Compliance Framework

CMMC Audit Logging Requirements

CMMC requires defense contractors to implement audit logging controls derived from NIST SP 800-171, covering audit event creation, content, review, and protection.

Overview

CMMC is the Department of Defense (DoD) framework that ensures defense industrial base (DIB) contractors protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC 2.0 streamlined the model to three levels, with Level 2 mapping directly to NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2. The Audit and Accountability (AU) domain is critical for CMMC compliance, requiring organizations to create, protect, and review audit records. Starting in 2025, CMMC certification is required in DoD contracts, affecting over 300,000 contractors in the defense supply chain.

Key facts

CMMC 2.0 has three levels: Foundational (Level 1), Advanced (Level 2), and Expert (Level 3)

Level 2 maps to 110 security requirements from NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2

CMMC certification is required for DoD contracts starting in 2025 under the CMMC Final Rule

Over 300,000 companies in the Defense Industrial Base are affected by CMMC requirements

Retention period: Per NIST SP 800-171: organization-defined, typically 1-3 years

Audit logging requirements

3.3.1 - Create and Retain Audit Records

Create and retain system audit records to enable monitoring, analysis, investigation, and reporting of unlawful, unauthorized, or inappropriate system activity.

How AuditKit helps: Immutable hash chain logging with configurable retention policies

3.3.2 - Individual Accountability

Ensure that the actions of individual system users can be uniquely traced to those users so they can be held accountable for their actions.

How AuditKit helps: Actor-level event attribution with tenant isolation ensures individual traceability

3.3.3 - Review and Update Audited Events

Review and update the set of audited events. Update events based on changes in mission/business functions, threats, or system vulnerabilities.

How AuditKit helps: Configurable event types with SDK-level control over what gets logged

3.3.5 - Correlate Audit Records

Correlate audit record review, analysis, and reporting processes for investigation and response to unlawful activities.

How AuditKit helps: SIEM streaming enables correlation across systems with structured event data

Frequently asked questions

What audit logging does CMMC require?

CMMC Level 2 requires implementation of NIST SP 800-171 audit controls including creating audit records (3.3.1), ensuring individual accountability (3.3.2), reviewing audited events (3.3.3), and correlating audit records (3.3.5). AuditKit provides immutable logging with cryptographic integrity that satisfies these requirements.

Is AuditKit suitable for CMMC Level 2 compliance?

Yes. AuditKit can be self-hosted within your CUI boundary and provides the audit controls required by NIST SP 800-171. SHA-256 hash chains ensure log integrity, tenant isolation supports access control requirements, and SIEM streaming enables the correlation and analysis capabilities CMMC requires.

Related compliance frameworks

Related resources

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