Automapping CMMC practices to other compliance frameworks such as NIST 800-53, ISO 27001, and FedRAMP is an attractive option for security teams managing complex regulatory landscapes. On paper, many of these frameworks cover overlapping domains: access control, audit logging, incident response, risk assessment, and system configuration management.  However, the practical reality of automating reveals significant… Read More

More than ever, insider threats remain among the most challenging attacks to detect and the most damaging to mitigate. Threats from individuals with authorized access are a critical focus of the CMMC, particularly at Levels 2 and 3, which mandate strong controls to combat social engineering and threats from employees or other internal stakeholders. This… Read More

Achieving FedRAMP authorization requires a hardened approach to cryptographic validation beyond shallow ciphers. For CSPs, simply saying that you use AES-256 or support TLS without verified, validated cryptographic modules introduces fatal flaws into authorization efforts.  To succeed, CSPs must build systems that assume validation is an operational need and not something they do after the… Read More

Penetration testing plays a vital role in FedRAMP assessments, and red team testing represents this domain’s most advanced and realistic evaluation form. This article delves into the scope, process, and value of red team penetration testing in the FedRAMP context, providing insights for cloud service providers, third-party assessment organizations, and federal stakeholders.  

End-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal have gained widespread traction in the news (for better or worse). The app is widely praised for its robust encryption model, minimal data collection, and open-source transparency, and journalists, activists, and security-conscious executives have turned to Signal as a trusted tool for secure communication. But while Signal excels in… Read More

CMMC  has emerged as a pivotal framework for contractors working in the DiB, ensuring that organizations safeguard sensitive information effectively.  CMMC requires adherents to follow comprehensive documentation and robust policy frameworks like any other. Here, we will discuss the intricacies of documentation and policy development within the CMMC context, providing expert insights for organizations aiming… Read More

A critical component of CMMC is the robust authentication mechanisms that it requires, including biometric authentication, which plays a pivotal role in safeguarding sensitive information. As biometrics become more common and available across organizations, standards are evolving to incorporate this substantial identification measure.   This article covers the technical aspects of CMMC’s authentication requirements, emphasizing the… Read More

Effective log management is critical to CMMC. It ensures organizations can monitor, analyze, and respond appropriately to security incidents. Properly implemented, log management supports compliance, enhances security posture, and provides a foundation for forensic analysis.  Here, we’ll discuss some of the particulars of log management under CMMC, covering the technical aspects of log management within… Read More

?Classifying CUI is a critical component of the CMMC framework, ensuring that sensitive information is appropriately identified and protected within the Defense Industrial Base.  This article explores the processes and guidelines for classifying CUI in alignment with CMMC requirements, drawing upon official documentation from the Department of Defense and related authoritative sources.?  

In 2025, the proliferation of shadow IT—technology systems and solutions adopted without explicit organizational approval—has escalated to the point that it’s nearly impossible to separate home devices from enterprise infrastructure without serious investment in security and device management. This surge is primarily driven by employees seeking efficient tools to enhance productivity, often bypassing IT departments.… Read More

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed significant amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule. These proposed changes aim to strengthen cybersecurity measures protecting electronically protected health information (ePHI) in response to the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks targeting the healthcare sector. ?  

The transition to the cloud has been necessary for most government agencies, even as some might lag in adoption. However, this transition isn’t without its own set of issues, as it introduces a complex array of security challenges that must be addressed to protect sensitive government data and maintain public trust.  Recognizing these challenges, GovRamp… Read More