CMMC Compliance

CMMC Controls, or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Controls, are a set of security controls developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure that contractors and subcontractors handling sensitive government data are meeting the appropriate cybersecurity requirements.

All DoD contractors and subcontractors that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required to comply with the CMMC Controls. CUI is any information that is not classified but still requires protection in accordance with laws, regulations, or government policies.

The CMMC Controls are not mandatory for all organizations, but only for those doing business with the DoD or its contractors. However, the framework may serve as a useful guide for other organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity posture and protect their sensitive data.

Steps to become CMMC Compliant:

Understand the CMMC Levels

CMMC has five levels, ranging from basic cybersecurity hygiene (Level 1) to advanced cybersecurity practices (Level 5). Determine which level you need to comply with based on the type of work you will perform for the DoD.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

Conduct a gap analysis to determine where your organization currently stands in terms of CMMC compliance. Identify areas where you need to improve and develop a plan to address any gaps.

Implement Controls

Implement controls that align with the CMMC requirements for your chosen level. This can include implementing access controls, performing regular vulnerability scans, and conducting background checks on personnel.

Develop and Document Policies and Procedures

Develop and document policies and procedures that align with the CMMC requirements. This can include policies on incident response, security awareness training, and access control.

Train Personnel

Train personnel on the policies and procedures that you have developed. Make sure that they understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining CMMC compliance.

Perform Regular Assessments

Perform regular assessments to ensure that you are maintaining CMMC compliance.

Obtain Certification

CMMC certification can be achieved by undergoing an assessment by a C3PAO. Your organization will receive a certification level based on your compliance with the CMMC requirements.