Category: CMMC

DoD contractors and vendors must constantly stay one step ahead in the ever-changing compliance landscape. The DoD, along with other U.S. federal agencies, regularly introduces new frameworks and requirements to protect sensitive government and military information.

For vendors and contractors looking to work with the DoD or U.S. military, compliance isn’t optional,  it’s a critical business necessity. Navigating these requirements can be complex, but understanding them is key to maintaining eligibility and operational security.

We recently spoke with Katherine Arrington, the DoD’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S), for insights on DoD contractor compliance. Katherine also serves as a former House Representative of South Carolina’s 94th Congressional District and previously held the position of DoD-wide CISO.

In our conversation, she shared her perspective on new regulatory frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) the evolving compliance landscape, and practical steps DoD contractors can take to prepare themselves.

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Prepare for Certification With Clarity, Not Guesswork

CMMC 2.0 is reshaping how defense contractors protect sensitive data, and how they demonstrate compliance. For organizations across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), the pressure to meet evolving requirements is increasing, especially as formal third-party assessments approach. A CMMC self-assessment removes much of the uncertainty from the process. Instead of reacting at the last minute, organizations can proactively evaluate their security posture, understand where they stand against CMMC requirements, and plan remediation with confidence.

In this guide, we explain how CMMC self-assessments fit into the broader certification process, what they can and cannot accomplish, and how to use them to uncover compliance gaps and accelerate readiness, without confusion or wasted effort. (more…)

The CMMC implementation timeline is no longer a distant concern for DoD contractors, it’s an urgent priority. The Department of Defense (DoD) is enforcing cybersecurity requirements through the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework, with all new contracts requiring compliance by 2026. At the same time, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requires organizations to implement NIST SP 800-171 controls as the baseline for security.

Delaying CMMC implementation now puts contractors at risk of disqualification from future defense contracts, a risk that will only grow as competition intensifies.

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Sensitive information that could affect the safety and security of U.S. citizens is often classified by the federal government. However, not all important data meets the criteria for formal classification. This type of information is known as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and it falls into two categories: CUI Basic and CUI Specified.

CUI Basic refers to unclassified data that still requires safeguarding and handling practices, even though it is not protected by specific laws or regulations.

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 The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework created by the Department of Defense (DoD) to safeguard sensitive unclassified information. It combines multiple cybersecurity standards that the military and its defense contractors rely on. First introduced in 2018, CMMC has undergone several updates, but its core purpose and structure remain consistent. Any company that handles DoD contracts or works with defense suppliers is required to achieve CMMC certification. If you’re new to CMMC, this guide will explain everything you need to understand about the framework and its certification process. (more…)

As CMMC enforcement ramps up across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), contractors are racing to align their cybersecurity practices with new requirements. One often overlooked, yet critical factor driving compliance is the Federal Acquisition Regulation, specifically 48 CFR. This section of the Code of Federal Regulations governs procurement across federal agencies, and its impact on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) is both direct and far-reaching. For organizations bidding on or maintaining Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, understanding the interplay between 48 CFR and CMMC 2.0 isn’t optional, it’s essential. (more…)

CMMC-AB plays a central role in how organizations achieve compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), the Department of Defense’s framework for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

CMMC will be required for organizations that contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). While these contracts can be highly valuable, they require meeting strict cybersecurity standards. To achieve certification, organizations must be assessed by a qualified third-party assessor that is accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).

In this article, we explain who the CMMC-AB is, what it does, and how it fits into the broader CMMC ecosystem, including the other key stakeholders responsible for enforcing and maintaining CMMC requirements. (more…)

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) handles some of the nation’s most sensitive information, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. Not only is the DoD itself at risk, but its extensive network of contractors and partners also faces serious cybersecurity threats. To protect national security, all organizations working with the DoD must meet strict cybersecurity standards. This is where CMMC Certification comes in. Soon, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will be mandatory for every DoD contractor, including the 300,000+ companies that form the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and supply chain.

Understanding the challenges of attaining CMMC Certification is critical for companies that want to stay compliant and secure. Let’s explore the top obstacles and how organizations can prepare. (more…)

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…)

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:

1. Gauge existing controls against CMMC standards
2. Execute a mock CMMC audit based on Practices and Levels
3. Augment your security architecture to close any gaps

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