Exploring CMMC Controls for Level 2 Compliance

As the Department of Defense (DoD) moves towards implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), DoD contractors must understand the controls required for CMMC Level 2 compliance. With a comprehensive grasp of CMMC control types and their impact, you can improve your security posture and maintain compliance.

Keep reading to learn more about CMMC compliance requirements and how meeting the standard helps you secure new DoD contracts.

Why Is CMMC Important?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is an essential requirement for all organizations that handle DoD contracts, as it ensures the highest level of cyber defense standards are met. With the number of security threats rising daily, organizations must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information from malicious attacks and data breaches. The CMMC provides organizations with a comprehensive set of guidelines and requirements that contractors must meet to pass their audits successfully.

What Are the Requirements for CMMC Compliance?

The CMMC covers a wide range of cybersecurity practices, including cybersecurity training, access controls, authentication of users, physical security, and more. Organizations must adhere to the various NIST 800-171 controls outlined in the CMMC framework to meet the requirements for each area.

These include:

Implementing an appropriate incident response program
Performing regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests
Establishing access control mechanisms
Providing user authentication processes
Implementing physical safeguards for equipment and data centers
Monitoring system activities for malicious activities or vulnerabilities

A high Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score is a merit that helps DoD contractors compete for defense contracts with the federal government. Lupa Advisors can build a custom roadmap that prepares your environment for a successful audit.

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Breaking Down Essential NIST 800-171 Controls

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 provides the contractual baseline requirements for CMMC level 2. NIST 800-171 describes a comprehensive set of guidelines, control, and assessment procedures to ensure that organizations have proper security measures.

NIST 800-171 divides security measures into several categories. These include people, processes, technologies, asset management, monitoring and detection, and response and recovery. These measures include but are not limited to cybersecurity training, access controls, authenticating users, physical security, and assessment and retesting.

Here’s an explanation of a few essential CMMC control requirements:

Cybersecurity Training

The first step to meeting CMMC Level 2 requirements is providing all personnel with cybersecurity training. This training should cover topics such as recognizing phishing emails, how to securely store and manage passwords, and the proper ways to handle confidential information.

It’s important to have a well-documented policy outlining the training program, who needs to receive it, and when refresher courses are necessary. Additionally, a continuous employee awareness program is recommended to keep employees up to date on cyberthreat changes and other relevant security topics.

Access Controls

Access controls are an essential aspect of CMMC Level 2 compliance due to the sensitivity of DoD data. At this security assessment and evaluation level, organizations need to implement multiple access control methods based on NIST 800-171 guidelines.

Examples of these methods include user authentication (e.g., two-factor authentication), role-based access control (RBAC), access privileges management systems (APMSs), and access rights management systems (ARMSs). These should be implemented for computers or devices and digital assets such as databases or cloud storage solutions.

Authenticate Users

Organizations must ensure that users are authenticated before accessing confidential information or resources. This means implementing two-factor authentication and additional authentication measures depending on the type of data being accessed or used by the user. For example, biometric authentication may be needed for more sensitive data while strong password policies should be implemented for basic user accounts accessing less sensitive information like webpages or internal documents.

Physical Security

When it comes to CMMC Level 2 assessments, physical security measures must also be taken into consideration. Physical barriers such as doors, locks, and fences must be secured against unauthorized activities or personnel. Unauthorized people should not have access to any equipment or areas of the workplace, and entry points must be locked for the safety of employees.

Visitor logs must be kept up to date so that anyone entering restricted areas can easily be tracked if necessary. Access control rules must be implemented to track who enters and exits areas where only certain individuals are allowed.

Assess and Retest

Organizations must also be prepared to evaluate and retest their security measures to remain compliant with CMMC Level 2. This includes evaluating network configurations and rechecking access control lists for all hardware and software systems. It is also vital to evaluate user access levels and validate the effectiveness of physical security measures.

Organizations should perform periodic scans to ensure their systems are free from malicious activities or vulnerabilities. These scans may include testing for phishing attacks, spam, spyware, viruses, and other forms of malware. Contractors should prepare a formal incident response plan that clearly outlines the procedure for reporting and responding to cyberattacks and other threats.

IT Technician Using Monitors in Data Center

Meet CMMC Requirements With Experts at Lupa Advisors

Our professionals have the experience to guide you through the compliance process. We’ve mastered the CMMC domains. We help you get back to your core competencies by giving you the tools and resources to align your business interests with CMMC requirements. With a solid understanding of the latest controls and technology, you’re better able to keep current contracts, pursue new ones, or position your organization for sale.

Ready to keep up with CMMC compliance? Reach out to our team today.

Exploring CMMC Controls for Level 2 Compliance

Why Is CMMC Important?

What Are the Requirements for CMMC Compliance?

Breaking Down Essential NIST 800-171 Controls

Cybersecurity Training

Access Controls

Authenticate Users

Physical Security

Assess and Retest

Meet CMMC Requirements With Experts at Lupa Advisors

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