Cohesity DataProtect
by Cohesity
Covered
7
controls
Partial
2
controls
Gaps
4
controls
Overview
Cohesity DataProtect by Cohesity is a backup & recovery solution that covers 7 NIST 800-171 controls (6% total coverage). It addresses key requirements in the backup & recovery domain for defense contractors pursuing CMMC compliance.
Implementation Notes
Deploy Cohesity DataProtect with FIPS-validated configurations. Integrate with your SIEM for centralized audit logging. Review partial controls quarterly to identify supplementary tooling needs.
More Backup & Recovery Products
Implementation Guidance for Cohesity DataProtect
Configure Cohesity DataProtect to support NIST 800-171 compliance by focusing on these key control families: **CP (Contingency Planning)**: Enable continuous data protection with RPO settings of 15 minutes or less for CUI systems. Configure backup policies with 3-2-1 rule compliance - maintain 3 copies with 2 different media types and 1 offsite. Set retention periods to match legal hold requirements (typically 3-7 years for defense contractors). Enable DataLock (WORM) protection against ransomware. **AU (Audit and Accountability)**: Configure comprehensive audit logging for all backup/restore operations. Enable SIEM integration via syslog to forward events to your security operations center. Set up alerts for failed backups, unauthorized access attempts, and data export activities. **SC (System and Communications Protection)**: Enable end-to-end encryption using AES-256 for data at rest and in transit. Configure certificate-based authentication and integrate with PKI infrastructure. Implement network segmentation by placing Cohesity clusters on dedicated backup VLANs. **Assessment Evidence Generation**: Use Cohesity's native reporting to generate backup success/failure reports, recovery time metrics, and compliance dashboards. Export audit logs monthly for C3PAO reviews. **Security Stack Integration**: Deploy Cohesity with DNS integration for automated discovery, LDAP/AD for user authentication, and SNMP monitoring integration with tools like Splunk or QRadar. **Common Pitfalls**: Failing to enable immutable snapshots leads to CP-9 findings. Not configuring proper RBAC results in AC-2 violations. Inadequate network segmentation causes SC-7 gaps. Missing audit log forwarding results in AU-3 deficiencies during assessments.
Gap Analysis & Compensating Controls
The 4 uncovered NIST controls create significant compliance gaps that require additional tools and procedures. **Access Control (AC)** gaps are the most critical - Cohesity lacks native privileged access management and session recording capabilities required for AC-6(9) and AC-6(10). Implement CyberArk or BeyondTrust PAM solutions alongside role-based access controls within Cohesity. **Identification and Authentication (IA)** deficiencies include missing multifactor authentication enforcement and certificate management - integrate with Okta or Azure AD for MFA and implement certificate lifecycle management. **System and Information Integrity (SI)** gaps center on missing vulnerability scanning and malware protection for backed-up data - deploy Qualys VMDR for vulnerability management and integrate endpoint protection platforms like CrowdStrike. **Media Protection (MP)** requires additional physical security controls for tape media and transport procedures not covered by Cohesity's software-only approach. **SSP Documentation**: Document these gaps in Section 13 (minimum security requirements not met) with specific compensating controls. Create POA&M entries with target completion dates and assigned responsible parties. **Gap Priority**: Address AC gaps first (high CMMC weight), followed by IA integration (medium weight), then SI scanning automation (medium weight), and finally MP procedural controls (lower weight but required for data transport compliance). Consider bundled solutions like Microsoft 365 E5 or AWS security services for cost-effective gap coverage.
Compliance Cost Estimate
Cohesity DataProtect licensing ranges from $15,000-$50,000 annually for small defense contractors (10-100 users) up to $200,000-$500,000 for larger organizations (1000+ users), based on protected data capacity and feature requirements. Implementation costs include professional services ($25,000-$75,000) for initial configuration, NIST control mapping, and integration with existing security tools. Ongoing maintenance requires dedicated backup administrator time (0.5-1 FTE) plus annual support contracts (20-25% of license cost). Compared to competitors like Veeam or Commvault, Cohesity offers competitive total cost of ownership due to integrated deduplication and cloud-native architecture, typically 15-30% lower than traditional solutions when factoring in storage efficiency and reduced infrastructure requirements.
Compliance Cross-References
Cohesity DataProtect directly supports DFARS 252.204-7012 Clause (b)(1) covered defense information protection requirements through encrypted backup storage and Clause (c) cyber incident reporting via comprehensive audit trails. For **CMMC Level 2**, it satisfies Assessment Objectives in AC.L2-3.1.1 (authorized user access to backups), AC.L2-3.1.2 (system access controls), AU.L2-3.3.1 (audit record creation), AU.L2-3.3.2 (audit record content), CP.L2-3.8.3 (information system backups), CP.L2-3.8.4 (backup testing), and SC.L2-3.13.11 (cryptographic protection). **FedRAMP Control Alignment** includes CP-9 (Information System Backup), CP-10 (Information System Recovery), AU-2 (Audit Events), AU-3 (Content of Audit Records), SC-8 (Transmission Confidentiality), and SC-28 (Protection of Information at Rest). **Additional Tools Required**: Identity and Access Management (Okta/Azure AD) for IA-2 MFA requirements, Security Information Event Management (Splunk/QRadar) for AU-6 audit review, and Vulnerability Management (Qualys/Rapid7) for SI-2 flaw remediation. These integrations ensure comprehensive coverage of CMMC Level 2 requirements while leveraging Cohesity's backup and recovery capabilities as the foundation for business continuity controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NIST 800-171 controls does Cohesity DataProtect cover?
Cohesity DataProtect covers 7 of 110 NIST 800-171 controls (6%), with 2 partially covered and 4 gaps.
Can Cohesity DataProtect alone satisfy CMMC Level 2?
No single tool covers all 110 NIST 800-171 controls. Cohesity DataProtect covers 6% and should be part of a layered security stack addressing the remaining controls.
What controls does Cohesity DataProtect not cover?
Cohesity DataProtect does not cover controls ia-3-5-1, pe-3-10-1, ac-3-1-12, si-3-14-1. These require supplementary solutions such as physical security controls, additional access management, or media protection tools.
Map Your Full Security Stack
See NIST 800-171 control coverage for 80+ security products.
Open NIST Tool MapperTrack Cohesity DataProtect NIST 800-171 coverage 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