CUI Compliant
0 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. FedRAMP authorized. Enterprise data protection for government. Covers on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Commvault Cloud for Government
by Commvault
FedRAMP Status
FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
Moderate
Category
Backup & Recovery
Overview
Commvault Cloud for Government provides FedRAMP authorized enterprise data protection covering on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. Supports backup, disaster recovery, and data governance for defense contractors.
CUI Risk Assessment
FedRAMP authorized. Enterprise data protection for government. Covers on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments.
Using Commvault Cloud for Government in a Defense Contractor Environment
Commvault Cloud for Government is specifically architected for defense contractors handling diverse CUI categories including technical data packages (TDP), export-controlled technical drawings under ITAR, contractor financial records, and employee PII within DCSA investigations. As a FedRAMP Moderate authorized backup solution, it typically operates within the CMMC Level 2 authorization boundary as a critical data protection service. The platform's government cloud infrastructure ensures CUI data never crosses into commercial cloud environments, addressing DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements for adequate security. However, defense contractors must implement compensating controls including encryption key management through customer-controlled HSMs, detailed audit logging integration with SIEM platforms, and strict access controls aligned with least privilege principles. DCMA assessors consistently evaluate Commvault's data residency controls, backup encryption standards, and recovery testing procedures during CMMC assessments. The tool has received positive evaluation in recent DIBCAC reviews due to its FedRAMP authorization and government-specific deployment model, though assessors emphasize the importance of proper configuration management and regular compliance validation of backup data handling procedures.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Government Cloud (FedRAMP boundary)
Commvault Cloud for Government operates within a FedRAMP-authorized boundary. CUI can be processed within the authorization scope, but contractors must verify their specific use case falls within the system's security boundary as documented in the SSP.
Implementation Guide
Defense contractors implementing Commvault Cloud for Government should plan a 12-16 week phased deployment beginning with authorization boundary documentation updates and SSP modifications. Phase 1 (weeks 1-4) involves conducting data classification inventory to identify all CUI repositories requiring backup protection and updating the authorization boundary diagram to include Commvault's government cloud components. Phase 2 (weeks 5-8) focuses on configuring encryption policies, establishing customer-managed encryption keys, and implementing role-based access controls aligned with organizational personnel security clearances. Phase 3 (weeks 9-12) includes pilot backup operations for non-CUI data, followed by gradual CUI data onboarding with comprehensive testing of recovery procedures. Phase 4 (weeks 13-16) involves full production deployment, staff training on CUI handling procedures within the backup environment, and compliance documentation finalization. User training requires 8-12 hours focusing on data classification responsibilities and proper backup scheduling for CUI systems. Organizations should budget $150,000-$300,000 annually for licensing, implementation services, and ongoing compliance support, with additional costs for customer-managed encryption key infrastructure ranging $25,000-$50,000 for initial setup.
Configuration Checklist
- 1Update the System Security Plan (SSP) to include Commvault Cloud for Government as a backup service within the authorization boundary, ensuring ISSO documents all CUI data flows and encryption requirements per NIST 800-171 SC-28.
- 2Configure customer-managed encryption keys through AWS CloudHSM or equivalent government cloud HSM service to maintain cryptographic control over CUI backup data as required by DFARS 252.204-7012.
- 3Establish role-based access controls within Commvault that align with organizational security clearance levels and implement least privilege access per NIST 800-171 AC-6, with sysadmin responsible for initial configuration.
- 4Integrate Commvault audit logs with the organization's SIEM platform to ensure comprehensive monitoring of CUI backup and recovery operations as required by NIST 800-171 AU-2 and AU-3.
- 5Develop and test CUI data recovery procedures including encryption key recovery scenarios, with ISSO documenting procedures in incident response plans per NIST 800-171 IR-4.
- 6Configure automated backup scheduling for all CUI systems ensuring backup frequency meets RTO/RPO requirements defined in contingency planning documentation per NIST 800-171 CP-9.
- 7Implement network segmentation controls to isolate Commvault management traffic from CUI production networks, with sysadmin configuring VPN tunnels to government cloud endpoints per NIST 800-171 SC-7.
- 8Establish backup data retention policies aligned with contract requirements and NARA guidelines, with contracts officer verifying compliance with customer data retention clauses.
- 9Conduct quarterly backup and recovery testing exercises including CUI data restoration validation, with ISSO documenting results in POA&M entries for any identified deficiencies.
- 10Train all authorized personnel on CUI handling procedures within the backup environment including proper data classification and incident reporting requirements per DFARS 252.204-7012 training mandates.
Compliance Cross-References
Commvault Cloud for Government's FedRAMP Moderate authorization directly supports NIST 800-171 control families including SC-System and Communications Protection through government cloud encryption and network isolation, AU-Audit and Accountability via comprehensive logging integration, and CP-Contingency Planning through automated backup and disaster recovery capabilities. The solution enables compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 adequate security requirements by maintaining CUI within approved government cloud infrastructure, while DFARS 252.204-7021 compliance is supported through the platform's incident response and cyber incident reporting capabilities. For CMMC Level 2 assessments, Commvault impacts multiple domains including Asset Management (backup inventory tracking), Data Protection (encryption and access controls), Incident Response (backup data forensics), and Recovery (business continuity). The FedRAMP authorization provides inherited controls that reduce assessment scope for defense contractors, though assessors will verify proper configuration of customer-responsible controls including access management, encryption key handling, and backup testing procedures within the contractor's specific implementation.
Other FedRAMP Authorized Backup & Recovery Tools
Related Compliance Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Commvault compare to Veeam for government?
Both are FedRAMP authorized. Commvault tends to be stronger for complex hybrid/multi-cloud environments while Veeam is simpler to deploy. Both meet NIST 800-171 requirements.
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