The military-industrial base (DIB) is one of the world’s largest supply chains, with over 300,000 firms, which covers any firm or institution that has contracts with the United States Department of Defense, a supplier portfolio that encompasses anything from institutions conducting important research to companies that manufacture, distribute, and operate military systems.
One of the most challenging tasks of the modern world is securing the information infrastructure of this massive and immensely diverse supply chain. That is why the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is about to become law. That said, CMMC intends to improve the security posture across the DIB to protect against widespread threats such as cyberwarfare.
Every DoD contractor must be CMMC-certified by the end of the year, assuming the legislation’s development is on schedule. This applies to all organizations that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI) on behalf of the DoD. One of the most important new duties is the requirement for third-party auditing to obtain certification.
CMMC defines five stages of cybersecurity maturity, each incrementally improving on the preceding level through additional practices. These practices are primarily based on the established security standards of the DFARS SP 252.204-7012 standard.
Having a CMMC evaluation done now has numerous major benefits, which we will discuss in this article.
1. Devise upcoming regulatory changes
The regulatory environment is continuously changing and evolving, and CMMC is no exception. In August 2020, for example, an amendment was proposed that makes major modifications to what it takes to become compliant. As a result, DoD contractors must constantly adapt to new developments and prepare for future regulatory changes. Schedule regular third-party evaluations to guarantee you remain compliant regardless of changes.
2. Scale cybersecurity infrastructure
CMMC offers a precise set of methods for obtaining a specific level of certification. By adhering to these standards, you may develop consistent policies and implement them throughout your technological infrastructure at any scale.
Through CMMC certification services, your organization will be assessed and evaluated in order to demonstrate where you are now and advise you on the following actions, allowing you to incrementally improve security and scale your systems without introducing needless risk.
3. Identify flaws in the architecture
CMMC, based on an internationally recognized set of processes and standards, provides a critical foundation for security maturity, even if your firm does not intend to take on DoD contracts soon. Having an assessment performed will reveal any potential vulnerabilities, which is critical given the diversity and complexity of today’s digital environments.
4. Get an objective perspective on cybersecurity
For firms with a high level of cybersecurity maturity, the most significant factor in obtaining CMMC compliance is a third-party audit from a certified CMMC auditor. Aside from avoiding potential conflicts of interest, this can benefit the contractor directly. Getting an outside perspective on your cybersecurity can disclose concerns you might have overlooked otherwise, which is why an assessment is an excellent place to start.
5. Adopt a proactive cybersecurity plan
Despite the catastrophic consequences of data breaches, particularly those involving national security, many firms fail to prioritize their cybersecurity safeguards as needed. It has never been more critical to have a proactive cybersecurity culture that combines human skills with cutting-edge technology. An evaluation will check your cybersecurity skills before an official audit.
6. Secure supplier chains
Every organization has its unique supply networks that must be safeguarded. After all, many data breaches occur at the hands of third-party vendors that a company does business with. Prior to CMMC, even dealing with the DoD necessitated some trust through self-certification.
However, having independent assessors will help to expose supply chain risks and provide you the confidence you need to welcome future CMMC auditors.
7. Secure more lucrative defense contracts
With military spending constantly increasing, the potential to secure defense contracts is quite valuable. However, before bidding on defense contracts, you must confirm that your cybersecurity operations are up to the task, particularly if you want to acquire the most lucrative contracts.
Experts recommend starting with a level 3 certification, allowing your organization to store, process, or send CUI. After reaching level 3, you should push for the next level to earn more valuable contracts and develop a bigger competitive advantage.
How Does CMMC 2.0 Differ from CMMC 1.0?
CMMC 2.0 differs from CMMC 1.0 in that it requires the employment of a certified third-party assessor. The C3PAO conducts an impartial assessment of the organization’s cybersecurity posture. This change is in addition to the model’s updates and improvements.
To get certification at any level, firms must have a 3PAO to assess compliance with the CMMC 2.0 standards. The Department of Defense has stated that it will need contractors to be certified beginning in 2023.
The publication of CMMC 2.0 marks a significant shift for the DoD and its contractor community. By mandating the employment of a third-party assessor, the DoD ensures that all contractors receive a thorough and independent review. This is to protect sensitive information and data, for it also tends to protect vital systems against potential cyber assaults.
The end note!
While establishing a CMMC compliance system can help your firm become more efficient and safer, the first adoption stage is often difficult. This ultimately takes us to the conclusion that hiring a competent IT support agency would ensure a smooth transition.
