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In today’s digital age, the threat of data breaches and cyberattacks is ever-present. This is especially true for organizations operating in the United States defense space, where the protection of sensitive information is of paramount importance. The Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes the need to ensure that the companies responsible for our nation’s most advanced technologies have the ability to safeguard them from unauthorized or improper use. To address this, the DoD has implemented the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) as a compliance requirement for defense contractors.

The Purpose of CMMC

The CMMC is a systemic attempt to apply security best practices that have been evolving for over two decades in sectors such as finance and healthcare to the unique characteristics of the defense industrial base. It aims to protect sensitive unclassified defense information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft. By implementing the CMMC, the DoD intends to ensure that contractors and suppliers have adequate cybersecurity measures in place to safeguard sensitive national security information.

The Evolution of CMMC

CMMC has undergone several iterations to enhance its effectiveness and align with accepted cybersecurity standards. The latest version, CMMC 2.0, streamlines requirements and introduces a three-level framework that aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity standards.

Level 1 – Foundational

At Level 1, organizations are required to meet 15 foundational requirements. This level involves an annual self-assessment and affirmation of compliance. It sets the groundwork for establishing basic cybersecurity practices and serves as a starting point for organizations aiming to enhance their security posture.

Level 2 – Advanced

Level 2 builds upon the foundational requirements of Level 1 and introduces 100 additional requirements aligned with NIST SP 800-171. This level necessitates a triennial third-party assessment and an annual affirmation of compliance. Organizations at Level 2 are expected to implement more advanced security measures to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Level 3 – Expert

Level 3 represents the highest level of cybersecurity maturity in the CMMC framework. It encompasses over 110 requirements based on NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172. Level 3 requires a triennial government-led assessment and an annual affirmation of compliance. Organizations at this level must demonstrate expertise in implementing advanced security controls to protect CUI and safeguard critical defense information.

The Relationship between NIST and CMMC

The CMMC requirements are closely tied to the NIST cybersecurity standards. Contractors must undergo self-assessments or third-party assessments to determine compliance with the applicable NIST standard. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause states that basic safeguarding requirements for CMMC Level 1 compliance. Under CMMC 2.0, a Level 2 assessment is conducted against the NIST SP 800-171 standard, while a Level 3 assessment is based on a subset of NIST SP 800-172 requirements.

Certifying Compliance with CMMC

Certifications for CMMC compliance must be provided by independent CMMC auditors known as C3PAOs or CMMC Assessors. These organizations evaluate defense contractors’ cybersecurity practices and determine whether they meet the required level of cybersecurity controls specified by the CMMC framework. The goal is to ensure that contractors and suppliers handling sensitive defense information have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft.

How We Can Help

Navigating the complexities of CMMC compliance can be daunting for organizations in the defense industry. At Atlantic Digital, we specialize in assisting organizations with CMMC compliance and elevating their cybersecurity practices. Our team of professional CMMC assessors is well-versed in the CMMC process and can guide your organization in meeting the required cybersecurity controls. We understand the importance of protecting sensitive information and are committed to helping you secure your organization and ensure compliance with the CMMC framework.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the CMMC compliance process and strengthen your cybersecurity posture.