Certified Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Professional (CCP) Practice Exam

What is a CUI asset primarily defined as?

1. Asset that is publicly accessible

2. Asset that stores, processes, or transmits CUI

3. Asset used exclusively for internal communications

4. Asset that is obsolete or decommissioned

The correct answer is: Asset that stores, processes, or transmits CUI

The definition of a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) asset centers on its role in handling sensitive government information. Specifically, a CUI asset is primarily defined as an asset that stores, processes, or transmits CUI. This definition is crucial because it identifies the various forms in which CUI can exist within an organization—namely, stored on devices, processed through applications, or transmitted across networks. Understanding this classification is vital for implementing the appropriate security measures to safeguard CUI, as it emphasizes the importance of protecting these assets to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. In contrast to other options, publicly accessible assets do not inherently involve the protection of CUI and can be exposed to a wider audience without specific safeguards. Assets used exclusively for internal communications may not necessarily align with the requirements of CUI. Lastly, an obsolete or decommissioned asset would not actively handle CUI, reflecting a lack of relevance to the current operational context surrounding CUI management and protection. Thus, recognizing the role of CUI assets ensures compliance with federal regulations and enhances the overall security posture of an organization.