CMMC-CCP Exam Dumps - Cyber AB CMMC Questions and Answers

In the context of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Assessment Process, understanding the roles of various entities associated with an Organization Seeking Certification (OSC) is crucial during the planning phase. When a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) staff reviews these entities for a CMMC Level 2 Assessment, it ' s essential to distinguish between internal components and external participants.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of the HQ Organization:

The HQ Organization refers to the entire legal entity delivering services under the terms of a Department of Defense (DoD) contract. This entity is responsible for ensuring compliance with CMMC requirements.

Identification of External Entities:

External entities encompass people, processes, and technology that are not part of the HQ Organization but support its operations. These entities participate in the assessment process due to their involvement in handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) related to the DoD contract.

Role of Supporting Organizations/Units:

According to the CMMC Assessment Process documentation, Supporting Organizations are defined as " the people, procedures, and technology external to the HQ Organization that support the Host Unit. " These external entities are integral to the operations of the Host Unit but are not encompassed within the HQ Organization ' s immediate structure.

Assessment Implications:

While Supporting Organizations/Units play a vital role in supporting the Host Unit, they do not receive a separate CMMC Level certification unless an enterprise assessment is conducted. In such cases, the assessment would encompass both the HQ Organization and its Supporting Organizations to ensure comprehensive compliance across all associated entities.

In CMMC v2.0, Level 1 is explicitly the level that “focuses on the protection of FCI ” and is composed of the basic safeguarding requirements aligned to FAR 52.204-21 . This directly establishes Level 1 as meeting the standard for protecting FCI.

However, the question asks which levels meet the standard of protecting FCI—not which level is primarily intended for FCI. The official CMMC Model Overview (Version 2.0) states that the CMMC levels and associated sets of practices are cumulative , meaning that to achieve a higher level, an organization must also demonstrate achievement of the preceding lower levels. Because Level 2 and Level 3 certifications require meeting lower-level requirements as part of achieving the higher certification, an organization certified at Level 2 or Level 3 necessarily satisfies the Level 1 requirements that protect FCI.

In addition, the later Model Overview v2.13 reiterates the structure of the model: Level 1 requirements correspond to FAR 52.204-21 safeguards (FCI), while Level 2 and Level 3 focus on CUI protection at increasing rigor. Taken together, the official documents support that Levels 1, 2, and 3 all meet the standard for protecting FCI, with Level 1 being the foundational baseline and Levels 2/3 building on it.

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Understanding CUI Protection Responsibilities

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)is sensitive butnot classifiedinformation that requires protection underDoD Instruction 5200.48andDFARS 252.204-7012.

Theprimary responsibilityfor handling CUIis safeguardingit against unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification.

Why " D. Safeguarding " is Correct?

TheCUI Program (as per NARA and DoD)mandatessafeguarding measuresto protectCUI in both digital and physical forms.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (Advanced) practices align with NIST SP 800-171, which focuses on safeguarding CUIthrough access controls, encryption, and monitoring.

DFARS 252.204-7012requires DoD contractors to implementcybersecurity safeguardsto protect CUI.

Why Other Answers Are Incorrect?

A. Shielding (Incorrect)–Shieldingis not a cybersecurity term associated with CUI protection.

B. Governing (Incorrect)–Governing refers to policy-making, not direct protection.

C. Correcting (Incorrect)–Correcting implies remediation, but the primary responsibility is tosafeguardCUI proactively.

Conclusion

The correct answer isD. Safeguarding, asCUI protection focuses on implementing cybersecurity safeguards.

Understanding Asset Types in CMMC 2.0

In CMMC 2.0, assets are categorized based on their role in handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Scoping Guidance for Level 1 and Level 2 provides asset definitions to help organizations identify what needs protection.

According to CMMC Scoping Guidance, there are five primary asset types:

Security Protection Assets (ESP - External Service Providers & Security Systems)

People (Personnel who interact with FCI/CUI)

Facilities (Physical locations housing FCI/CUI)

Technology (Hardware, software, and networks that store, process, or transmit FCI/CUI)

CUI Assets (For Level 2 assessments, assets specifically storing CUI)

Why " Technology " Is the Correct Answer

The IT manager is evaluating servers, laptops, databases, and applications—all of which are technology assets used to store, process, or transmit FCI.

According to CMMC Scoping Guidance, Technology assets include:

✅Endpoints (Laptops, Workstations, Mobile Devices)

✅Servers (On-premise or cloud-based)

✅Networking Devices (Routers, Firewalls, Switches)

✅Applications (Software, Cloud-based tools)

✅Databases (Storage of FCI or CUI)

Since the IT manager is focusing on these components, the correct asset category is Technology (Option D).

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

A. ESP (Security Protection Assets)

❌Incorrect. ESPs refer to security-related assets (e.g., firewalls, monitoring tools, managed security services) that help protect FCI/CUI but do not store, process, or transmit it directly.

B. People

❌Incorrect. While employees play a role in handling FCI, the question focuses on hardware and software—which falls under Technology, not People.

C. Facilities

❌Incorrect. Facilities refer to physical buildings or secured areas where FCI/CUI is stored or processed. The question explicitly mentions servers, laptops, and applications, which are not physical facilities.

CMMC Official References

CMMC Level 1 Scoping Guide (CMMC-AB) – Defines asset categories, including Technology.

CMMC 2.0 Scoping Guidance for Assessors – Provides clarification on FCI assets.

Thus, option D (Technology) is the most correct choice as per official CMMC 2.0 guidance.

Understanding CMMC Asset Categorization

TheCMMC 2.0 Scoping Guidedefines how assets are categorized based on their involvement withFederal Contract Information (FCI)andControlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

In this scenario:

Thegovernment services divisioninteracts withfederal clientsandreceives FCI, making its assetsin-scopefor CMMC Level 1.

Thecommercial services divisioninteractsonly with non-federal clientsanddoes not handle FCI—this means its assets arenot subject to CMMC Level 1 requirementsand should be classified asOut-of-Scope Assets.

CMMC 2.0 Definition of Out-of-Scope Assets

As per theCMMC Scoping Guide, assets that:

✅Do not store, process, or transmit FCI/CUI

✅Do not directly impact the security of in-scope assets

✅Are completely segregated from the FCI/CUI environment

are classified asOut-of-Scope Assets.

Since thecommercial services divisiononly processespublicly available information and has no interaction with FCI, its assets areout-of-scopefor CMMC Level 1 assessment.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

A. FCI Assets

❌Incorrect. FCI assets areonly those that store, process, or transmit FCI. The commercial services division doesnothandle FCI, so its assets donotqualify.

B. Specialized Assets

❌Incorrect. Specialized assets refer toInternet of Things (IoT), Operational Technology (OT), and test equipment. These donot applyto a general commercial services division.

D. Operational Technology Assets

❌Incorrect.Operational Technology (OT) Assetsinvolveindustrial control systems, SCADA, and manufacturing equipment—which are not relevant to this scenario.

CMMC Official References

CMMC 2.0 Scoping Guide – Level 1 & Level 2

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

Thus,option C (Out-of-Scope Assets) is the correct answerbased on official CMMC scoping guidance.

Understanding the CMMC Readiness Review Process

ALead Assessorconducting aCMMC Readiness Reviewevaluates whether anOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC)is prepared for a formal assessment.

After recording theassessment risk statusandoverall assessment feasibility, theminimum remaining criteriato be verified include:

Logistics Planning– Ensuring that the assessment timeline, locations, and necessary resources are in place.

Assessment Team Preparation– Confirming that assessors and required personnel are available and briefed.

Evidence Readiness– Ensuring the OSC has gathered all required artifacts and documentation for review.

Breakdown of Answer Choices

Option

Description

Correct?

A. Determine the practice pass/fail results.

Happensduringthe formal assessment, not the readiness review.

❌Incorrect

B. Determine the preliminary recommended findings.

Findings are only madeafterthe full assessment.

❌Incorrect

C. Determine the initial model practice ratings and record them.

Ratings are assigned during theassessment, not readiness review.

❌Incorrect

D. Determine the logistics, Assessment Team, and the evidence readiness.

✅Essential readiness criteria that must be confirmedbeforeassessment starts.

✅Correct

Official Reference from CMMC 2.0 Documentation

TheCMMC Assessment Process Guide (CAP)states that readiness review ensureslogistics, assessment team availability, and evidence readinessare verified.

Final Verification and Conclusion

The correct answer isD. Determine the logistics, Assessment Team, and the evidence readiness.This aligns withCMMC readiness review requirements.

Step 1: Understand the “CA” Domain – Security Assessment

TheCA (Security Assessment)domain includes practices related to:

Planning security assessments,

Performing periodic reviews,

Managing plans of action and milestones (POA & Ms).

These practices derive fromNIST SP 800-171, specifically:

CA.2.157– Develop, document, and periodically update security plans,

CA.2.158– Periodically assess security controls,

CA.2.159– Develop and implement POA & Ms.

✅Step 2: Review CMMC Levels

Level 1 (Foundational):

Implements only the17 practicesfromFAR 52.204-21

Doesnot include the CA domain

Level 2 (Advanced):

Implements110 practicesfromNIST SP 800-171, including CA.2.157–159

First levelwhereSecurity Assessment (CA)practices are required

Level 3:

Not yet finalized but intended to include selected controls fromNIST SP 800-172

❌Why the Other Options Are Incorrect

A. Level 1

✘No CA domain practices are present at Level 1.

C. Level 3 / D. Level 4

✘These levels build on CA practices but do not represent thestarting point.

TheSecurity Assessment (CA)domain practices begin atCMMC Level 2, as part of the implementation ofNIST SP 800-171.

Understanding IA.L2-3.5.3: Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Requirement

TheIA.L2-3.5.3practice, derived fromNIST SP 800-171 (Requirement 3.5.3), requires thatmultifactor authentication (MFA) be implemented for both privileged and standard userswhen accessing:

✔Organizational endpoints(e.g., laptops, desktops, mobile devices).

✔Network resources(e.g., VPNs, internal systems).

✔Cloud services containing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Key Requirement for a " MET " Rating

For IA.L2-3.5.3 to beMet, the organization must:

Require MFA for all privileged users(e.g., system administrators).

Require MFA for standard users accessing endpoints and network resources.

Implement MFA across all relevant systems.

Sincestandard users do not require MFA in the OSC’s current implementation, the practiceis not fully implementedand must be ratedNOT MET.

Why is the Correct Answer " D " (Practice is NOT MET since the objective was not implemented)?

A. The process is running correctly → Incorrect

MFA isonly applied to privileged users, but it isalso required for standard users. The process isnot fully implemented.

B. It is out of scope as this is a new acquisition → Incorrect

New acquisitionsmust still meet MFA requirementsif they handle CUI or network access.

C. The new acquisition is considered Specialized Assets → Incorrect

Specialized assets (e.g., IoT, legacy systems) may have alternative security controls, but standard users and endpointsmust still comply with MFA.

D. Practice is NOT MET since the objective was not implemented → Correct

MFA must be enabled for both privileged and standard usersaccessing endpoints and network resources. Since standard users are excluded, the practice isNOT MET.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (Advanced) Requirements

Specifies thatMFA must be applied to all users accessing CUI and network resources.

NIST SP 800-171 (Requirement 3.5.3 – MFA Implementation)

Requires MFA forall user types, including privileged and standard users.

CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) Document

States that a practicemust be fully implemented to be considered MET. Partial implementation meansNOT MET.

Understanding the Definition of an Agreement in the CMMC-AB Code of Professional Conduct

TheCMMC-AB Code of Professional Conductdefines anagreementasany contract between two legal entities. This includes:

✔Contracts between an OSC and a C3PAOfor CMMC assessments.

✔Service agreements between cybersecurity providers and defense contractors.

✔Any formal, legally binding arrangement related to CMMC compliance.

Why is the Correct Answer " D. Agreement " ?

A. Union → Incorrect

Auniontypically refers to anorganization representing workersand is not used to describe acontractual relationship.

B. Accord → Incorrect

While anaccordcan mean an agreement, it isnot the standard legal term for a binding contractin CMMC documentation.

C. Alliance → Incorrect

Analliancerefers to astrategic partnership, but does not necessarily imply alegally binding contract.

D. Agreement → Correct

TheCMMC-AB Code of Professional Conductdefines anagreementas anylegally binding contract between two entities.

CMMC 2.0 References Supporting This Answer:

CMMC-AB Code of Professional Conduct

Defines " Agreement " as alegally binding contract between two parties.

CMMC-AB Licensed Training and Assessment Provider Guidelines

Requires that all engagementsbe governed by a formal agreement (contract) between the parties.

DFARS and CMMC Certification Contracts

States thatOSC-C3PAO relationships must be formalized through a legal agreement.

Understanding the False Claims Act (FCA) and Whistleblower Protections

TheFalse Claims Act (FCA)(31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733) is aU.S. federal lawthat allowswhistleblowers (also known as " relators " )to sue on behalf of the federal government if they believe a company issubmitting fraudulent claimsfor government funds.

The FCA includes a " qui tam " provision, which:

✅Allows private individuals to file lawsuits on behalf of the U.S. government.

✅Provides financial rewards to whistleblowersif the lawsuit results in recovered funds.

✅Protects whistleblowers from employer retaliation.

In the context ofCMMC and cybersecurity compliance, theFCA has been used to hold companies accountableformisrepresenting their cybersecurity compliancewhen working with federal contracts.

For example:

If a companyfalsely claimscompliance withCMMC, NIST SP 800-171, or DFARS 252.204-7012butfails to meet security requirements, it could beliable under the FCA.

TheDepartment of Justice (DOJ)has pursued cases under theCyber-Fraud Initiative, using theFCA against defense contractorsfor cybersecurity noncompliance.

Thus, the correct answer isC. False Claims Actbecause it specifically allows whistleblowers tosue on behalf of the federal government.

Why the Other Answers Are Incorrect

A. NIST SP 800-53

❌Incorrect.NIST SP 800-53provides security controls for federal agencies butdoes notcontain whistleblower provisions.

B. NIST SP 800-171

❌Incorrect.NIST SP 800-171outlines security requirements for protectingCUI, but itdoes not have legal mechanismsfor whistleblower lawsuits.

D. Code of Professional Conduct

❌Incorrect. TheCMMC Code of Professional Conductapplies toC3PAOs and assessorsbut doesnot provide a legal basis for whistleblower lawsuits.

CMMC Official References

False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§ 3729–3733)– Establishes whistleblower protections and qui tam lawsuits.

DOJ Cyber-Fraud Initiative– Uses the FCA to enforce cybersecurity compliance in government contracts.

DFARS 252.204-7012 & CMMC– Require accurate reporting of cybersecurity compliance, which can lead to FCA violations if misrepresented.

Thus,option C (False Claims Act) is the correct answeras per official legal guidance.