In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever, especially for organizations working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was introduced to safeguard sensitive information within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), as potential breaches could become a matter of national security. Achieving CMMC compliance is not only about meeting regulatory requirements – it’s about ensuring the security of your company’s data and your clients’ trust.
Read: Thriveon Earns CMMC Registered Provider Organization Authorization
What Is CMMC?
CMMC compliance is a critical step for companies or contractors, including manufacturers, involved with the DoD. Its framework was created to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from cyber threats. Before CMMC, companies could self-certify, but they now have to achieve compliance with third-party validation.
It currently consists of three levels, each representing a progressively more sophisticated level of cybersecurity maturity; the levels are aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity standards. The level required for your organization depends on the type and sensitivity of the information you handle. These levels include:
- Level 1: The “foundational” level is what most companies should already have in place, like strong passwords and antivirus software
- Level 2: The “advanced” level expands on Level 1 and includes access controls, incident response and risk management?
- Level 3: The “expert” level is the highest of the three and includes proactive methods to detect and mitigate threats
Why CMMC Compliance Is Important
Compliance with the CMMC is mandatory for all DoD contractors and subcontractors. Failure to achieve the required level of certification can result in lost contracts, financial penalties and a damaged reputation. Moreover, CMMC compliance demonstrates your company’s commitment to protecting sensitive information, which can be a competitive advantage.
Some other benefits include:
- Enhanced security: By following CMMC guidelines, your organization will significantly improve its cybersecurity posture, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.
- Business opportunities: CMMC compliance opens doors to new business opportunities within the defense sector, as it is a requirement for bidding on DoD contracts.
- Trust and credibility: Demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity through CMMC compliance enhances your company’s reputation and builds trust with clients and partners.
Read: Manufacturers: Are You Ready for CMMC 2.0?
Steps to Achieve CMMC Compliance
By following these steps, you can ensure that your company meets the CMMC’s regulatory requirements and strengthens its overall cybersecurity posture.
- Understand the CMMC requirements: Start by familiarizing yourself with the CMMC framework. Understand the specific practices and processes required for each level of certification. Identify the level of certification your business needs based on the type of information you handle.
- Conduct a gap analysis: Perform a thorough assessment of your current cybersecurity posture. Identify any gaps between your existing practices and the CMMC requirements. This will help you understand where improvements are needed.
- Develop a plan: Based on your gap analysis, create a detailed plan outlining the steps your organization needs to achieve compliance. This plan should include timelines, responsibilities and specific actions to address each identified gap and vulnerability.
- Implement required controls and practices: Begin implementing the necessary cybersecurity controls and practices. This may involve updating policies, deploying new technologies and providing training to your staff.
- Document everything: Proper documentation is crucial for CMMC compliance. Keep detailed records of your cybersecurity practices, policies and procedures. This documentation will be essential during the certification audit.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments: Regularly assess your cybersecurity practices to ensure they align with CMMC requirements and identify areas for improvement. Conduct internal audits and consider hiring an external consultant to perform a mock assessment.
- Engage with a certified third-party assessor organization (C3PAO): Once you feel confident in your compliance efforts, engage with a C3PAO to schedule your official CMMC assessment. This organization will review your cybersecurity practices and determine if your company meets the required CMMC level. Their review is crucial for validating your compliance and gaining the trust of the DoD and your clients.
- Maintain compliance: Achieving CMMC compliance is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment that requires continuous vigilance and improvement. Regularly update your practices to address emerging threats and ensure your business remains compliant.
Achieve CMMC Compliance with Thriveon
If the CMMC compliance seems daunting, don’t worry. Thriveon is a proactive managed service provider (MSP) with over 20 years of experience with CMMC compliance. We can help you achieve the required certification and protect your sensitive information.
Schedule a meeting now for more information.