CMMC Ready — CMMC Level 2
83% NIST 800-171 coverage. 2 control gaps identified.
CMMC Status
CMMC Ready
Target Level
Level 2
NIST Coverage
83%
Rubrik Government
by Rubrik
Overview
Rubrik Government by Rubrik is a backup & recovery solution with FedRAMP authorization targeting CMMC Level 2 compliance. It provides 83% coverage of NIST 800-171 controls for defense contractors handling CUI.
What This Means for Defense Contractors
Rubrik Government meets the architectural requirements for CMMC Level 2. However, CMMC compliance depends on your entire system boundary — not just individual tools. There are 2 NIST 800-171 control gaps that need remediation before assessment. Defense contractors using Rubrik Government should verify that their System Security Plan (SSP) documents how this tool fits within their authorization boundary.
NIST 800-171 Coverage
Control Gaps
Using Rubrik Government without addressing these NIST 800-171 controls may result in findings during a CMMC assessment:
Strengths
Using Rubrik Government in a CMMC Environment
For defense contractors already using Rubrik Government, the path to CMMC compliance involves documenting the tool in your System Security Plan (SSP), ensuring proper access controls are configured, and validating that Rubrik Government's security controls align with your authorization boundary. With 83% NIST 800-171 coverage, Rubrik Government provides a strong compliance foundation, though the 2 remaining control gaps will need compensating controls or supplementary tools.
CMMC-Ready Backup & Recovery Alternatives
CMMC Compliance Analysis for Rubrik Government
Rubrik Government demonstrates strong CMMC Level 2 readiness with 83% NIST 800-171 coverage, positioning it as a viable backup solution within a contractor's authorization boundary. The platform excels in Access Control (3.1.x), Audit and Accountability (3.3.x except 3.3.8), Configuration Management (3.4.x except 3.4.1), and System and Information Integrity (3.14.x) families through its DoD SRG IL4/IL5 certification and STIG-hardened configurations. Its continuous monitoring capabilities and automated compliance reporting directly support Incident Response (3.6.x) and System and Communications Protection (3.13.x) requirements. However, critical gaps in 3.3.8 (audit log protection) and 3.4.1 (baseline configurations) require immediate attention, as C3PAO assessors will scrutinize backup systems handling CUI data flows. The dedicated government data centers and FedRAMP authorization provide strong foundational security, but assessors will verify that audit logs are cryptographically protected and baseline configurations are properly documented. Unlike competitors such as Veeam or Commvault, Rubrik Government's purpose-built compliance features and government-specific deployment model reduce implementation complexity. The platform can remain within the authorization boundary due to its government cloud infrastructure, though contractors must ensure proper network segmentation and access controls. C3PAO assessors will evaluate the platform's ability to maintain CUI confidentiality during backup operations and verify that restoration processes maintain proper access controls and audit trails.
Configuration Guide
Address the 3.3.8 gap by implementing cryptographic protection for all audit logs through Rubrik's native encryption capabilities and configuring FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules within the government cloud environment. For 3.4.1 compliance, establish and document baseline configurations using Rubrik's policy engine to define standard backup policies, retention schedules, and security settings. Configure automated policy enforcement to prevent deviations from approved baselines. Implement compensating controls including enhanced monitoring of configuration changes through Rubrik's API integration with SIEM solutions, and document these controls in the SSP's CA-7 continuous monitoring section. Timeline estimate: 4-6 weeks for initial remediation, including 2 weeks for cryptographic configuration, 2 weeks for baseline documentation, and 1-2 weeks for compensating control implementation. Maintain compliance through Rubrik's automated compliance reporting features, scheduling weekly configuration drift reports and monthly audit log integrity checks. Prepare evidence including baseline configuration documentation, cryptographic implementation details, audit log protection verification, policy enforcement reports, and incident response procedures specific to backup system failures. Document all configurations in the SSP's SC (System and Communications Protection) and CM (Configuration Management) control families, ensuring C3PAO assessors can verify implementation effectiveness during on-site reviews.
Configuration Checklist
- 1ISSO: Configure FIPS 140-2 validated encryption for all audit logs within Rubrik Government to address NIST 3.3.8 requirements
- 2Sysadmin: Document baseline configurations for all backup policies, retention schedules, and security settings to satisfy NIST 3.4.1
- 3ISSO: Implement automated policy enforcement through Rubrik's policy engine to prevent unauthorized configuration changes
- 4ISSO: Configure API integration with existing SIEM solution for real-time monitoring of backup system activities
- 5ISSO: Update SSP sections CM-2, CM-6, AU-9, and AU-11 to reflect Rubrik Government implementation and compensating controls
- 6Sysadmin: Establish weekly configuration drift reporting and monthly audit log integrity verification procedures
- 7ISSO: Create incident response procedures specific to backup system failures and CUI data exposure scenarios
- 8C3PAO: Review cryptographic implementation documentation and baseline configuration evidence during assessment preparation
- 9ISSO: Configure automated compliance reporting to generate monthly NIST 800-171 control status reports
- 10Contracts: Ensure service agreements include government cloud deployment requirements and compliance support provisions
Estimated Compliance Cost
Initial setup and remediation costs range from $15,000-$25,000, including professional services for cryptographic configuration ($5,000-$8,000), baseline documentation development ($3,000-$5,000), compensating control implementation ($4,000-$7,000), and staff training ($3,000-$5,000). Annual ongoing costs average $8,000-$12,000, covering continuous monitoring tool integration ($3,000-$5,000), quarterly compliance assessments ($2,000-$3,000), and annual configuration reviews ($3,000-$4,000). Continuous monitoring costs include SIEM integration licensing ($200-$400/month) and dedicated monitoring staff time (20-30 hours/month at $75-$100/hour). Implementation timeline spans 4-6 weeks for initial compliance configuration, followed by 2-3 months for full integration with existing security infrastructure and staff training completion.
Compliance Cross-References
Rubrik Government directly supports DFARS 252.204-7012 adequate security requirements through its FedRAMP authorization and DoD SRG IL4/IL5 certification, ensuring CUI protection during backup and recovery operations. The platform addresses DFARS 252.204-7021 requirements by providing cloud service provider identification, government-dedicated infrastructure, and incident reporting capabilities aligned with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement requirements. For NIST 800-171 control families, Rubrik Government demonstrates strong coverage in Access Control (AC), Audit and Accountability (AU), Configuration Management (CM), Identification and Authentication (IA), and System and Communications Protection (SC) families. The identified gaps in 3.3.8 (cryptographically protected audit logs) and 3.4.1 (baseline configurations) directly impact AU and CM families respectively. CMMC Level 2 assessment domains of Access Control, Configuration Management, and System and Information Integrity are well-supported, while Incident Response capabilities are enhanced through continuous monitoring features. FedRAMP authorization provides reciprocity for cloud service approvals, reducing assessment burden and enabling inclusion within contractor authorization boundaries while maintaining government oversight of CUI handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rubrik Government CMMC compliant?
Rubrik Government meets CMMC Level 2 requirements with 83% NIST 800-171 control coverage.
What NIST 800-171 controls does Rubrik Government cover?
Rubrik Government covers 83% of the 110 NIST 800-171 controls, with 2 gaps primarily in 3.3.8 and 3.4.1 control families.
What are the CMMC compliance gaps for Rubrik Government?
The primary gaps are in controls 3.3.8, 3.4.1. These require supplementary tools or process controls to achieve full CMMC Level 2 compliance.
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