CMMC Control Family Configuration Management Compliance: A Beginner’s Guide
In the dynamic world of cybersecurity, staying abreast of regulations such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is vital. Specifically, adhering to the CMMC Control Family CM, which centers around configuration management, is a key requirement. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how Microsoft GCC High solutions can streamline your configuration management and help you fulfill the CMMC mandates.
Step 1: Understand the CMMC Control Family CM Requirements
Dive first into the specifics of the CMMC Control Family CM before exploring technological solutions. This control family focuses on ensuring the integrity of products and systems by controlling their configurations. Grasping these requirements equips you with the knowledge to select and implement effective tools and strategies aptly. This understanding is essential not only for compliance but also for enhancing the security and reliability of your systems.
Let's take a closer look at the CMMC Control Family CM, which incorporates specific controls under the CMMC framework, particularly in its Level 3.
1. Control CM.3.067: This control is about managing access to systems, both physical and otherwise. It calls for defined, documented, and approved controls in response to the latest changes to security configurations.
2. Control CM.3.068: This control emphasizes minimizing or ideally eliminating all access to and use of nonessential software, hardware, functions, services, and systems.
3. Control CM.3.069: This control recommends the application of "blacklisting" to block unauthorized use or access, or "whitelisting" to authorize specific uses or access.
Understanding these controls is crucial as they form the bedrock of configuration management in the CMMC framework. They provide the direction necessary to shape your strategy and select suitable tools like Microsoft GCC High for compliance and enhanced security.
Step 2: Get Acquainted with Microsoft GCC High
Microsoft GCC High is a cloud environment specifically designed for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other types of data that demand stringent compliance requirements. GCC High offers a suite of tools and services that can aid in configuration management.
Step 3: Implement Azure Policy
Azure Policy is a service in Azure that you use to create, assign, and manage policies. These policies enforce different rules and effects over your resources, helping you stay compliant with your corporate standards and service-level agreements.
To implement Azure Policy, follow these steps:
1. Navigate to the Azure portal.
2. In the left-hand menu, select "Policy".
3. Click on "+ Policy definition".
4. In the "Create Policy Definition" page, fill in the necessary details and rules.
5. Click on "Save".
After creating your policy, assign it to the relevant resources to enforce compliance.
Step 4: Deploy Desired State Configuration
Desired State Configuration (DSC) is a declarative platform used for configuration management. It uses PowerShell scripting language and can be used to manage your infrastructure on-premises and in the cloud.
Here's how to use DSC:
1. Write a DSC configuration script in PowerShell. This script defines the desired state of your resources.
2. Compile the script into a MOF file (Managed Object Format).
3. Apply the MOF file to your target nodes (servers) to enact the desired configuration.
Step 5: Regularly Review and Update Configurations
Finally, remember that configuration management is not a set-and-forget process. Regularly review and update your configurations to ensure ongoing compliance with the CMMC Control Family CM requirements.
Microsoft GCC High, with its robust tools like Azure Policy and Desired State Configuration, is a powerful ally in your compliance journey. Reach out to TechAxia if you have questions about this control family.