What is the primary purpose of physical or logical separation of assets that process CUI?

The primary purpose of physical or logical separation of assets that process Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is to limit the scope of a CMMC assessment and ensure controlled access. This separation acts as a security measure that helps organizations create boundaries around sensitive data, thereby enhancing their overall security posture.

By segregating systems that handle CUI from those that do not, organizations can better manage risks and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information. This focused control is essential for compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, which emphasizes the need for safeguarding sensitive information from potential threats. Moreover, such separations facilitate more straightforward and effective assessments, as they help assessors understand the specific environment that contains CUI, making it easier to determine compliance levels.

In contrast, interconnected assets may lead to increased vulnerability and reduce security controls, while enhancing speed of transfer or reducing management costs do not align with the primary security objectives outlined in the CMMC framework. The focus should always be on protecting sensitive information effectively and maintaining rigorous access controls.