Arista NDR
by Arista Networks
Covered
7
controls
Partial
2
controls
Gaps
5
controls
Overview
Arista NDR by Arista Networks is a network security solution that covers 7 NIST 800-171 controls (6% total coverage). It addresses key requirements in the network security domain for defense contractors pursuing CMMC compliance.
Partially Covered (2)
Implementation Notes
Deploy Arista NDR with FIPS-validated configurations. Integrate with your SIEM for centralized audit logging. Review partial controls quarterly to identify supplementary tooling needs.
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Implementation Guidance for Arista NDR
To configure Arista NDR for NIST 800-171 compliance, focus on four key control families. For SI-4 (Information System Monitoring), enable real-time network traffic analysis with deep packet inspection (DPI) activated on all ingress/egress points. Configure automated alerting for suspicious lateral movement patterns and data exfiltration attempts. Set retention periods to minimum 90 days for audit trails. For AC-4 (Information Flow Enforcement), implement network segmentation policies that align with your data classification schema. Configure microsegmentation rules to restrict communication between untrusted and CUI-processing systems. For SC-7 (Boundary Protection), deploy sensors at network perimeters and internal boundaries, enabling stateful inspection and application-layer filtering. Configure deny-by-default rules with explicit allow policies for authorized traffic flows. For AU-6 (Audit Review), establish automated analysis of network logs with correlation rules that detect NIST 800-171 violation patterns. To generate assessment evidence, export detailed flow logs, security event reports, and policy violation summaries in SIEM-compatible formats. Integrate with existing SIEM platforms via syslog or API connections for centralized compliance reporting. Common misconfigurations include inadequate sensor placement missing internal network segments, overly permissive baseline policies that don't enforce least privilege, insufficient log retention periods that fail audit requirements, and lack of automated alerting for policy violations. Ensure all network zones containing CUI have dedicated monitoring coverage and that detection rules specifically address insider threat scenarios common in defense contractor environments.
Gap Analysis & Compensating Controls
Arista NDR's 5 uncovered controls primarily span Access Control (AC) and System and Communications Protection (SC) families. The largest gaps include AC-2 (Account Management) and AC-3 (Access Enforcement), requiring dedicated identity management solutions like Active Directory with privileged access management tools. AC-6 (Least Privilege) necessitates endpoint protection platforms and application whitelisting solutions to complement network-level controls. SC-8 (Transmission Confidentiality) gaps require implementing network encryption through VPN concentrators or encrypted tunnel solutions, as Arista NDR focuses on detection rather than data protection. SC-13 (Cryptographic Protection) demands dedicated key management systems and certificate authorities. To document these gaps in your System Security Plan (SSP), categorize them under 'Planned' implementation status with specific timelines in your Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). Recommended compensating controls include CyberArk for privileged access management (addressing AC-2/AC-3), Microsoft BitLocker for data-at-rest encryption (SC-13), and Cisco AnyConnect for transmission protection (SC-8). Priority order for gap closure should be: (1) Identity and access management tools for AC-2/AC-3 (highest CMMC assessment weight), (2) Encryption solutions for SC-8/SC-13, (3) Additional monitoring tools for comprehensive coverage. These gaps require budget allocation of $150K-300K annually for mid-sized defense contractors to achieve full NIST 800-171 compliance alongside Arista NDR.
Compliance Cost Estimate
Arista NDR implementation costs range from $50,000-$200,000 annually depending on network size and throughput requirements. Licensing typically costs $15,000-$40,000 per sensor appliance yearly, with most defense contractors requiring 3-8 sensors for comprehensive coverage. Initial implementation and professional services add $25,000-$75,000 for configuration, integration, and staff training. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance costs approximately $20,000-$50,000 annually including managed service options and regular rule updates. Compared to competitors like Darktrace ($80K-$300K) or ExtraHop ($60K-$250K), Arista NDR offers competitive pricing in the mid-market segment. Total three-year cost of ownership typically ranges $175,000-$525,000, positioning it favorably against alternatives while delivering strong ROI through reduced incident response costs and streamlined compliance reporting for NIST 800-171 assessments.
Compliance Cross-References
Arista NDR directly supports DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements for network monitoring and incident detection, particularly clause (b)(1) requiring adequate security controls. For CMMC Level 2, it satisfies SI.L2-3.14.1 (system monitoring) and partially addresses SI.L2-3.14.2 (malicious code protection at network level). The tool supports three of fourteen CMMC domains: System and Information Integrity (SI), Access Control (AC) for network-based controls, and System and Communications Protection (SC) for boundary defense. FedRAMP control alignment includes SI-4 (Information System Monitoring), SC-7 (Boundary Protection), and AU-12 (Audit Generation). CMMC assessment objectives satisfied include identifying and documenting network monitoring capabilities, demonstrating real-time threat detection, and providing audit trails for security events. However, CMMC assessors will require additional tools for identity management (AC domain), endpoint protection (SI domain), and data encryption (SC domain) to achieve comprehensive Level 2 certification. Arista NDR serves as a foundational network security component but must be supplemented with endpoint detection, identity governance, and encryption solutions for complete CMMC compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NIST 800-171 controls does Arista NDR cover?
Arista NDR covers 7 of 110 NIST 800-171 controls (6%), with 2 partially covered and 5 gaps.
Can Arista NDR alone satisfy CMMC Level 2?
No single tool covers all 110 NIST 800-171 controls. Arista NDR covers 6% and should be part of a layered security stack addressing the remaining controls.
What controls does Arista NDR not cover?
Arista NDR does not cover controls mp-3-8-1, ia-3-5-1, pe-3-10-1, cm-3-4-1, ra-3-11-1. These require supplementary solutions such as physical security controls, additional access management, or media protection tools.
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