SOC 2 compliance is a crucial standard for organizations that handle sensitive customer data, particularly cloud service providers and SaaS businesses. However, achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance is no small feat. The traditional audit process can be time-consuming, complex, and expensive, requiring extensive documentation, evidence collection, and control monitoring. Automation revolutionizes compliance by reducing… Read More
CMMC requires extensive controls, policies, and compliance documentation like any other framework. Unfortunately, this documentation takes weeks or even months to complete correctly, and human error is always possible. Here, we discuss documentation requirements under CMMC and how automation can help make the certification process more manageable.
As organizations work toward CMMC compliance, the role of the Chief Information Officer becomes increasingly critical. A CIO ensures alignment with CMMC requirements and shapes an organization’s broader cybersecurity and IT governance strategies. This article explores the CMMC framework’s expectations for CIOs, responsibilities, and actionable steps to help organizations achieve and maintain compliance.
For years, quantum computers have been seen as science fiction. But now, with researchers making rapid leaps in practical design and implementation, publications like Gartner predict that this new technology may render traditional cryptography ineffective by 2029. This article delves into how quantum computing is shaping the future, focusing on its implications for compliance and… Read More
In an era of escalating cyber threats and regulatory scrutiny, organizations are under pressure to deliver secure software while adhering to compliance frameworks like SOC 2. DevSecOps, which integrates security into DevOps practices, offers a pathway to align agility with accountability. However, bridging the gap between SOC 2’s rigorous controls and the rapid pace of… Read More
Adopting hybrid cloud systems—blending private on-premises infrastructure with public cloud services—has surged as organizations seek scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility. However, securing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in these environments remains a critical challenge. These systems will use encryption to protect this data… but hybrid clouds introduce unique complexities due to data mobility, shared responsibility models, and… Read More
FedRAMP has become the gold standard for securing cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies. With the introduction of the Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL), FedRAMP assessments are transforming toward automation, consistency, and scalability. OSCAL-based mastering evaluations are critical for organizations pursuing FedRAMP authorization. They streamline compliance efforts and reduce time to market. This… Read More
The digital battleground of the 21st century is no longer confined to physical borders or conventional warfare. Nation-states increasingly weaponize cyberspace to disrupt economies, steal intellectual property, and destabilize adversaries. The U.S. Department of Defense has prioritized fortifying its Defense Industrial Base through the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework in this high-stakes environment. This… Read More
The CMMC framework represents a critical evolution in securing the DIB. For organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the highest-risk contexts, achieving CMMC Level 3 compliance requires defenses against sophisticated adversaries like nation-state APTs. Traditional compliance checks and penetration testing are insufficient to validate these controls. Instead, red teaming—a full-scope, adversarial simulation—is essential to… Read More
For startups in the defense sector, CMMC is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, working in the DIB is a massive opportunity for most startups. Conversely, the costs and complexity of compliance can overwhelm lean teams with limited resources. This is why startups increasingly turn to CSPs and MSPs to achieve CMMC compliance without… Read More
We’re well into the era of “hybrid,” where many tech and office jobs are managed from the comfort of our employees’ homes alongside elective trips to the office. This approach to work is often much more convenient and flexible than on-site work (when possible), but it introduces its own set of challenges, specifically around security. Hybrid… Read More
In today’s complex regulatory environment, maintaining compliance across multiple frameworks is no longer just a survival requirement but a cornerstone of business strategy. Organizations must navigate an intricate web of security frameworks, data protection laws, and industry standards. Unified compliance management offers a structured, efficient way to address these challenges, and as we look toward 2025,… Read More
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to redefine cybersecurity in 2025, due in no small part to the ease with which anyone can access them. While powerful tools for enhancing defense mechanisms, these technologies also present new challenges as adversaries increasingly leverage them for malicious purposes. In this article, we’ll explore AI and machine… Read More
As we move into 2025, FedRAMP remains a cornerstone of security compliance for cloud service providers working with U.S. federal agencies. However, with evolving technologies, heightened cybersecurity threats, and increasing regulatory demands, organizations must refine their strategies to stay ahead. Below is a comprehensive and in-depth list of critical considerations for achieving and maintaining FedRAMP… Read More
The concept of “security by design” embodies this philosophy, emphasizing that security measures must be integrated into every stage of system development and operations. From cloud environments to software development, network configurations, and beyond, the goal is to preempt vulnerabilities rather than react to breaches. This article explores security by design, why it matters, and… Read More
The CMMC framework represents a critical shift in how the Department of Defense safeguards its digital supply chain. Starting in 2025, all DIB contractors must meet the new certification requirements to compete for or maintain DoD contracts. Preparing for CMMC certification can be complex, but businesses can navigate these challenges effectively with the right approach.… Read More
The increasing sophistication of cyber threats and strict (and complex) regulatory requirements create a professional environment where every player on your team has to know what they can and cannot do. In this regard, training and continuing education are non-negotiable. This article discusses the critical importance of such training, the evolving threat landscape, and best… Read More
The Department of Defense has finalized the rules for the CMMC framework through the “final rule.” In March 2025, CMMC will be a contractual requirement for companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information. Therefore, it’s clear that contractors in the defense industrial base need to adopt this final CMMC standard. This article explains the assessment categories under… Read More
2024 has been a watershed year for FedRAMP, ushering in significant structural, procedural, and technological advancements to the program meant to streamline authorization and make bringing cloud products to federal agencies easier. From new governance to new paths to authorization, we’re recapping FedRAMP’s changes in 2024.
Endpoint security has become a critical focus in the cybersecurity strategies of organizations that handle CUI as part of the Defense Industrial Base. CMMC, a DoD-mandated framework, emphasizes robust endpoint protection as integral to meeting compliance and securing national security information. This article delves into the importance of endpoint security under CMMC, the specific control… Read More
We often lean on proprietary software for our security and operations, and for good reason–this software is most likely tested, vetted, and supported to meet our security or compliance needs. However, we often forget that open-source software (OSS) is just as integral, serving as the scaffolding for massive projects we take for granted. Using open-source… Read More
In the increasingly complex landscape of cybersecurity, the CMMC framework stands as a crucial initiative designed to bolster the resilience of the Defense Industrial Base. For organizations aiming to meet CMMC requirements, the certification process involves more than just initial compliance—post-assessment remediation plays a pivotal role. This stage addresses deficiencies identified during the evaluation, ensuring… Read More
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published NIST Internal Report (IR) 8517, titled “Hardware Security Failure Scenarios: Potential Hardware Weaknesses.” This pivotal document underscores the complexities of hardware security, a field often overshadowed by its software counterpart. While hardware is generally considered resilient, its vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences, especially given the… Read More
As cyber threats evolve and regulatory frameworks expand, SOAR is a linchpin for streamlining operations, enhancing security posture, and ensuring regulatory adherence. This article explores the critical role SOAR plays in compliance for advanced organizations and the strategic advantages it delivers.