personnel how mechanisms are controlled
  - Verify personnel understanding of restrictions on mechanisms
  - Confirm knowledge of approval requirements

This approach prioritizes testing the actual controls over maintenance mechanisms (Test), then verifying the supporting documentation (Examine), and finally confirming personnel understanding (Interview). This addresses the CMMC requirement to control maintenance mechanisms such as automated scripts, scheduled jobs, and other tools that could potentially introduce vulnerabilities into systems that process CUI.