Compliance Standards

In November 2021, the DoD revised the Cybersecurity Model Maturity Certification (CMMC) program, leading many in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to question their compliance needs. The critical issue now is not whether certification is required, but which CMMC level your organization needs to meet.

The nature of the sensitive data you manage will determine the appropriate level and the specific controls you must implement, so addressing this promptly is essential.

CMMC 2.0 provides a robust cybersecurity framework mandated for DoD contractors, consolidating controls from key regulatory texts such as NIST SP 800-171 and SP 800-172. As organizations prepare for its implementation, understanding the distinct requirements of Levels 1 to 3 is crucial.

While Level 1 targets Federal Contract Information (FCI), Levels 2 and 3 focus on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and advanced threats. Certification, facilitated by Certified Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), will be essential for maintaining compliance and bidding on future DoD contracts.

Navigating the world of compliance can often feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. When it comes to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, understanding the role of a C3PAO—Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization—can be particularly tricky. In this blog post, we’ll demystify what a C3PAO does and why they’re crucial in helping you achieve and maintain CMMC 2.0 compliance. With a mix of clear explanations and insightful tips, you’ll learn to understand why C3PAOs are beneficial in your quest for CMMC 2.0 cybersecurity certification.

Organizations seeking work with the US government and the military need to prove their commitment to data security before securing a contract. CMMC 2.0, required for military contractors, has undergone a long transformation to get to where it is today. Understanding that history helps contractors rethink and streamline their compliance efforts.

Is your organization ready to comply with CMMC 2.0? Schedule a consultation to find out.