How is an asset defined in relation to CMMC compliance?

An asset in the context of CMMC compliance is defined as both tangible and intangible items of value to stakeholders. This broad definition encompasses a variety of resources that organizations may own or manage.

Tangible assets include physical items such as hardware, software, and other physical devices that hold value and could be essential for organizational operations, security, or compliance. Intangible assets, on the other hand, refer to non-physical resources like intellectual property, proprietary software codes, and sensitive data. Both types of assets are critical for an organization’s operations and require appropriate safeguards to ensure their security.

Understanding that assets can be both tangible and intangible is essential for compliance with CMMC standards. Organizations must take into consideration the holistic view of their assets to effectively manage risks and implement necessary security controls. This integration of various types of assets highlights the importance of a comprehensive risk management and security strategy within the CMMC framework. Thus, the correct definition of an asset directly aligns with CMMC's aim of protecting all valuable resources within an organization.