Are you looking for a way to certify your company’s cybersecurity maturity level? If so, then you may be interested in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMCC).
This CMMC certification is offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and can help your business improve its cybersecurity posture. In order to be certified, your company will need to pass a CMMC compliance checklist. Here’s a look at what that checklist entails.
Getting ready for CMMC 2.0
The DoD contractors have to comply with new guidelines to continue working with the department.
These guidelines, known as CMMC 2.0, are intended to improve the cybersecurity of defense contractors. While the guidelines of CMMC framework may seem complicated at first, they can be broken down into a few key points.
What is CMMC 2.0?
The CMMC 2.0 framework is an improvement over the CMMC 1.02 framework. The new cybersecurity framework has increased the requirements for cyber security contractors working with controlled unclassified information.
In order to be compliant with CMMC 2.0, your company will need to have a cyber security program in place. This program should include policies and procedures for managing cyber risks.
It should also include measures for protecting sensitive information. In addition, your company will need to have a plan in place for responding to cyber incidents.
You will also need to ensure that your employees are trained in cyber security.
This training should cover the basics of cyber risks and how to protect sensitive information. In addition, your employees should know how to respond to a cyber incident.
Finally, you will need to have a system in place for monitoring your company’s cyber security posture.
This system should be able to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Who needs to comply with the new CMMC framework?
All companies that work with the DOD will need to comply with CMMC 2.0. This includes companies that work with controlled unclassified information. If your company does not comply with CMMC 2.0, you may be subject to penalties.
These penalties could include the loss of your ability to work with the Defense Department.
Currently, the rules for compliance with CMMC 2.0 are still being developed.
However, all companies working at any level of the DIB will need to comply with NIST SP 800-171.
This standard outlines the requirements for protecting sensitive information.
Complying with CMMC 2.0 can seem like a daunting task. However, there are many resources available to help you.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has published a guide to CMMC 2.0 compliance.
In addition, there are many private companies that offer consulting services for CMMC 2.0 compliance.
By taking the time to understand the requirements of CMMC 2.0 and developing a plan to comply, you can help ensure that your company is able to continue working with the DOD.
What’s new in CMMC 2.0?
The new CMMC 2.0 framework focuses on the same basics and adds some clarity to the requirements.
CMMC 2.0 requires that only those companies handling sensitive data need to get certified.
Other companies just need a self-assessment. We’ll have to wait for the official release of the complete guidelines for CMMC 2.0.
Most notable upgrades in CMMC 2.0
Three levels instead of five levels
The new CMMC 2.0 framework contains only three levels to assess the cyber security posture of companies working with the DOD.
The three levels are Basic Cyber Hygiene, Intermediate Cyber Hygiene, and Good Cyber Hygiene.
Self-assessment for Level 1
Companies that handle unclassified information will no longer need to be certified by a 3rd party assessor. They will only need to do a self-assessment to ensure they are following basic cyber hygiene practices.
DoD contractors will still need to be certified by a 3rd party assessor if they handle controlled unclassified information (CUI) or federal contract information.
New requirements for Levels 2 and 3
The new CMMC 2.0 framework contains new requirements for Levels 2 and 3. The most notable new requirement is the need for multi-factor authentication (MFA) for levels 2 and up.
Cost of implementing CMMC 2.0
The cost of implementing CMMC 2.0 will vary depending on the size and complexity of your organization.
However, there are some general principles that you should keep in mind when budgeting for your implementation.
First, you will need to allocate resources to train your staff on the new requirements.
This training can be done internally or externally, but it will need to be comprehensive in order to ensure that everyone understands the new standards.
Second, you will need to purchase or develop new processes and procedures to comply with CMMC 2.0.
This may include investing in new software or hardware, or modifying existing systems.
Finally, you will need to factor in the cost of certifying your organization to the new standards.
This process will involve hiring an accredited certification body to assess your compliance with CMMC 2.0.
The exact cost of implementing CMMC 2.0 will vary depending on the specific needs of your organization.
However, by keeping these general principles in mind, you can ensure that you have a realistic budget for your implementation.
Hurdles to implement CMMC 2.0
Under the current version of CMMC, contractors must implement controls from one of 17 different maturity levels to protect their data.
The new version will require all contractors to implement controls from at least maturity level 3.
This will be a challenge for many contractors who are not currently meeting the requirements for level 3.
In addition, the new version will require contractors to have their systems and processes assessed by an accredited third-party organization.
This will be a new requirement for many contractors and could be a significant hurdle to implementation. Another challenge will be the time frame for implementation.
The new version of CMMC is scheduled to be implemented in the coming year or so, but it is unclear how much time contractors will have to implement the new requirements.
This could be a challenge for contractors who are not prepared for the change.
Finally, the cost of implementation could be a significant hurdle for many contractors.
The new version of CMMC will require additional training and resources to implement, and this could be a challenge for contractors with limited budgets.
Strategies to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 and beyond
As the DoD looks to update its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, contractors should begin preparing now for the changes that CMMC 2.0 will bring.
The DoD has not yet released specifics on what CMMC 2.0 will entail, but there are some steps that contractors can take now to get ready for the new version of the CMMC.
1. Review the current CMMC model and requirements.
Familiarize yourself with the current CMMC model and requirements so that you have a baseline understanding of what is required to achieve CMMC certification.
This will help you identify areas where your company may need to make changes to meet the updated requirements.
2. Assess your company’s current cybersecurity posture.
Once you have reviewed the current CMMC model, take some time to assess your company’s current cybersecurity posture.
This will help you identify any gaps in your current security measures and determine what changes need to be made to meet the updated CMMC requirements.
3. Implement a cybersecurity improvement plan.
Once you have identified any gaps in your company’s cybersecurity posture, develop and implement a plan to address those gaps.
This plan should include steps to improve your security measures so that they meet the updated CMMC requirements.
4. Stay up to date on CMMC 2.0 developments.
The DoD has not yet released specifics on CMMC 2.0, but it is expected to be released sometime in 2022. Stay up to date on the latest developments by following the CMMC website and subscribing to updates from the DoD.
By taking these steps now, you can help ensure that your company is prepared for CMMC 2.0 and the changes it will bring.
CMMC Compliance Options for DoD contractors
In-House Solution
One option for DoD contractors to comply with CMMC is to develop and implement their own in-house solution.
This option allows contractors to use their own employees, personnel security, and resources to meet the CMMC requirements.
DoD contractors can use the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-171 standard.
This standard provides guidance on how to implement security measures for information systems.
The DoD 8570.01-M standard provides requirements for training, certification, and job roles for information assurance and cybersecurity personnel.
This standard can be used by DoD contractors to help meet the CMMC requirements.
By using these standards, DoD contractors can develop and implement their own security measures to meet the CMMC requirements.
Get help from CMMC Consultants
Another option for DoD contractors is to get help from CMMC consultants. The chosen consultant must be a member of the CMMC’s Registered Provider Organizations (RPO) list maintained by the CMMC accreditation body.
The CMMC consultant will help the contractor assess their current cybersecurity posture, identify gaps, and develop and implement a plan to address those gaps.
The consultant will also help the contractor stay up to date on CMMC 2.0 developments and ensure that they are prepared for the changes it will bring.
By working with a CMMC consultant, DoD contractors can get the help they need to develop and implement an effective cybersecurity solution that meets the CMMC requirements.
Choose CSS for achieving CMMC Compliance
CSS is a CMMC RPO (Registered Provider Organization) and can help your company comply with the CMMC requirements.
We have a team of experienced consultants who can help you assess your current cybersecurity posture, identify gaps, and develop and implement a plan to address those gaps.
We can also help you stay up to date on CMMC 2.0 developments and ensure that you are prepared for the changes it will bring.
Security Software & Software
CSS can provide you with everything required to comply with CMMC, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, 2FA, Firewall, Forward/Reverse Proxy, and SSL Certificate. Plus, we have no upfront charges for the equipment.
Fedramp Cloud Environment
You can choose to store your data in our Fedramp Cloud environment which is compliant with CMMC, FISMA, and other regulations.
This option gives you the peace of mind that your data is safe and secure.
24-hour Monitoring & Support
You will have 24/7 access to our monitoring and help desk support. Our team of experts will be there to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Compliance Dashboards
You will have access to our compliance dashboards which allow you to see your current compliance status and track your progress over time. With security controls and gap analysis tool, you are all set to get your CMMC certificate.
Custom Trainings and Policies
We can provide custom trainings and policies tailored to your company’s specific needs.
The CMMC compliance process can be complex and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. CSS can help you every step of the way.
Personalized Onboarding Solutions
We understand that every company is different, so we offer personalized onboarding solutions to fit your specific needs.
Benefits that you get with our CMMC Solutions
Single Vendor Solution
By working with CSS, you will only have to deal with one vendor. This approach simplifies the CMMC compliance process and saves you time and money.
Transparent Prices
Our prices are transparent and all-inclusive. There are no hidden fees or unexpected costs for our CMMC assessment process or to achieve compliance with any CMMC level.
Save time with quick onboarding
The CMMC compliance process can be complex and time-consuming. But it doesn’t have to be. CSS can help you quickly onboard with the new CMMC 2.0 framework which has a 180 day Plan of Action (POA) & M-time frame.
Get started today
Don’t wait until CMMC 2.0 is released to start preparing for it. CSS can help you with CMMC assessments. We provide CMMC assessment services that are tailored to organizations seeking certification. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve CMMC compliance.
