Due to the importance of securing sensitive and confidential information, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in 2020. Businesses that are part of the crucial network supporting the security of the United States must stay abreast of the requirements of CMMC compliance.
Here is a quick guide to help you learn more about the CMMC certification and why compliance is essential.
What is CMMC Compliance?
CMMC compliance enables qualified active contractors in the Defense Industrial Base to continue to operate and meet the information security requirements set by the DoD. CMMC aims to protect essential details and intelligence conveyed by the DoD and contractors that collaborate with this agency. The CMMC protocol provides further assurance to the DoD that the parties it engages with will adhere to the necessary cybersecurity practices to shield sensitive data.
It might seem a bit overwhelming to navigate this process to comply with these new standards. However, adherence can be simple, given the right guidance, a proper action plan, and milestones that create accountability.
What are the Steps Involved in CMMC Compliance?
Now that you understand the need for CMMC, it’s time to get informed about what is required for implementation. The CMMC program has evolved to provide more clarity to businesses on how to align with this standard. While the actual plan of action varies from business to business depending on the starting cybersecurity posture, a general approach is outlined below.
- Establish and evaluate information security practices. At this stage, you must review your current cybersecurity protocols and compare them to NIST 800-171 protection standards.
- Create a Plan. After comparing to NIST 800-171 and obtaining an evaluation, create a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) to define and prioritize tasks.
- Address gaps and refine processes. After that, the entity can start to address cybersecurity practices and policies so that they align with CMMC requirements.
- Self-assess or select a C3PAO. After taking action on potential points of cybersecurity weakness, set the date for the CMMC official assessment with a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) if seeking level 2 or higher. If seeking level 1 or a specific subset of level 2, your organization may only require annual self-assessments.
- Conduct the CMMC assessment and become a certificate holder. The CMMC assessment consists of 4 phases and will result in a CMMC level recommendation or a denial. Denial will require remediation and another assessment to obtain the recommendation.
Collaborating with a trusted partner for CMMC compliance ensures your role as a defense network service provider remains seamless.
SecureTech is Your Trusted Partner in Meeting the CMMC Requirements
At SecureTech, we understand that many organizations require assistance to remain in compliance with CMMC requirements. Leveraging our highly experienced team and framework, your business can ensure ongoing operations while complying with the new DoD standards.
Now that you can answer the question, “What is CMMC compliance?” it’s time to get started on your compliance strategy. Contact SecureTech for a detailed consultation today.