CMMC IA.L2-3.5.3: Multifactor Authentication for Privileged & Network Access
Multifactor authentication is a critical control under CMMC Level 2 that protects your most sensitive access points. This control requires MFA for all privileged account access and network access to non-privileged accounts, significantly reducing credential compromise risks. Understanding and implementing IA.L2-3.5.3 is essential for contractors seeking or maintaining CMMC Level 2 certification.
What this means
This control mandates the use of multifactor authentication (MFA) across your organization. Specifically, you must require at least two authentication factors for anyone accessing privileged accounts locally or over the network, and for any network access to non-privileged accounts. Authentication factors include something you know (password), something you have (token or phone), or something you are (biometric). This layered approach ensures that compromised passwords alone cannot grant unauthorized access.
How to comply
- 1.Identify all privileged accounts across your systems and networks (administrative, root, service accounts)
- 2.Deploy MFA solutions that support CMMC-acceptable factors (hardware tokens, software tokens, or biometric verification)
- 3.Configure MFA enforcement for all local and remote access to privileged accounts
- 4.Extend MFA requirements to network access for non-privileged accounts where practical
- 5.Document your MFA architecture, supported factors, and enrollment procedures
- 6.Establish processes for MFA account recovery and emergency access procedures
- 7.Conduct user training on MFA enrollment, usage, and troubleshooting
- 8.Monitor MFA adoption rates and create remediation plans for non-compliance
Evidence auditors look for
- MFA deployment documentation and architecture diagrams showing protected systems
- Screenshots of MFA policy settings and enforcement configurations
- List of privileged accounts with MFA status verification
- User enrollment records demonstrating MFA activation
- System logs showing MFA authentication attempts and successes
- MFA backup and recovery procedures documentation
- User awareness training records covering MFA requirements
- Audit reports on MFA compliance rates across the organization
- Approved MFA factors list aligned with CMMC standards
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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