The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is a crucial aspect of securing sensitive information in the United States defense industry. With the implementation of the CMMC framework, contractors and government agencies must take significant steps to protect sensitive data and comply with the latest cybersecurity standards in order to work with the Department of Defense.
1. Understand the Requirements of CMMC
You might be wondering, “What is CMMC compliance?” The first step to becoming CMMC compliant is to understand the requirements of the framework. The CMMC is a multi-level framework that includes 17 separate domains of cybersecurity practices that contractors must implement in order to achieve certification.
The domains range from basic cybersecurity practices to advanced threat protection. The domains cover areas such as incident response, access control, and data protection.
2. Determine Your Current Level of Cybersecurity Maturity
Before you can become CMMC compliant, you must determine your current level of cybersecurity maturity. This includes reviewing your current cybersecurity practices and identifying any areas in your security measures that don’t measure up to the standard. Only by first understanding your current state can you determine which level of CMMC certification to aim for and the steps you must take to achieve it.
3. Create a Cybersecurity Plan
Once you have determined your current level of cybersecurity maturity, it’s time to create a cybersecurity plan. This plan outlines the steps you must take to achieve CMMC compliance as well as the timeline for implementing these steps. The plan should also include a budget for any needed investments in cybersecurity technology or services. Lastly, the cybersecurity plan should provide a framework on which to build the next iteration of cybersecurity measures.
4. Implement the Necessary Cybersecurity Measures
With a plan in place, it’s time to implement the necessary cybersecurity measures to achieve CMMC compliance. This includes updating policies and procedures, investing in cybersecurity technologies and train employees adequately on cybersecurity. The CMMC framework provides contractors with both guidelines and best practices to follow, making it simpler to implement the necessary measures.
5. Engage a Third-Party Assessment Organization
To achieve CMMC certification, contractors must undergo an assessment by a third-party assessment organization. Abbreviated as C3PAO, the organization will evaluate the contractor’s cybersecurity practices and determine their level of maturity. By engaging a C3PAO, contractors can ensure that their assessment is comprehensive, unbiased and accurate.
6. Maintain Compliance
Achieving CMMC compliance is not a one-time event: it’s a continuous process. Contractors must maintain their compliance with the CMMC framework by regularly reviewing and updating their cybersecurity measures.
This includes conducting routine cybersecurity audits, updating all policies and procedures and giving ongoing training to employees. Contractors who do not comply with the CMMC framework will have to remedy the issues within a specific timeframe and reapply for certification.
Final Words
The journey to CMMC compliance can be a challenge, but with the right steps and preparations, it’s achievable. By understanding the requirements of the CMMC framework, determining your current level of cybersecurity maturity, creating a cybersecurity plan, and engaging a certifying organization, contractors can achieve CMMC certification so that they may conduct business with the Department of Defense.
