LLMResponse MA.L2-3.7.3.a

I'll help you rank the evidence types and prioritize assessment approaches for assessing compliance with MA.L2-3.7.3 (Equipment Sanitization), specifically the objective of ensuring equipment removed for off-site maintenance is sanitized of any CUI.

Ranking of Evidence Types

1. **Artifacts** - Highest priority evidence type

  - Media sanitization records showing what equipment was sanitized
  - Equipment sanitization logs
  - Chain of custody documentation
  - Verification records showing sanitization was completed before off-site transport

2. **Documents** - Second priority

  - System maintenance policy with specific procedures for sanitizing equipment before off-site maintenance
  - Procedures addressing controlled system maintenance
  - Sanitization procedures referencing NIST SP 800-88 Rev 1
  - Records of maintenance that required equipment removal
  - System security plan sections addressing equipment sanitization

3. **Physical Review** - Third priority

  - Demonstration of degaussing equipment
  - Observation of secure storage areas for equipment pending sanitization
  - Inspection of sanitization tools/mechanisms in use

4. **Screen Share** - Lowest priority

  - Viewing sanitization logs in systems
  - Observing documentation process for equipment sanitization

Prioritization of Assessment Approaches

1. **Examine** - Highest priority approach

  This approach should be your first priority because:
  - It provides direct evidence of documented processes for equipment sanitization
  - You can review actual sanitization records to confirm the practice is followed
  - It establishes whether formal policies exist as required by CMMC
  - Documentation review provides concrete evidence that can be referenced in assessment reports

2. **Interview** - Second priority approach

  After examining documentation and records, interviews will:
  - Confirm personnel understand sanitization requirements for CUI
  - Verify staff knowledge of NIST SP 800-88 sanitization methods
  - Determine if personnel can articulate when and how equipment sanitization is performed
  - Identify any gaps between documented procedures and operational understanding

3. **Test** - Third priority approach

  Finally, testing would:
  - Verify that sanitization processes work as intended
  - Confirm sanitization mechanisms function properly
  - Validate that organizational processes for sanitization are effective
  - Provide demonstration evidence of compliance

Recommended Evidence Collection Strategy

To effectively assess this objective, I recommend:

1. Start by examining policies and procedures for equipment sanitization before off-site maintenance, focusing on:

  - Clear requirements for sanitizing equipment containing CUI
  - Reference to appropriate sanitization methods from NIST SP 800-88 Rev 1
  - Documented verification procedures to ensure sanitization is completed

2. Review artifacts from previous sanitization activities, including:

  - Sanitization records from past instances where equipment was sent off-site
  - Documentation that shows the methods used (degaussing, secure wiping, etc.)
  - Records showing verification of sanitization before equipment left organizational control

3. Interview personnel responsible for maintenance and sanitization to:

  - Verify understanding of sanitization requirements
  - Confirm knowledge of appropriate methods for different media types
  - Assess awareness of the importance of sanitizing equipment with CUI

4. If necessary, request a demonstration or test of:

  - How sanitization is performed on equipment before off-site maintenance
  - How sanitization is documented and verified
  - How the chain of custody is maintained

This approach will provide comprehensive evidence that your organization appropriately sanitizes equipment containing CUI before it is removed for off-site maintenance, helping ensure compliance with this CMMC practice.