If your company wants to win contracts with the US Department of Defense (DoD) or other government agencies, staying on top of cybersecurity requirements is essential. Two key frameworks you need to understand are CMMC and FedRAMP, both set standards for protecting sensitive information, but they apply in different ways. In this article, we break down CMMC vs. FedRAMP to help you navigate regulatory compliance and secure government contracts with confidence. (more…)
Category: CMMC
Prepare for CMMC compliance with expert guidance. Explore Level 1–3 requirements, readiness and gap assessments, roles of C3PAOs, and timelines to secure Department of Defense contracts before 2026.
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Conducting a CMMC Readiness Assessment Step-by-Step
Companies that want to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) must meet high cybersecurity standards to safeguard sensitive government data. As part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), these companies are subject to rigorous compliance frameworks—including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) —and must prioritize CMMC readiness early in the process. A readiness assessment is often the first step in preparing for official CMMC certification. It evaluates existing controls, identifies gaps, and guides organizations toward full compliance.
This blog outlines how to conduct a CMMC readiness assessment in three critical steps:
- Gauge existing controls against CMMC standards
- Execute a mock CMMC audit based on Practices and Levels
- Augment your security architecture to close any gaps
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Who Can Decontrol CUI?

rsi security Organizations working closely with government entities, such as the U.S. military, often handle sensitive information, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). For national security, it’s critical to manage CUI properly, including knowing who can decontrol CUI and how to safeguard it.
Understanding the processes for controlling and decontrolling CUI ensures your organization meets compliance requirements and protects sensitive data. In this guide, we break down the responsibilities and steps your team may need to follow
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What CMMC Certification Level Do I Need?
To work with the Department of Defense (DoD) as a contractor or vendor, your company must protect sensitive data and meet strict cybersecurity requirements. One of the key requirements for DoD contracts is CMMC Certification (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). But who actually needs CMMC certification? And if your business does, how do you determine the right certification level for your organization?
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What is Controlled Unclassified Information?
Companies working with the Department of Defense (DoD) regularly handle sensitive data. To maintain preferred contractor status, they must comply with cybersecurity frameworks such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). A key focus of CMMC is protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), a category of sensitive, unclassified data that requires careful handling.
Understanding Controlled Unclassified Information and implementing proper security measures is critical for compliance and safeguarding national security. (more…)
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The Top 11 Rules of Cyber Hygiene for Government Agencies
Cyber hygiene is essential to maintaining the security and resilience of modern government systems. Just as personal hygiene practices like bathing and brushing teeth protect physical health, cyber hygiene refers to the policies, processes, and routine practices organizations use to protect their digital environments from cyber threats.
For government agencies, cyber hygiene is not a one-time effort, it’s an ongoing commitment. Strong cyber hygiene requires consistent actions such as system updates, access controls, and continuous monitoring to safeguard sensitive data and maintain the integrity of critical networks.
When implemented correctly, effective cyber hygiene helps government agencies reduce vulnerabilities, prevent cyber incidents, and slow the natural degradation of IT systems over time. (more…)
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How to Find a Quality C3PAO
Finding the right C3PAO is crucial for military contractors preparing for CMMC 2.0 compliance. A C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) is accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body to conduct assessments and verify that contractors meet Level 2 CMMC requirements for DoD contracts. Because your C3PAO determines whether your organization can bid on and maintain these contracts, partnering with a qualified assessor ensures long-term compliance and protects your business opportunities.
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What is a CMMC Auditor and What Do They Do?
CMMC auditor play a central role in how Department of Defense (DoD) contractors achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
If you’ve worked with the DoD in recent years, you’ve likely encountered CMMC, a framework that replaced the previous NIST 800-171 self-attestation model. Under CMMC 2.0, most contractors can no longer self-certify. Instead, they must undergo an independent assessment conducted by a certified third-party organization, known as a C3PAO.
This is where a CMMC auditor comes in. A CMMC auditor evaluates your organization’s cybersecurity practices against CMMC requirements and determines whether you meet the necessary maturity level for certification. Their assessment provides the formal validation the DoD requires before awarding or renewing contracts. (more…)
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How to Find the Right CMMC Consulting Partner
Finding the right CMMC consultant for your organization involves four key steps. First, determine whether and when you need CMMC certification. Next, identify the CMMC Level and requirements that apply to your contracts. From there, assess your current compliance posture with a gap assessment. Finally, compare CMMC consulting services to select the provider best suited to guide your organization to certification.
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The Role of POA&Ms in CMMC Compliance and Certification
Defense contractors aiming for preferred status and long-term U.S. government contracts must achieve and maintain CMMC compliance. A key update in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the introduction of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms). POA&Ms provide organizations with a structured path to conditional CMMC compliance, helping them address control gaps effectively when applied correctly.
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