CMMC

For organizations operating within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain, cybersecurity is more than a technical necessity—it’s a national security imperative. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed to standardize and elevate security practices across defense contractors, particularly those that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). At the highest tier of this framework—CMMC Level 3—organizations must implement elite cybersecurity defenses tailored to counter Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). One of the most critical components of that defense strategy is advanced threat awareness training, which empowers your workforce to recognize and respond to sophisticated cyber threats in real time.

CMMC Level 3 compliance requires implementing advanced controls beyond the baseline that Levels 1 and 2 require. One of the most integral requirements at this level is threat intelligence, which impacts both routine risk assessments and all other elements of CMMC implementation.

As the Department of Defense (DoD) phases in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), third-party certification is now required for organizations working within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). By 2025, all DoD contractors will need to be CMMC certified, and the only way to achieve that is through an assessment conducted by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO).

To work with the Department of Defense (DoD), organizations need to follow its guidance on safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which focuses on the following: 

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is raising the bar for cybersecurity across its contractor base. One of the most critical elements in this effort is the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—sensitive data that, while not classified, still demands strict handling. For contractors within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), understanding and safeguarding CUI isn’t just a best practice—it’s a contractual requirement under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This blog explores what CUI is, how it fits into the CMMC framework, and what contractors must do to protect it.

Sensitive information that could impact the safety of US citizens is often classified by the US government. But beyond formally classified documents, there are other kinds of data that are similarly sensitive and need to be protected. These are grouped under the term Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which can be Basic or Specified. So, what is CUI Basic?

With the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) deadline fast approaching, Department of Defense (DoD) contractors must rely on Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs) to navigate the complexities of certification, ensuring compliance and safeguarding sensitive information. While the CMMC framework is designed to bolster cybersecurity, C3PAOs encounter several challenges throughout the certification process. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top challenges faced by C3PAOs in the CMMC certification process.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), established by the Department of Defense (DoD), plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), addressing growing cybersecurity threats. With evolving cybersecurity threats, the tools and techniques used by CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs) have seen significant advancements to ensure robust and efficient assessments. This blog explores the latest innovations in CMMC assessment tools and techniques that are shaping the future of cybersecurity compliance.