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What Is CMMC Compliance?

November 16, 2020 by TCB

cmmc compliance helps protect against cyber attacksThe What is CMMC compliance? U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain has experienced a concerning number of global cyberattacks from foreign adversaries, criminals, and competitors. Their nefarious actions not only threaten the U.S. as a whole but also threaten defense suppliers, research labs, and universities of all sizes. These organizations face a high risk of data exfiltration.

What Is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)?

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a new verification system by the DoD designed to ensure that cybersecurity practices are properly protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) stored in Defense Industrial Base (DIB) networks and systems.

By the second half of 2020, many DoD contractors will be required to meet CMMC compliance or risk the repercussions that come from a failed CMMC audit. Penalties for non-compliance may include the loss of current or future DoD contracts, negative impact on corporate brand, and personal or corporate liability. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is a critical component of the DoD’s cybersecurity strategy as it ensures that CUI confidentiality is maintained.

Preparing For A CMMC Compliance Audit

Preparing for a CMMC compliance audit requires a series of steps that aim to streamline IT security practices. Organizations that must remain in compliance with CMMC include contractors who work with Federal Contraction Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Here are just a few ways that businesses can prepare for a CMMC compliance audit.

Learn All 17 Technical Requirements

The first step to prepare for a CMMC audit is learning all 17 technical requirements of the CMMC model. Many of these domains were derived from the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) security areas, as well as the NIST SP control families.

The current CMMC model includes Access Control (AC), Identification and Authentication (IDA), Physical Protection (PP), Asset Management (AM), Incident Response (IR), Recovery (RE), Audit and Accountability (AA), Awareness Training (AT), Maintenance (MA), Risk Management (RM), Media Protection (MP), Security Assessment (SAS), Configuration Management (CM), Personal Security (PS), Situational Awareness (SA), System and Information Integrity (SII) and System and Communications Protections (SCP).

Develop A System Security Plan (SSP)

NIST spelled out in wooden blocks for cmmc complianceGuidance issued by the DoD requires the development and review of a System Security Plan (SSP). DoD contracts will only be assessed if a contractor is able to provide proof of compliance with NIST 800-171. SSP identifies the features and functions of a system, including all software and hardware installed on the system. It should also define any security measures that have been put in place or will soon be put in place to limit unauthorized users and to help in the training process. An SSP acts as a summary of all security policies and practices that help to keep DoD data secure.

Implement Cybersecurity Monitoring

Businesses must be prepared to deal with cybersecurity incidents as they occur and should have the proper protocols in place to prevent these incidents from repeating. During a CMMC compliance audit, a business will be analyzed to ensure that they possess the necessary processes and tools to detect, report, and monitor cybersecurity breaches within the DoD system. Many businesses choose to outsource this task to a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) so that they can focus on core business tasks.

Conduct A Gap Analysis And Readiness Assessment

Other important components of CMMC compliance deals with gap analysis and readiness assessment. Gap analysis involves the comparison of an organization’s current performance with its desired or potential performance. This requires businesses to leverage their resources, technology, and capital to achieve business goals.

A readiness assessment identifies potential challenges that could arise when an organization implements new structures, procedures, or processes. Conducting a readiness assessment provides businesses with assurance and knowledge that the company’s endeavor will likely be successful. Readiness assessments generally assess project goals, concerns, expectations, ability to adapt to change, ways to reduce potential failure, and other crucial project needs.

Why Is CMMC Important?

the word compliance on a file in a file cabinetCybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) version 1.0 was released by the U.S. Department of Defense on January 31, 2020. It consists of a total of 171 practices across five levels that help to measure technical capabilities. The CMMC aims to bring previously discrete compliance processes into a single unified framework to serve as a verification mechanism for proper cybersecurity controls. It is important for DoD contractors to learn all technical requirements and prepare for certification and regular audits. All DoD contractors will ultimately be required to become CMMC compliant.

Speak To A CMMC Expert At TCB Inc.

Contracts with the Department of Defense make up a significant part of a government contractor’s organization. Therefore, it is important not to risk failing a CMMC audit. To ensure that the organization is in compliance with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, reach out to a team of professionals who are experts in CMMC. Call us at (703) 783-2781 or contact us online to speak with a professional managed IT services provider at TCB Inc.

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