Compliance Standards

If your organization plans to work with the Department of Defense (DoD), understanding CMMC 2.0 requirements is the first step toward achieving compliance. These requirements are designed to protect sensitive federal information and are organized into three maturity levels, each with increasing cybersecurity expectations:

Level 1 – Foundational
Focuses on basic safeguarding practices to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI).

Level 2 – Advanced
Includes more detailed requirements aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Level 3 – Expert
Represents the highest maturity level, emphasizing advanced cybersecurity practices and alignment with DoD’s most stringent security requirements. This beginner’s guide explains what each CMMC 2.0 level means and outlines how organizations can start preparing for compliance.

Most organizations fail CMMC compliance at Level 2 not because their security controls are weak, but because their documentation doesn’t clearly prove the controls exist, function correctly, or are consistently followed.
Many teams underestimate this critical detail.
Documentation isn’t just “paperwork” , for CMMC compliance, it is the audit itself. If you can’t show a repeatable process, policy, or record on demand, assessors will likely mark controls as Not Met.
In this article, we’ll explain why documentation is often the silent deal-breaker for CMMC Level 2 and share practical steps to fix it quickly.

New changes have been introduced to the cybersecurity requirements DoD contractors must meet for compliance. The first version of the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) was released in January 2020, and now all contractors must achieve DoD certification before bidding on government projects.

These requirements can be confusing. CMMC certification is tier-based, meaning contractors must obtain the appropriate level based on the type of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) they handle. The DoD determines which level applies to each contractor.

Understanding the required DoD certification level is the first step. Once you know your level, you can take the necessary steps to meet compliance requirements and maintain eligibility for DoD contracts.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process for CMMC DoD certification and explain why staying compliant is critical for contractors working with the Department of Defense.

With the publication of the Final Rule under 32 CFR Part 170, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun formally integrating Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements into defense contracts. Although full implementation will roll out over several years, the direction is clear: cybersecurity expectations across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) are becoming more structured, more visible, and more enforceable. For contractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), a CMMC assessment provides the DoD with a standardized way to evaluate whether required cybersecurity safeguards are consistently implemented and maintained. Rather than relying solely on self-attestations, the CMMC program introduces formal assessment mechanisms tied directly to contract eligibility.

As CMMC requirements phase into new contract awards and renewals, understanding how assessments are structured—and what readiness actually means in practice, has become increasingly important. This article outlines what defense contractors should know about CMMC assessment expectations in 2026 and how organizations are approaching readiness from a governance, documentation, and planning perspective.

Technological theft, espionage, and threats to national security are becoming increasingly common concerns for the Department of Defense (DoD). In response to the rising tide of cyberattacks, the DoD has introduced a more stringent compliance framework to protect the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) supply chain. This framework is known as CMMC Certification, the new standard for contractors working with the DoD. CMMC Certification ensures that contractors meet essential cybersecurity requirements, helping safeguard sensitive information and national security.

In this article, we’ll cover the Do’s and Don’ts of CMMC Certification, starting with a brief introduction to the model.

Cybersecurity is a crucial concern for every business in the world. No matter the kind or size of organization, it’s always imperative to safeguard against cybercrime to prevent loss of sensitive information and other related risks, such as theft and extortion. The threats posed by hackers and other bad actors are even more significant when it comes to matters of national security.

If your organization works with the US Department of Defense (DoD), understanding the CMMC Level 1 Requirements is essential for meeting basic cybersecurity standards. In this guide, we’ll provide a clear overview of what Level 1 entails and what your team needs to do to stay compliant. This is the first part of our series on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). For details on higher levels, check out our upcoming guides covering Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.