Cybersecurity. Certification. Defense.
CMMC Compliance
The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently published a proposed rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, initiating a 60-day comment period.
This update is pivotal for defense contractors and subcontractors, ensuring they meet the necessary information protection requirements for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
The proposed rule aims to refine the CMMC program by addressing public concerns and modifying aspects of the initial CMMC 1.0 program vision.
Why it matters
Secure Your Defense Contracts
This revision aims to streamline the certification process, making it more accessible for defense contractors and subcontractors while maintaining rigorous security standards to protect sensitive information.
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The updated framework emphasizes collaboration between the DoD and defense contractors, recognizing the dynamic nature of cybersecurity threats. The introduction of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) and a government waiver request process offers organizations a pathway to compliance that acknowledges the challenges of achieving immediate full compliance.
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By allowing self-assessments for Level 1 and some Level 2 assessments and minimizing industry costs for Level 3 assessments through government-led assessments, the overall program costs are expected to decrease.
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CMMC 2.0 closely aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172, ensuring that the certification process is grounded in widely recognized cybersecurity standards. This alignment facilitates a more standardized approach to data protection across the defense industry.
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The DoD's commitment to refining the CMMC framework is evident in its open invitation for public comment on proposed rules and guidance documents. This participatory approach ensures that the CMMC evolves in response to stakeholder feedback and the changing cybersecurity landscape.
Secure your dod contracts
Three Essential Levels of CMMC Compliance
This comprehensive model delineates three distinct levels of cybersecurity practices and processes, each tailored to meet the varying needs and threats faced by defense contractors.
Level 1: Foundational
Targets basic cyber hygiene practices to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). This level allows for self-assessment, reducing the barrier to compliance for smaller contractors.
Level 2: Advanced
Focuses on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) with practices aligned to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171. Level 2 serves as the critical tier for most defense contractors, requiring a third-party assessment.
Level 3: Expert
Designed for organizations handling high-value assets or information critical to national security, requiring protection against Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). This level demands a government-led assessment, reflecting its heightened security requirements.
Our process
simplified CMMC compliance
CMMC 2.0 simplifies the previous framework, focusing on three levels of cybersecurity maturity instead of five, making it easier for organizations to understand and comply with the necessary requirements.
1. Initial Consultation and Gap Analysis |
Understanding Your Needs:We start by understanding your operations, current cybersecurity practices, and specific CMMC level goals.
Gap Identification:Our experts conduct a comprehensive gap analysis to identify discrepancies between your current practices and CMMC requirements.
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2. Customized Compliance Roadmap Development |
Strategic Planning:Based on the gap analysis, we develop a tailored CMMC compliance roadmap that aligns with your business objectives.
Resource Allocation:We outline the resources, technologies, and processes needed to achieve compliance.
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3. Implementation and Training |
Control Implementation:Our team assists in implementing the necessary cybersecurity controls and practices to meet CMMC requirements.
Staff Training:We provide targeted training to your staff, ensuring they understand their role in maintaining CMMC compliance.
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4. Pre-Assessment and Remediation |
Mock Assessment:We conduct a pre-assessment to simulate the official CMMC evaluation, identifying any remaining gaps.
Remediation Support:Our team offers guidance on remediating any issues discovered during the pre-assessment to ensure full compliance.
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5. Official CMMC Assessment and Certification |
Assessment Coordination:We help coordinate the official CMMC assessment with a certified third-party assessment organization (C3PAO).
Certification Achievement:Upon successful assessment, your organization achieves CMMC certification, validating your compliance.
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6. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement |
Ongoing Compliance:We provide services for continuous monitoring of your cybersecurity practices to ensure ongoing compliance with CMMC requirements.
Adaptation to Changes:Our team keeps you informed of any updates to CMMC standards and helps adjust your practices as needed.
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get started with systemsteps
Take the Next Step Towards Compliance
Understanding the importance of CMMC compliance is just the beginning. Taking action to meet these standards is what truly matters. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the compliance process, ensuring your business not only meets but exceeds the necessary cybersecurity standards.
Your Free Guide To CMMC Certification
This guide simplifies the certification process, ensuring you cover all necessary steps without missing a beat.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Easy instructions to follow for each certification stage.
Practical Tips: Straightforward advice on meeting each CMMC requirement.
Latest Standards: Information updated to reflect the newest CMMC 2.0 guidelines.
got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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CMMC 2.0, or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0, is an updated framework designed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) within the defense industrial base.
It streamlines the previous model into three levels of cybersecurity maturity to ensure defense contractors meet specific security requirements.
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All defense contractors and subcontractors handling CUI or FCI must comply with CMMC 2.0 requirements. The specific level of certification required depends on the sensitivity of the information they manage and the contracts they pursue.
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The required CMMC level will be specified in the Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Request for Information (RFIs) issued by the DoD. Generally, the level corresponds to the sensitivity of the information handled and the cybersecurity threats associated with it.
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Achieving compliance involves several key steps, including:
Understanding the specific CMMC level required for your contracts.
Conducting a gap analysis to identify current cybersecurity practices and where improvements are needed.
Implementing necessary cybersecurity controls and processes.
Undergoing a self-assessment or third-party assessment, depending on the required level.
Obtaining certification upon successful assessment.
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The time frame varies significantly depending on the current cybersecurity posture of the organization, the CMMC level required, and the complexity of the necessary changes. It can range from a few months to over a year.
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Organizations that fail their assessment will receive feedback on the deficiencies identified. They will need to address these issues and may undergo a re-assessment to achieve certification.
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CMMC certifications are valid for three years. However, organizations are encouraged to continuously monitor and improve their cybersecurity practices to remain compliant and protect against evolving threats.
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Our services provide end-to-end support for achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance, including gap analysis, customized compliance roadmaps, implementation support, training, and assistance with both self-assessments and third-party assessments.
We ensure you understand the requirements, meet all necessary standards, and successfully navigate the certification process.
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Federal Contract Information (FCI) refers to information not intended for public release.
It is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government, but not including information provided by the Government to the public (such as on public websites) or simple transactional information, such as necessary to process payments.
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Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is information that requires protection under laws, regulations, or Government-wide policies but is not classified under Executive Order 13526 or the Atomic Energy Act, as amended.
CUI includes a wide range of sensitive information that is related to privacy, security, proprietary business interests, and other concerns.
