AC.L2-3.1.19 Encrypt CUI on Mobile

CMMC Requirement AC.L2-3.1.19 – Encrypt CUI on Mobile: Encrypt CUI on mobile devices and mobile computing platforms.

Links to Publicly Available Resources

Discussion [NIST SP 800-171 R2]
Organizations can employ full-device encryption or container-based encryption to protect the confidentiality of CUI on mobile devices and computing platforms. Container-based encryption provides a more fine-grained approach to the encryption of data and information including encrypting selected data structures such as files, records, or fields.

Further Discussion
Ensure CUI is encrypted on all mobile devices and mobile computing platforms that process, store, or transmit CUI including smartphones, tablets, and e-readers.
Because the use of cryptography in this requirement is to protect the confidentiality of CUI, the cryptography used must meet the criteria specified in requirement SC.L2-3.13.11.
This requirement, AC.L2-3.1.19, specifies that CUI be encrypted on mobile devices and extends three other CUI protection requirements (MP.L2-3.8.1, MP.L2-3.8.2, and SC.L2-3.13.16):

  • MP.L2-3.8.1 requires that media containing CUI be protected.
  • MP.L2-3.8.2 limits access to CUI to authorized users.
  • Finally, SC.L2-3.13.16 requires confidentiality of CUI at rest.

This requirement, AC.L2-3.1.19, also leverages SC.L2-3.13.11, which specifies that the algorithms used must be FIPS-validated cryptography, and SC.L2-3.13.10, which specifies that any cryptographic keys in use must be protected.