CMMC (CYBERSECURITY MATURITY MODEL CERTIFICATION) COMPLIANCE: KEY STEPS TO FOLLOW

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Compliance: Key Steps To Follow

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Compliance: Key Steps To Follow

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U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is worried because of the frequent and complicated cyberattacks on the supply chain. In this atmosphere the contractors are obligated to comply with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework. The latest framework is the CMMC 2.0, that has been established to keep sensitive data safe from outside attacks by hackers.

Putting it simply, a contractor must attain CMMC compliance if they want to retain contracts and protect the national security. This post will define all the key steps that help to achieve CMMC compliance. Let’s get started.

Determine the CMCC Levels

In the beginning of the compliance framework, you need to determine your required cmmc certification levels. The following are some of the standard CMMC 2.0 levels:


  • Foundational: Under this come, the 17 foundational cybersecurity practices. These are required for any contractors who are dealing with Federal Contract Information.

  • Essential Tools: It includes antivirus software, firewalls, email filtering solutions for detecting spam, as well as secure access control systems.

  • Hardware Requirements: All laptops or desktops have firewall protection and negligible network complexity.

  • Advanced: It encompasses 110 security controls from NIST 800-171 for companies dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information.

  • Essential Tools: It encompasses Security Information and Event Management systems, endpoint detection and response software framework, multi-factor authentication, data encryption tools, and Data Loss Prevention.

  • Hardware Requirements: Devices equipped to run advanced security configurations, Mobile device encryption and protection, and USB drives encryption.

  • Expert: This includes NIST 800-171 and other important controls for critical or high-value United States Department of Defense programs.

  • Necessary Tools: Advanced intrusion warning systems, strong incident rescue equipment, quantum-adaptive digital security frameworks, and specialized data loss prevention solutions.

  • Hardware Requirements: Dedicated servers to manage mission-critical systems, highly safe cloud platforms like Microsoft GCC High, and isolated systems for the highly private data.


Determine the Assets for CMMC

Then make an inventory of your company’s assets, systems, and staff as part of defining the scope of CMMC assessment. Ask, some of the critical questions such as:

  • Where is Controlled Unclassified Information stored, processed, or transmitted in your network ecosystem?

  • Can you see and control all the systems managing classified information?


Divide the assets according to their role in compliance, such as Controlled Unclassified Information assets, security protection assets, or non-core assets. A full inventory list will help ease your assessment preparation efforts and bridge the gaps in compliance.

Determine the Needed Software and Hardware Tools

After defining your CMMC certification levels and having an inventory of your assets in place. The next step is to determine the equipment you’ll need to secure your ecosystem. The basic features include both hardware and software solutions customized to your company’s compliance needs.

Software Solutions

  • Endpoint Safety Systems: These software helps keep endpoint devices such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices safe by identifying and removing malware, ransomware, and other phishing code. They are designed to block unauthorized access to devices.

  • Security Information and Event Management software: These software assemble and assess security event data throughout your network. Helping you see in real-time the potential threats, logging activity, and allowing for rapid responses to security hazards.

  • Data Encryption Software: These software encrypt classified information at rest and in transit. The basic aim is to prevent unauthorized access to stored files, emails, and communications, which can compromise your company’s security.


Hardware Equipment

  • Devices with Built-in encryption: Some such hardware includes laptops, desktops, and external drives safeguarded through built-in encryption to keep stored data safe from unauthorized access.

  • Physical Firewalls and Routers: Physical firewalls and secure routers build a security environment between your internal network and external threats. These hardware filter and inspect traffic with an aim to block malicious activity.

  • Mobile Device Management hardware: This hardware is designed with the objective of securing all the mobile devices used for business purposes. It also keeps devices updated, and compliant with your company’s cybersecurity policies.

  • Secure Storage: From on-premises to cloud-based, the secured storage solutions are designed to take care of classified information, in particular, the Controlled Unclassified Information.


The Sum Up

To sum up, by completing all the steps, including defining the cmmc certification levels and making an inventory of assets, the company can secure contracts and strengthen national defense.

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