The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a new set of standards developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve the security of government contractors and protect their data. The system was divided into five levels, each with its own requirements that must be met for a company to comply.
The CMMC 2.0 update further increased the rigor of these requirements, with businesses needing to achieve specific controls at each level to remain compliant. The requirements have been condensed from five distinct levels to three.
Here are a few details on the new CMMC standards:
Level 1 compliance requires organizations to implement basic cyber hygiene measures such as vulnerability scans and secure access control systems. This level also requires companies to assess risk on an ongoing basis and have procedures in place in case of a breach or other incident. Level 1 compliance is generally considered sufficient for federal contract information (FCI). FCI is provided by or generated for the federal government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service. Some examples of FCI would be contract performance reports, organizational charts, and process documentation. These are most likely produced by the government but can also be produced by your organization.
Organizations will need to reach Level 2 compliance or above for higher-risk contracts. Level 2 adds additional layers of security, such as multi-factor authentication or encryption technology, as well as third-party risk assessment services and hazard identification processes. It also requires organizations to maintain detailed records of their cyber risk measures and demonstrate how they protect confidential information from unauthorized access or disclosure.
Level 3 introduces even more stringent cybersecurity controls, including capability maturity models and formal processes covering incident response planning and post-incident recovery activities. Organizations must also conduct regular audits and assessments and maintain detailed documentation regarding organizational policies related to IT security practices. This level is typically reserved for high-risk contracts where an organization’s sensitive data may be at greater risk if external forces or malicious actors compromise it.
The CMMC is designed to protect sensitive government data and ensure that contractors follow best security practices. Any business that contracts with the DoD must comply with the appropriate level of the CMMC, including their subcontractors. This means that all companies in the supply chain need to meet the appropriate requirements, or they risk losing out on lucrative government contracts. To help businesses comply with these new standards, the DoD has provided resources and guidance on achieving each level of security.
Companies who don’t have the time or resources to spare for learning the nuances of CMMC 2.0 security requirements can also partner with a third-party consultant. These organizations advocate for DoD contractors and subcontractors by advising them on how to get from point A to point B in CMMC compliance. They help align your business interest with national security requirements, ensuring you have the technology and procedures to pass a third-party assessment and achieve a perfect Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score.
Any company that wishes to do business with the DoD needs to meet the applicable level of CMMC compliance for their sector and relevant contracts. This includes various entities such as defense firms, subcontractors, and suppliers. It’s crucial for all businesses working in the defense industry or federal government contracts to understand which level they need and how they can ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.
Understanding compliance guidelines will help ensure the following:
All contractor and subcontractor suppliers in the DoD supply chain will need to comply with the second level. Organizations maintaining highly sensitive information, such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), will need to secure the highest level of controls and solutions. All organizations pursuing Level 3 compliance will be subject to direct inspection by the DoD.
Are you unsure where to start with compliance? CMMC evaluations help businesses better protect their data from outside threats and prepare for an audit. A CMMC specialist assesses your organization’s security measures and determines which of the three levels you need to comply with. The evaluations also provide a roadmap for continuous improvement of your security solutions, allowing you to stay ahead of any potential threats.
Are you prepared for CMMC 2.0 compliance? Our team understands that evaluating your security posture can distract from your core competencies and feel like a resource drain. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to guide businesses through the process step by step.
We’re your advocates—our experts provide the technology and knowledge you need to button up your security framework before an audit occurs. We discover your core objectives and structure a roadmap that helps you gain and maintain compliance no matter how often the CMMC ruleset shifts.
Ready to comply? Reach out today.
Exploring CMMC Controls for Level 2 Compliance