CMMC readiness · NIST 800-171 alignment · DFARS support Mon–Fri · 0800–1800 ET
Controls / Physical Protection / 3.10.4
3.10.4
PE.L1-3.10.4 · Level 1 + 2

Maintain audit logs of physical access.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.10.4

Maintain audit logs of physical access.

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 1 objective must be met to satisfy this control
3.10.4[a] Maintain audit logs of physical access.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Physical and environmental protection policy; procedures addressing physical access control; security plan; physical access control logs or records; inventory records of physical access control devices; system entry and exit points; records of key and lock combination changes; storage locations for physical access control devices; physical access control devices; list of security safeguards controlling access to designated publicly accessible areas within facility; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with physical access control responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for physical access control; mechanisms supporting or implementing physical access control; physical access control devices].

What we look for in practice

The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.

What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.

Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.

Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.

Scoring and POA&M context. 1-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Lower scoring impact, but still required for full compliance. Not POA&M-eligible — must be implemented at assessment time.