The Department of Defense (DoD) has been working on a set of processes to ensure that defense industrial base (DIB) contractors are meeting cybersecurity standards when handling government-related information. This process is better known as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification or CMMC for short. Ever since its introduction in 2020, CMMC has undergone many changes, but at its core, it holds defense contractors accountable for cybersecurity hygiene. When dealing with federal contracts, protecting sensitive classified information is paramount.
Are you looking to work with federal contracts, but aren’t sure if you are up to par with your Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification? Let’s take a deeper dive into CMMC and how it can open new opportunities for your business.
What is the CMMC Framework?
According to the DoD, the CMMC framework includes, “A comprehensive and scalable certification element to verify the implementation of processes and practices associated with the achievement of a cybersecurity maturity level.” In general terms, the CMMC framework is designed to help organizations protect their data and information systems against cyberthreats by establishing a set of best practices, processes, and controls that align with their business needs. The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is subject to more frequent and complex attacks due to the nature of the information that is held. It would only make sense to create a set of practices that help safeguard the information that supports the welfare of DIBs.
Let’s now discuss the changes that organizations are experiencing with the new standards set forth in CMMC 2.0.
CMMC 2.0
The Department of Defense has recently put into play a new version of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification that introduces several key changes. What do these changes look like and how can they affect your business in getting certified? The CMMC 2.0 program focuses on three key features:
- Tiered Model: CMMC requires that companies who handle national security information implement cybersecurity standards at an advanced level, depending on the type of information they have access to.
- Assessment Requirement: CMMC assessments give the DoD the chance to verify that cybersecurity standards are put in place.
- Implementation through Contracts: Once CMMC is fully implemented, certain DoD contractors will be required to receive a certain level of CMMC to obtain contracts.
Organizations must adhere to these regulations, but it doesn’t stop there. Besides following these three key features, organizations must adhere to the new levels set forth by CMMC standards. These levels include:
- Level 1: Organizations will need to show that they are practicing basic cyber hygiene across 17 practices. These requirements are held under FAR 53.204-21.
- Level 2: Besides having to show basic cyber hygiene across 110 practices, organizations will have to demonstrate that they are following the requirements of NIST SP 800-171.
- Level 3: Contractors will need to show compliance with NIST SP 800-172—this was designed to help protect data against advanced attacks. Organizations will also be required to show basic cyber hygiene across 110 additional practices, including the steps from Level 1 and Level 2.
How Can We Help You Be CMMC Compliant?
All this information can sound daunting, but that’s why we are here to help. By partnering with Universal Data, we can help you get CMMC compliant by offering a CMMC compliance audit. We understand these new compliance regulations can be difficult, but we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to build a roadmap to CMMC compliance.