What are artifacts in the context of CMMC assessments?

Artifacts in the context of CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) assessments refer to tangible and reviewable records that demonstrate an organization's compliance with specific cybersecurity practices and processes. These artifacts can include policies, procedures, logs, system configurations, and other documented evidence that show how an organization implements its security measures. The purpose of these artifacts is to provide assessors with clear, objective information to evaluate the organization's adherence to the required CMMC standards.

By focusing on concrete, tangible documentation, artifacts allow for thorough examination during the assessment process. They help ensure that the organization not only has the proper security controls in place but also operates them effectively and consistently. This aligns with the principles of CMMC, which emphasize not only having a framework but also demonstrating its implementation through real-world evidence.

Other options do not capture the essence of artifacts in this context. Intangible concepts of cybersecurity do not provide the necessary evidence or materials needed for assessment. Limiting artifacts to only electronic files related to system performance ignores the broader range of documentation that may be required. Government specifications for equipment are not considered artifacts but rather guidelines or requirements that may inform the development of security practices.