Data anonymization and tokenization are essential techniques for SOC 2 security requirements and, in a larger context, for data privacy. By implementing these data protection methods, organizations can bolster their privacy controls, reduce risk, and demonstrate commitment to SOC 2 privacy compliance. This article discusses how data anonymization and tokenization work, their differences, and how… Read More
CMMC Level 2 has stringent requirements, emphasizing code security to protect sensitive data across software and IT systems that contractors maintain. With the rise of cyber threats targeting government suppliers, the CMMC framework establishes essential protocols contractors must implement, ultimately bolstering code security practices. This article examines how CMMC Level 2 impacts code security for… Read More
Extended detection and response systems have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing security operations and audit readiness across several compliance and security standards. By integrating various security tools and providing advanced threat detection and response capabilities, XDR platforms enable contractors to meet CMMC requirements effectively while strengthening their security posture. This article examines how XDR… Read More
Ensuring FedRAMP compliance across multi-tenant environments is a significant challenge for managed service and cloud providers offering services to U.S. federal agencies. These environments, which allow multiple tenants to share computing resources while maintaining isolated data environments, must adhere to stringent security requirements defined by FedRAMP. Understanding these requirements and how to implement them effectively… Read More
Navigating FedRAMP High Authorization is a critical process for CSPs seeking to offer services to federal agencies. This authorization ensures that a cloud offering meets stringent security requirements to handle the most sensitive federal information. It demonstrates a high level of security that can lend itself to other federal government applications. This article will delve… Read More
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is a category of sensitive information that, while not classified, still requires protection under federal regulations. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework ensures that companies within the Defense Industrial Base properly handle CUI to protect national security interests. This article delves into data classification, focusing on how businesses can ensure… Read More
Implementing SOC 2 standards is critical for organizations operating in these high-risk industries to safeguard their data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This article will explore the importance of SOC 2 in these challenging industries, the critical practices for implementing these standards, and the best practices for successful adoption.
To help limit compliance costs and support local adoption of stringent cybersecurity measures, the StateRAMP organization has announced that it is moving forward with a plan to map the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) framework into StateRAMP. What does this mean for CSPs at the state level? So far, we don’t know much, but it… Read More
As government agencies continue to rely on cloud services and secure data management, companies involved in these sectors must navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) are two of the most critical frameworks in this space. For companies pulling multiple responsibilities in government… Read More
Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable due to limited IT and security resources and expertise, which can hinder their ability to build software for government agencies and contractors. Standards exist to help these businesses stay in the game and remain competitive in a crowded software market, however. Specifically, the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF).… Read More
IT providers meeting the strict requirements of CMMC might assume that they are secure enough to withstand most threats. The truth is that while CMMC is an end goal for many compliance strategies, it can also complement more resilient security approaches, like Zero Trust. Here, we discuss what it means to consider implementing Zero Trust… Read More
CMMC is already a comprehensive framework that the DoD uses to secure its digital supply chain. The maturity model includes three levels corresponding to the increasingly deep incorporation of NIST controls targeting the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), specifically from Special Publications 800-171 and 800-172. Organizations meeting CMMC requirements, therefore, meet the standards required… Read More
CMMC is a crucial framework developed by the Department of Defense to enhance the cybersecurity posture of contractors within the Defense Industrial Base. The CMMC model is crucial for organizations dealing with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) because it ensures that these entities meet specific cybersecurity requirements to protect sensitive information. More likely than not, however,… Read More
Cybersecurity trends are moving from checklist compliance to comprehensive, risk-driven security. This is just as true in the European Union, where data subject privacy and security requirements are strict. Fortunately, GDPR provides significant guidance on general risk management and specific risk assessment requirements. We’ll cover those requirements here.
Our previous article discussed what it meant to scope your self-assessment while pursuing Level 1 Maturity under CMMC. This approach included identifying the boundaries of FCI-holding systems and comprehensively cataloging technology, people, and processes that play a part in that system. Here, we take the next step and cover CIO guidelines for performing your self-assessment. … Read More
One of the more significant changes in the new CMMC 2.0 guidelines was the move from third-party to self-assessment at Level 1 maturity. At Level 1, contractors can perform a self-assessment rather than engage with a C3PAO, significantly reshaping their obligations and the associated costs and effort for compliance. Here, we’re covering the CIO’s guidance… Read More
CMMC is a complex undertaking. Depending on where you are in your certification journey, you could require consulting, assessment, or both. Fortunately, the CMMC program includes training and authorization for two distinct types of organizations: Registered Provider Organizations (RPOs) and Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), each offering different services. We’re discussing these organizations and which… Read More
HIPAA is a core cybersecurity framework for patients and healthcare providers in the U.S. Unfortunately, a new report from the OCR shows an increase in significant events and a lack of resources to follow up on critical compliance issues. We’re covering some of this report and the underlying HIPAA requirements reflected in it.
While typically not mandatory outside financial sectors, SOC 2 is a reliable security compliance model that any organization can follow. This can be seen in its security assessments, which include a robust list of “Common Criteria,” or broad areas of focus that any secure organization should follow. The recent revision of these criteria in 2023… Read More
The ongoing rise of state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) has increased scrutiny of federal and state IT systems security systems. The latest version of CMMC includes a high-maturity level specifically designed to address these threats, which relies primarily on advanced security controls listed in NIST Special Publication 800-172.
The European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS) is an initiative to establish a unified certification process for cloud services across the EU. Cloud services and associated managed services are critical to most government and business functions, and the EU follows the example of other jurisdictions in focusing explicitly on this area of cybersecurity… Read More
StateRAMP is based on the FedRAMP standard, which means that it uses a similar set of documents and requirements to assess and authorize cloud service providers. One of the key documents of both StateRAMP and FedRAMP is the System Security Plan (SSP), which represents the provider’s security controls, compliance perimeter, and capabilities. In Revision 5,… Read More
StateRAMP, much like FedRAMP, includes a series of documents that the cloud provider and their 3PAO must complete before they are fully authorized. These documents align with several stages of the assessment process and provide regulating authorities with the proof they need to see that the cloud offering meets requirements. Here, we summarize the documents… Read More
Understanding IRS Publication 4812 is not just about compliance; it’s about upholding a standard of trust and integrity crucial to the IRS’s operations and the taxpayers’ confidence. This relatively new standard addresses how contractors in the federal supply chain handle data specific to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and its mission of maintaining the privacy… Read More