Modern businesses thrive on collaboration. Tools like Teams, SharePoint, and other cloud platforms make it easier than ever to communicate and share documents. But for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), these tools can introduce risks if not configured properly.
CUI is subject to strict controls under frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). While cloud-based platforms are powerful, they must be secured with appropriate governance, access controls, and monitoring.
One common pitfall is assuming that standard commercial cloud platforms are sufficient for protecting CUI. In reality, they may lack the segregation, auditability, or encryption standards required for compliance.
A practical approach some companies take is to create a CMMC enclave—a logically separated environment designed to meet the specific requirements for CUI. This enclave operates alongside broader IT systems but maintains the necessary controls for regulated data.
Before rolling out cloud collaboration tools across your organization, it's essential to assess the compliance implications, especially when CUI is involved. Understanding the security boundaries of your tools is just as important as adopting them.