Forcepoint DLP
by Forcepoint
Covered
8
controls
Partial
2
controls
Gaps
3
controls
Overview
Forcepoint DLP by Forcepoint is a data protection solution that covers 8 NIST 800-171 controls (7% total coverage). It addresses key requirements in the data protection domain for defense contractors pursuing CMMC compliance.
Implementation Notes
Deploy Forcepoint DLP 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 Forcepoint DLP
Configure Forcepoint DLP to satisfy NIST 800-171 controls by implementing comprehensive data classification and protection policies. For AC (Access Control) family controls, configure DLP policies that enforce role-based data access restrictions by integrating with Active Directory and applying contextual controls based on user attributes, location, and device compliance status. Set up predefined policy templates for CUI identification using regex patterns for SSNs, financial data, and defense contractor-specific identifiers like CAGE codes. For AU (Audit and Accountability) controls, enable detailed logging of all data movement events including file transfers, email attachments, and cloud uploads, ensuring logs capture user identity, timestamp, data classification, and action taken. Configure SC (System and Communications Protection) by implementing encryption policies that automatically encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit, with specific rules for removable media and cloud storage destinations. For MP (Media Protection) requirements, create policies preventing unauthorized data transfer to USB devices and personal cloud accounts while maintaining detailed audit trails. Generate assessment evidence through Forcepoint's reporting dashboard by creating compliance reports showing policy violations, remediation actions, and control effectiveness metrics. Export incident reports, policy coverage statistics, and user activity logs for C3PAO review. Integrate with SIEM platforms like Splunk or IBM QRadar for centralized log correlation and with endpoint protection tools for comprehensive visibility. Common misconfigurations include overly permissive policies that generate false positives, insufficient integration with identity management systems causing access control gaps, and inadequate monitoring of encrypted channels leading to blind spots in data exfiltration detection.
Gap Analysis & Compensating Controls
The 3 uncovered NIST 800-171 controls primarily fall within IA (Identification and Authentication), IR (Incident Response), and CA (Security Assessment and Authorization) families. The IA family gap represents the most critical weakness, as Forcepoint DLP lacks native multi-factor authentication capabilities and cannot enforce strong authentication requirements for data access. Implement compensating controls through integration with identity providers like Okta or Azure AD, documenting this architectural dependency in your SSP Section 10 (System Environment). For IR family gaps, Forcepoint DLP provides detection but lacks automated incident response orchestration. Deploy a complementary SOAR platform like Phantom or Demisto to automate containment actions and incident workflows, detailing this integration in POA&M items with 90-day remediation timelines. The CA family gap involves continuous monitoring and security assessment automation that requires additional vulnerability scanning and configuration management tools. Prioritize closing the IA gap first as it carries the highest CMMC assessment weight and directly impacts data protection effectiveness. Document gaps in SSP Section 13 (Minimum Security Controls) with clear explanations of compensating controls and risk acceptance decisions. Include specific POA&M entries for each gap with measurable milestones, responsible parties, and estimated completion dates. The IR gap should be addressed second, as incident response capability is heavily weighted in CMMC Level 2 assessments and demonstrates organizational maturity to C3PAOs.
Compliance Cost Estimate
Forcepoint DLP licensing costs range from $45-85 per user annually depending on deployment model and feature set, with enterprise licenses for 500+ users typically falling at the lower end. Initial implementation requires 2-4 weeks of professional services costing $15,000-30,000 for policy configuration, integration setup, and staff training. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance costs approximately $2,000-4,000 monthly for managed services or one dedicated FTE for organizations over 200 users. Compared to competitors like Symantec DLP ($35-70/user/year) or Microsoft Purview ($5-15/user/year with existing M365), Forcepoint offers mid-range pricing with superior detection accuracy but higher operational overhead. Cloud deployment reduces infrastructure costs by 30-40% versus on-premises installation. Factor in additional costs for SIEM integration, identity management platform subscriptions, and C3PAO assessment fees when calculating total compliance investment.
Compliance Cross-References
Forcepoint DLP directly supports DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements for safeguarding covered defense information through automated data classification, monitoring, and protection capabilities. It satisfies CMMC Level 2 domains AC.L2-3.1.1 (authorized access enforcement), AC.L2-3.1.2 (transaction and function controls), and AU.L2-3.3.1 (audit event creation) through comprehensive access logging and data activity monitoring. The solution addresses SC.L2-3.13.1 (boundary protection) by controlling data flows across network boundaries and SC.L2-3.13.11 (cryptographic protection) through encryption policy enforcement. For FedRAMP controls, Forcepoint DLP maps to AC-3 (Access Enforcement), AU-2 (Audit Events), and SC-28 (Protection of Information at Rest). CMMC assessment objectives CA.L2-3.12.1 (periodic assessments) and CA.L2-3.12.4 (security plan updates) require supplementary tools as Forcepoint lacks automated compliance reporting capabilities. Assessment evidence includes DLP policy documentation, incident response logs, encryption verification reports, and user access audit trails that demonstrate continuous monitoring and protection of CUI throughout its lifecycle within contractor information systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NIST 800-171 controls does Forcepoint DLP cover?
Forcepoint DLP covers 8 of 110 NIST 800-171 controls (7%), with 2 partially covered and 3 gaps.
Can Forcepoint DLP alone satisfy CMMC Level 2?
No single tool covers all 110 NIST 800-171 controls. Forcepoint DLP covers 7% and should be part of a layered security stack addressing the remaining controls.
What controls does Forcepoint DLP not cover?
Forcepoint DLP does not cover controls ia-3-5-1, pe-3-10-1, cm-3-4-1. These require supplementary solutions such as physical security controls, additional access management, or media protection tools.
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