The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs the US government’s acquisitions and selects contractors that work with its agencies. Companies that work with the military fall under the jurisdiction of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). In 2020, an update to DFARS introduced new standards for testing these companies’ security. Read on to have the DFARS interim rule explained comprehensively. (more…)
Category: Compliance Standards
Staying informed about all of the cyber security compliance standards is essential to keeping your company safe from hackers. Read on to learn about the various steps you can take to stay up to date with your industry’s compliance standards.
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CMMC Level 3 Requirements
If your organization contracts with the U.S. military, or plans to compete for these high-value contracts, you must achieve CMMC Level 3 compliance. This is the highest level of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, designed for organizations that handle large amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Achieving CMMC Level 3 compliance ensures your organization meets strict cybersecurity standards required by the Department of Defense. It starts with understanding which requirements apply to your operations and how to implement them effectively.
Ready to secure your CMMC Level 3 compliance? Schedule a consultation today and get expert guidance to streamline your path to certification. (more…)
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Everything You Need to Do to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
Organizations that support the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) routinely handle sensitive federal data. For these companies, CMMC 2.0 Compliance is not optional, it is a contractual requirement for continued participation in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
Preparation requires more than checking boxes. It demands proper scoping, structured implementation, documented evidence, and readiness for formal assessment. Organizations that begin early reduce risk, control costs, and position themselves competitively for future contracts.
If your organization works with Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), now is the time to evaluate your readiness. (more…)
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Do You Need CMMC Certification? Here’s How to Find Out!
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.
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Top CMMC Compliance Software Tools
Companies that want to work with the Department of Defense (DoD) need to ramp up their cybersecurity to protect service members and American citizens worldwide. In practice, this means implementing certified security frameworks like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), published by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD–A&S). CMMC compliance software tools are necessary investments to get started.
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How to Map NIST Cybersecurity Framework Controls
To work with the US government, organizations need to implement NIST Cybersecurity Framework Controls . NIST SP 800-53 maps CSF principles into executable controls, which then translate into requirements in other frameworks, like SP 800-171, that are required for specific contracts. (more…)
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Integrating NIST Incident Response and DoD Compliance
Organizations that work with US government agencies have to follow various NIST frameworks to secure sensitive data. NIST incident response is spelled out in NIST SP 800-61, which also informs incident response protocols in other NIST frameworks needed for DoD compliance. (more…)
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What Are a C3PAO’s Responsibilities in CMMC Compliance?
Cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is a matter of national security. That’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) requires contractors to meet strict standards under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). For many organizations, achieving CMMC Level 2 or higher may involve working with a specialized third party: a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO). But what exactly does a C3PAO do? Let’s break down the critical responsibilities of C3PAOs, and why choosing the right one makes all the difference in your compliance journey. (more…)
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Breaking Down the HIPAA Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals
HIPAA is the leading regulatory framework that governs how healthcare organizations use, store, and transmit confidential patient information. Nearly every entity connected to the healthcare industry, whether directly providing care or supporting operations, must comply with HIPAA guidelines for healthcare professionals. However, navigating the complex rules and requirements of HIPAA can be challenging for both small practices and large enterprises, making expert guidance essential.
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A Comprehensive Guide to HIPAA Compliant Cell Phone Policies
Given the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act’s (HIPAA) extensive protections and restrictions regarding electronic protected health information (ePHI), cell phones present a challenging grey area to navigate. However, implementing a HIPAA-compliant cell phone policy and appropriate security controls will help your healthcare organization properly adhere to regulations. (more…)