During aCMMC assessment, assessors rely on interviews to validate the implementation of cybersecurity practices within anOrganization Seeking Certification (OSC). Ensuringconfidentiality and non-attributionallows employees to speak freely without fear of retaliation or bias, leading to more accurate and candid responses.
CMMC Assessment Process and the Role of Interviews
TheCMMC Assessment Guide(Level 2) states thatinterviews are a key methodto verify compliance with security controls.
Employees may hesitate to provide truthful information if they fear negative consequences.
To obtain accurate information, assessors must create an environment where team members feel safe.
Ensuring Non-Attribution for Accurate Responses
DoD Assessment Methodologyhighlights thatinterviewees should remain anonymousin reports.
Non-attribution reduces the risk of OSC leadership influencing responses or retaliating against employees.
Employees are more likely to provideaccurateandhonestdescriptions of their responsibilities when confidentiality is guaranteed.
Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:
(A) Interview groups of people to get collective answers:
Group interviews may limit honest responses due topeer pressure or management presence.
Employees mayhesitate to contradictsupervisors or peers in a group setting.
(B) Understand that testing is more important than interviews:
While testing (e.g., reviewing logs, configurations, and security settings) is crucial, interviews providecontexton how security practices are implemented and followed.
Interviewscomplementtesting rather than being less important.
(D) Let team members know the questions prior to the assessment:
Advanced notice may allow employees toprepare rehearsed answers, which might not reflect actual practices.
This couldreduce the effectivenessof the interview process.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:Final Validation from CMMC Documentation:TheCMMC Assessment Process Guideand DoDAssessment Methodologyemphasize the importance of confidentiality in interviews to ensure accuracy.Non-attribution protects employees and ensures assessors get honest, unfiltered answers.
Thus, the correct answer is:
C. Ensure confidentiality and non-attribution of team members.
