Partially Ready — CMMC Level 2
68% NIST 800-171 coverage. 4 control gaps identified.
CMMC Status
Partially Ready
Target Level
Level 2
NIST Coverage
68%
Wasabi Government Cloud
by Wasabi Technologies
Overview
Wasabi Government Cloud by Wasabi Technologies is a cloud storage solution pursuing FedRAMP authorization targeting CMMC Level 2 compliance. It provides 68% coverage of NIST 800-171 controls for defense contractors handling CUI.
What This Means for Defense Contractors
Wasabi Government Cloud meets the architectural requirements for CMMC Level 2. However, CMMC compliance depends on your entire system boundary — not just individual tools. There are 4 NIST 800-171 control gaps that need remediation before assessment. Defense contractors using Wasabi Government Cloud should verify that their System Security Plan (SSP) documents how this tool fits within their authorization boundary.
NIST 800-171 Coverage
Control Gaps
Using Wasabi Government Cloud without addressing these NIST 800-171 controls may result in findings during a CMMC assessment:
Strengths
Using Wasabi Government Cloud in a CMMC Environment
Defense contractors using Wasabi Government Cloud should be aware that its 68% NIST 800-171 coverage leaves 32% of controls unaddressed. While Wasabi Government Cloud can be part of your CMMC environment, you will need compensating controls and supplementary tools to close the 4 identified gaps before a C3PAO assessment. Document all compensating controls in your POA&M and ensure your SSP accurately reflects the shared responsibility model.
Need a Compliant Alternative?
Wasabi Government Cloud doesn't meet CMMC Level 2. Get real-time alerts when compliant alternatives become available, plus AI-matched contract opportunities for your NAICS codes.
CMMC-Ready Cloud Storage Alternatives
CMMC Compliance Analysis for Wasabi Government Cloud
Wasabi Government Cloud presents a mixed CMMC posture for defense contractors handling CUI. While its 68% NIST 800-171 coverage provides a foundation for cloud storage operations, critical gaps in controls 3.1.2 (limit system access to authorized users), 3.1.5 (employ principle of least privilege), 3.1.12 (monitor and control remote access sessions), and 3.1.20 (verify and control external connections) create significant compliance risks. The platform excels in the CM (Configuration Management) and SI (System and Information Integrity) control families through its immutable storage capabilities and automated compliance reporting. However, it struggles with AC (Access Control) and IA (Identification and Authentication) families, particularly around granular user access controls and session monitoring. During a C3PAO assessment, evaluators will scrutinize how CUI data flows into Wasabi's storage environment and whether contractors can demonstrate continuous monitoring of data access patterns. The pending FedRAMP authorization is positive but insufficient for CMMC Level 2 without additional compensating controls. Wasabi can exist within a CMMC authorization boundary if properly configured with supplementary identity management and monitoring solutions. Compared to AWS GovCloud or Azure Government, Wasabi offers competitive immutable storage features but lacks the comprehensive security control ecosystem that those platforms provide. The continuous monitoring capabilities are strong for data integrity but insufficient for access control monitoring required by CMMC Level 2.
Remediation Plan
To achieve CMMC readiness, contractors must implement a phased approach spanning 12-16 weeks. Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Deploy Microsoft Entra ID or similar IAM solution to address 3.1.2 and 3.1.5 gaps, implementing role-based access controls and least privilege principles for Wasabi access. Configure SAML integration between the IAM system and Wasabi's API access controls. Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Implement CloudTrail equivalent logging through Wasabi's audit APIs and deploy SIEM solution (Splunk/LogRhythm) to address 3.1.12 remote access monitoring requirements. Document compensating controls in System Security Plan sections AC-2 and AC-6. Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): Deploy network security controls (Palo Alto/Fortinet) with DLP capabilities to address 3.1.20 external connection controls, ensuring all Wasabi API connections are monitored and controlled. Phase 4 (Weeks 13-16): Establish continuous monitoring workflows using Wasabi's compliance reporting API integrated with GRC tools. Document all compensating controls, create POA&M entries for remaining risks, and prepare artifacts for C3PAO review including access control matrices, monitoring dashboards, and incident response procedures. Maintain quarterly access reviews and monthly monitoring reports to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
Remediation Checklist
- 1ISSO: Conduct gap analysis against NIST 800-171 controls 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.1.12, 3.1.20 and document findings in POA&M
- 2Sysadmin: Deploy enterprise IAM solution with SAML integration to Wasabi Government Cloud APIs for centralized access control
- 3ISSO: Configure role-based access controls implementing least privilege principles for all Wasabi storage access
- 4Sysadmin: Implement SIEM solution with Wasabi audit log integration to monitor remote access sessions per 3.1.12
- 5ISSO: Document compensating controls for access control gaps in SSP sections AC-2, AC-6, and AC-17
- 6Sysadmin: Deploy network security appliance with DLP capabilities to monitor and control external Wasabi connections
- 7ISSO: Create continuous monitoring procedures using Wasabi's compliance reporting APIs and automated dashboards
- 8Contracts: Ensure Wasabi Government Cloud contract includes required security clauses for CUI handling
- 9ISSO: Prepare C3PAO evidence package including access matrices, monitoring reports, and incident response procedures
- 10C3PAO: Schedule pre-assessment review of compensating controls and continuous monitoring implementation
Estimated Compliance Cost
Initial remediation costs range from $45,000-$75,000, including IAM solution deployment ($15,000-$25,000), SIEM implementation ($20,000-$35,000), and network security controls ($10,000-$15,000). Annual ongoing costs total $24,000-$40,000, covering Wasabi Government Cloud licensing ($8,000-$12,000), third-party security tools maintenance ($12,000-$20,000), and compliance monitoring services ($4,000-$8,000). Continuous monitoring adds $6,000-$10,000 annually for automated compliance reporting and quarterly assessments. Implementation timeline spans 12-16 weeks with internal IT resources plus external consulting support ($20,000-$30,000). Total first-year investment ranges $71,000-$115,000 depending on organization size and existing security infrastructure maturity.
Compliance Cross-References
Wasabi Government Cloud's compliance gaps directly impact DFARS 252.204-7012 'Safeguarding Covered Defense Information' requirements, particularly around access control and monitoring provisions. The 3.1.2 and 3.1.5 gaps create DFARS 252.204-7021 findings related to inadequate CUI protection controls. NIST 800-171 control family impacts span Access Control (AC-2, AC-6, AC-17) where 3.1.2 and 3.1.5 gaps reside, and System and Communications Protection (SC-7) affected by 3.1.20 external connection control deficiencies. CMMC Level 2 assessment domains affected include Access Control (AC), Identification and Authentication (IA), and System and Communications Protection (SC). The pending FedRAMP authorization provides baseline security but doesn't address CMMC-specific CUI handling requirements. Non-compliance creates cascading findings: inadequate access controls (AC domain) lead to potential CUI exposure findings, insufficient monitoring (AU domain) prevents detection of unauthorized access, and weak external connection controls (SC domain) create data exfiltration risks. Contractors must address these gaps through compensating controls and continuous monitoring to meet both DFARS contract requirements and CMMC Level 2 certification standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wasabi Government Cloud CMMC compliant?
Wasabi Government Cloud partially meets CMMC requirements with 68% coverage. 4 control gaps need remediation.
What NIST 800-171 controls does Wasabi Government Cloud cover?
Wasabi Government Cloud covers 68% of the 110 NIST 800-171 controls, with 4 gaps primarily in 3.1.2 and 3.1.5 control families.
What are the CMMC compliance gaps for Wasabi Government Cloud?
The primary gaps are in controls 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.1.12, 3.1.20. These require supplementary tools or process controls to achieve full CMMC Level 2 compliance.
Check Your Full Tech Stack
See CMMC readiness scores for 80+ enterprise vendors.
Open CMMC Readiness CheckTrack Wasabi Government Cloud CMMC readiness updates with AI-powered intelligence
Signals matches SAM.gov opportunities to your profile, monitors regulatory changes, and alerts you before competitors. Free for 90 days.
Start Free — 90 Days