The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a government-sponsored framework designed to improve the cybersecurity posture of Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors. CMMC incorporates best practices from existing standards and frameworks, such as NIST 800-171, ISO 27001, and the Controls at the Center of Federal Information Security Management Act of 2014 (C FISMA). It was created by the Department of Defense (DoD) in collaboration with industry stakeholders. If you do business with the government, you should undergo a CMMC Risk Assessment.
The CMMC is a tiered approach with five levels of maturity, ranging from Basic Cyber Hygiene to Advanced or Progressive. The CMMC Level required for a particular contract is determined by the DoD during the Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
CMMC is required for all DIB contractors who wish to bid on contracts that involve Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) is responsible for accrediting third-party assessors who will conduct assessments and issue certifications.
DoD officials have stated that the CMMC will not be mandatory for all contractors, but those who do not certify will be at a competitive disadvantage when bidding on contracts. The CMMC program is currently in the pilot phase, with full implementation expected by 2025.
Five Levels of Cybersecurity Maturity
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the need for strong cybersecurity measures has never been greater. Enterprises must be vigilant in protecting their systems and data from potential threats. One way to measure an organization’s cybersecurity maturity is by using the Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM).
The CMM consists of five levels: Level 1 is Basic, Level 2 is Repeatable, Level 3 is Defined, Level 4 is Managed, and Level 5 is Optimizing. Each level represents a higher degree of sophistication in an organization’s cybersecurity practices.
To reach Level 5, an organization must have a comprehensive security program that is continually evolving to meet the ever-changing threats. By using the CMM, enterprises can assess their cybersecurity posture and identify areas for improvement. Implementing even small changes can make a big difference in an organization’s ability to withstand a cyber attack.
How to Get Certified in CMMC
In order to get certified in CMMC, organizations must go through an independent assessment by a Certified Assessor Organization (CAO). The CAO will review the organization’s policies, procedures, and processes to ensure that they meet the requirements for the desired level of certification.
Once the assessment is complete, the organization will be issued a certificate that is valid for three years. After that, they will need to go through the certification process again to maintain their status.
Benefits of Achieving CMMC Certification
The CMMC certification is a globally recognized standard for Information Security. The certification demonstrates that an organization has put in place the necessary controls to protect their information assets.
There are many benefits to achieving CMMC certification, including: increased security, improved business continuity, reduced risks, and enhanced reputation. By implementing the CMMC framework, organizations can improve their overall security strategy and reduce their exposure to cyber threats.
In addition, the certification can help organizations to build trust with their customers and partners, as well as improve their chances of winning government contracts. As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the importance of information security will only continue to grow. By achieving CMMC certification, organizations can position themselves at the forefront of this evolving landscape.
Industry Reaction to the Release of CMMC
Industry reaction to the release of CMMC has been mixed. Some companies believe that the CMMC will create a level playing field by holding all contractors to the same standards. Others are concerned that the CMMC will be overly burdensome and expensive to implement.
Still, others believe that the CMMC will be a valuable tool for improving cybersecurity across the defense sector. Only time will tell how effectively the CMMC meets its stated objectives. In the meantime, industry stakeholders will continue to debate its merits and drawbacks.
If you are a DoD contractor or subcontractor, contact TAG Solutions today to learn more about our CMMC standing and why that matters to your business. We look forward to speaking with you about how we can be of assistance!