91ÖÆƬ³§

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework is the Department of Defense’s bulwark against cybersecurity threats among its contractors. But defense contractors can find it a challenge to fulfill the CMMC’s 134 controls across multiple levels, jeopardizing contract eligibility. Our research offers structured guidance to help you engage with CMMC requirements by protecting the right things and weaving compliance into your operations before you even place a bid.

The CMMC framework’s recent change to a three-level structure can pose a challenge to organizations already struggling to map its requirements onto existing security controls, while also contending with budget, resource, and expertise shortfalls. IT leaders must build compliance with the required CMMC level into core business functions using a proactive, risk-based approach that demonstrates trustworthiness in handling sensitive defense data.

1. Focus only on what you need to.

When it comes to CMMC, you don’t have to secure the whole house – just lock the vault. Identify CMMC-regulated information and isolate it in a controlled environment to achieve compliance faster, reduce costs, and minimize risk, without having to overhaul your entire IT ecosystem.

2. Take a surgical approach to compliance.

Defining the right CMMC assessment scope before you start is critical. Strategically enclave your architecture and the boundary of certification to balance requirements with security, efficiency, and cost considerations.

3. Secure your subcontractors too.

The CMMC framework delegates subcontractor compliance to the prime contractor. If you engage subcontractors in your work, it will be your responsibility to ensure they are CMMC-compliant, according to the required CMMC level. If you are a subcontractor who employs further subcontractors, it is in your best interest to ensure proactive CMMC compliance to maintain trust with the prime contractor.

Use this step-by-step guide to take a strategic approach to CMMC compliance

Our research offers a guided framework for understanding the requirements of CMMC at every level and methodically laying the groundwork to meet them. Use this approach to proactively engage with CMMC mandates to maximize your organization’s competitiveness while bidding for defense contracts.

• Establish a CMMC readiness roadmap by developing a documented compliance strategy with clear ownership, priorities, and timelines.
• Prepare a CMMC-compliant security posture by implementing and validating security controls to be ready for CMMC certification with minimal disruption.
• Strengthen supply chain security by maintaining compliance, monitoring risks, and enforcing supply chain accountability.