CUI Compliant
0 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. FedRAMP High authorized. Leading vulnerability management platform. Essential for NIST 800-171 3.11.x vulnerability scanning requirements.
Qualys Government Cloud
by Qualys
FedRAMP Status
FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
High
Category
Cybersecurity
Authorized: May 15, 2017
Overview
Qualys Government Cloud is a FedRAMP High authorized vulnerability management and compliance platform. It provides continuous vulnerability scanning, policy compliance assessment, and asset discovery required by NIST 800-171 risk assessment controls (3.11.x family).
CUI Risk Assessment
FedRAMP High authorized. Leading vulnerability management platform. Essential for NIST 800-171 3.11.x vulnerability scanning requirements.
Using Qualys Government Cloud in a Defense Contractor Environment
Qualys Government Cloud serves as a cornerstone vulnerability management platform for defense contractors handling CUI categories including technical data packages (TDP), controlled technical information (CTI), procurement sensitive information, and DoD financial data. Within CMMC Level 2 authorization boundaries, Qualys typically operates as an authorized external service scanning internal CUI systems and networks, requiring careful boundary documentation in the SSP. The platform's FedRAMP High authorization enables it to process and store vulnerability data derived from CUI systems without additional compensating controls, though contractors must ensure proper data classification and handling procedures for scan results containing CUI derivatives. DCMA/DIBCAC assessors consistently evaluate Qualys implementations for proper configuration of authenticated scanning, asset inventory accuracy, and integration with POA&M processes required by AC-2, RA-5, and SI-2 controls. Recent DCMA reviews have praised Qualys Government Cloud deployments that demonstrate continuous monitoring capabilities and automated patch management workflows. However, assessors flag implementations lacking proper scan scheduling for CUI systems during operational hours or inadequate vulnerability remediation tracking. The platform's VMDR (Vulnerability Management, Detection and Response) capabilities directly support NIST 800-171 requirements for vulnerability scanning (3.11.2), security alerts (3.3.3), and flaw remediation (3.14.1). Defense contractors must ensure Qualys user accounts follow least privilege principles and that vulnerability reports containing CUI-derived data are properly marked and stored within authorized boundaries.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Government Cloud (FedRAMP boundary)
Qualys Government Cloud 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 Qualys Government Cloud for CUI environments should plan a 8-12 week deployment timeline divided into four phases: (1) Authorization boundary analysis and SSP updates (2-3 weeks), (2) Scanner deployment and network configuration (2-3 weeks), (3) Asset discovery and authenticated scanning setup (2-3 weeks), and (4) Integration with existing security tools and POA&M workflows (2-3 weeks). Data handling during implementation requires careful classification of scan results, as vulnerability data derived from CUI systems inherits CUI markings and must be stored within FedRAMP boundaries. User training focuses on proper vulnerability prioritization using Qualys VMDR risk scores, CUI marking requirements for reports, and integration with existing change management processes. Compliance documentation updates include modifying the SSP to reflect Qualys as an authorized external service, updating authorization boundary diagrams to show scanning relationships, and creating POA&M entries for initial vulnerability findings. The platform integrates well with existing SIEM solutions like Splunk Government Cloud and ticketing systems like ServiceNow for DoD. Initial licensing costs range from $15,000-$50,000 annually depending on asset count, with implementation services adding $10,000-$25,000. Organizations should budget additional costs for potential network segmentation changes ($5,000-$15,000) and staff training ($2,000-$5,000). The investment typically pays for itself within 6-9 months through improved vulnerability remediation timelines and automated compliance reporting capabilities required for CMMC Level 2 maintenance.
Configuration Checklist
- 1ISSO shall update the System Security Plan (SSP) to include Qualys Government Cloud as an authorized external service within the CUI authorization boundary per NIST 800-171 3.1.20.
- 2System administrator shall configure Qualys scanners with authenticated credentials following least privilege principles and document scanner placement in network architecture diagrams.
- 3ISSO shall establish vulnerability scanning schedules for all CUI systems ensuring compliance with NIST 800-171 3.11.2 requirements for regular vulnerability assessments.
- 4Security team shall configure Qualys VMDR to automatically create POA&M entries for critical and high vulnerabilities per DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements.
- 5ISSO shall implement proper CUI marking procedures for all Qualys vulnerability reports and scan results containing system configuration data.
- 6System administrator shall integrate Qualys with existing SIEM platforms to enable continuous monitoring capabilities required by NIST 800-171 3.3.3.
- 7Compliance officer shall train all Qualys users on CUI handling requirements and vulnerability remediation workflows per DFARS 252.204-7021.
- 8ISSO shall configure Qualys asset inventory features to maintain accurate system component tracking as required by NIST 800-171 3.4.1.
- 9Security team shall establish automated patch management workflows using Qualys VMDR to meet NIST 800-171 3.14.1 flaw remediation requirements.
- 10ISSO shall document Qualys backup and disaster recovery procedures ensuring CUI data protection aligns with NIST 800-171 3.8.9 requirements.
Compliance Cross-References
Qualys Government Cloud's FedRAMP High authorization directly supports multiple NIST 800-171 control families critical for CUI protection. The platform addresses Risk Assessment (RA) controls through continuous vulnerability scanning (3.11.2) and security control assessments (3.11.3), while supporting System and Information Integrity (SI) controls via flaw remediation tracking (3.14.1) and malicious code protection through vulnerability detection (3.14.2). Access Control (AC) requirements are met through authenticated scanning capabilities that verify user account configurations (3.1.1-3.1.22) and system component inventory management (3.4.1-3.4.9). Under DFARS 252.204-7012, Qualys enables contractors to demonstrate adequate security protections for CUI through documented vulnerability management processes, while DFARS 252.204-7021 compliance is supported through automated incident detection capabilities. For CMMC Level 2 assessments, Qualys impacts multiple domains including Asset Management (AM), Risk Management (RM), and System and Information Integrity (SI), with assessors evaluating scanner deployment, vulnerability remediation workflows, and integration with organizational security programs. The platform's continuous monitoring capabilities directly fulfill FedRAMP requirements for ongoing authorization maintenance while supporting the security control inheritance model required for cloud service implementations.
Other FedRAMP Authorized Cybersecurity Tools
Related Compliance Assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need vulnerability scanning for CMMC?
Yes. NIST 800-171 control 3.11.2 requires scanning for vulnerabilities periodically and when new vulnerabilities are identified. Qualys Government is a FedRAMP High authorized solution for this requirement.
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