Introduction

A STIG compliance audit can be stressful, but proper preparation makes the difference between a smooth assessment and a painful experience. This guide provides a complete checklist to help you prepare for your next STIG compliance audit, whether it's an internal assessment, third-party evaluation, or formal DoD authorization.

Pre-Audit Phase (6-8 Weeks Before)

1. Understand the Audit Scope

Clarify with auditors:

• Which systems will be assessed
• Which STIG versions are required
• Assessment methodology (automated, manual, or hybrid)
• Timeline and key milestones
• Deliverables expected
• Point of contact for questions

2. Conduct Internal Pre-Assessment

Run your own compliance assessment before the official audit:

• Perform credentialed STIG scans on all in-scope systems
• Review results and identify gaps
• Calculate current compliance percentages
• Create prioritized remediation list
• Target 95%+ compliance before audit begins

3. Update System Inventory

Prepare detailed inventory including:

• System names and IP addresses
• Operating systems and versions
• Installed applications
• System classifications (confidentiality levels)
• Applicable STIG versions
• System owners and POCs

Technical Preparation (3-4 Weeks Before)

5. Remediate Critical Findings

Focus on high-impact issues first:

• Category I findings: Must be addressed—no exceptions
• Category II findings: Remediate or document compelling justifications
• Category III findings: Address low-hanging fruit quickly

6. Prepare Exception Documentation

For findings that cannot be remediated, document:

• Finding ID and description
• Technical justification: Why remediation isn't possible
• Operational impact: Why requirement conflicts with mission
• Compensating controls: Alternative security measures implemented
• Risk acceptance: Who accepted the risk and when
• Mitigation plan: How residual risk is managed

During the Audit

16. Opening Meeting Best Practices

• Arrive early and be prepared
• Introduce all team members and their roles
• Confirm scope and methodology
• Discuss logistics and communication
• Ask about assessor needs and preferences

17. Daily Operations

• Hold morning stand-ups to discuss the day's plan
• Respond promptly to assessor questions
• Track all requests and responses in a log
• Hold evening debriefs to address issues
• Document unexpected findings immediately

Post-Audit Activities

20. Out-Brief Meeting

• Review preliminary findings
• Clarify any unclear results
• Understand next steps and timeline
• Request copies of all reports and evidence

22. Create Remediation Plan

• Prioritize findings by severity
• Assign owners for each finding
• Set realistic deadlines
• Update POA&M with new findings
• Schedule follow-up assessments

Final Tips for Audit Success

Do:

• Be honest and transparent
• Respond promptly to requests
• Maintain professional demeanor
• Document everything
• Ask for clarification when needed
• Treat assessors as partners, not adversaries

Don't:

• Hide or minimize findings
• Make promises you can't keep
• Become defensive or argumentative
• Provide information without verification
• Try to "spin" negative results

Conclusion

Thorough preparation is the key to a successful STIG compliance audit. Start early, stay organized, maintain open communication, and treat the audit as an opportunity to improve your security posture. With proper preparation, you can approach the audit with confidence and demonstrate your commitment to security excellence.