Why Your System Security Plan (SSP) is the Backbone of a CMMC Audit

CMMC Essentials

Make Your SSP the Easiest Part of the Audit

An SSP that’s clear, current, and evidence-first turns audit day into show-and-tell instead of hide-and-seek.

Practical guideEvidence mapping~5 min read

What auditors actually want

They’re looking for three things: what the control requires, how you meet it, and where to verify it. If your SSP answers those in one place, you’ve done 80% of the work.

Rule of thumb: every control entry should fit on a single screen with links to live proof.

SSP anatomy that works

  • Control & objective — the exact requirement text you’re addressing.
  • Status — Implemented, Partially implemented, or Planned.
    Implemented Internally owned
  • Ownership — process owner, operators, and how often it runs.
  • Technology — the systems that enforce the control.
  • Evidence — screenshots, exports, and direct links to the portal view an auditor will open.

Map objective → implementation → evidence

Objective: Only authorized transactions/functions are permitted.
Implementation
RBAC based on job role; approvals tracked in change tickets.
Evidence
Role assignments (portal) Open → Access review report (PDF) Download
Objective: Access is limited to defined functions.
Implementation
Conditional Access: MFA + compliant device; deny by default.
Evidence
Policy export (CSV) View Sign-in logs (Portal) Open →
Swap the example links with real, deep links to your tenant or tool.

Workflow you can repeat every quarter

  • Pull the current control text and objectives.
  • Confirm ownership and frequency; update if the process moved.
  • Capture fresh screenshots and exports; replace anything older than one release.
  • Test each link from a non-admin account to ensure auditors can see it.
  • Archive the prior version—don’t overwrite without version history.

Evidence kit checklist

  • Configuration screenshot(s) with date/time
  • Exported report or log sample
  • Ticket/approval reference
  • Hyperlink to the exact portal screen
  • Procedure or SOP (one page max)
Download checklist See a filled example

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Vague status like “In place” with no owner or cadence
  • Evidence that can’t be reproduced live
  • Dead links or screenshots from deprecated portals
  • Mixing internal vs. outsourced responsibility

Keep it specific. If a stranger can follow your links and see the same settings, you’re ready.

Back to blog

Leave a comment