The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework that provides guidance for implementing cybersecurity practices and controls. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in response to the growing number of cyber attacks against government contractors. The CMMC model is designed to help organizations assess their current cybersecurity posture and identify gaps that need to be addressed.
The Purpose of CMMC
The ultimate goal of CMMC compliance is to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from unauthorized access or disclosure. CUI is any information that the government considers sensitive but does not require national security classification. Examples of CUI include information about military personnel, weapons systems, and critical infrastructure.
CMMC Levels
Organizations that want to do business with the DoD must obtain a CMMC certification. The level of certification required depends on the type and sensitivity of the CUI that will be accessed or handled by the organization. There are five levels of CMMC certification, ranging from Level 1 (basic cyber hygiene) to Level 5 (advanced/progressive).
Level 1 is the entry level and covers basic cyber hygiene practices. Organizations must implement these practices in order to be compliant with the CMMC.
Level 2 adds requirements for media protection, security controls, and incident response.
Level 3 builds on the first two levels and includes additional requirements for personnel security, physical security, and system security.
Level 4 introduces requirements for supply chain risk management and information system resilience.
Level 5 is the highest level of CMMC certification and includes all of the requirements from the lower levels, as well as additional requirements for data security and system safety.
CMMC Process
The CMMC framework is based on existing cybersecurity standards, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001. It also incorporates best practices from other industries, such as the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI).
The CMMC certification process is managed by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). Certification bodies accredited by the DCSA will assess an organization’s compliance with the CMMC requirements.
To become CMMC compliant, organizations must first complete a self-assessment to identify their current cybersecurity posture. They then need to develop and implement a plan to address any gaps in their security controls. Finally, they must undergo an independent assessment by a certified CMMC auditor.
The CMMC certification is valid for three years, after which time the organization must undergo another audit to maintain its certification.
The CMMC framework is designed to evolve over time, with new requirements being added as the threat landscape changes. The goal is to ensure that government contractors have the necessary cybersecurity controls in place to protect CUI from unauthorized access or disclosure.
