Encryption Strategies for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Hybrid Cloud Systems

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

CMMC and the Impact of Geopolitical Cyber Threats

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

Red Teaming for CMMC Validation: Simulating Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)

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

Startups in CMMC: Scaling Compliance Without Enterprise Resources

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

Navigating BYOD Workplaces and Federal Security Requirements: Challenges and Solutions

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

Security by Design: Building Resilient Systems for a Secure Future

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

8 Recommendations for Businesses Approaching CMMC in 2025

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 Final Rule on CMMC: A Guide for Defense Contractors

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

The Intersection of Endpoint Security and CMMC

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

Post-Assessment Remediation in CMMC: Achieving Cybersecurity Excellence

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

CMMC Certification for Organizations Using Open-Source Software

CMMC is a cornerstone of cybersecurity compliance for Defense Industrial Base organizations. With the increasing use of open-source software, aligning open-source practices with CMMC standards is a growing challenge. OSS offers flexibility, cost-efficiency, and innovation but also introduces unique risks that must be mitigated to achieve and maintain CMMC certification. This article explores the viability… Read More

How CMMC Level 2 Impacts Code Security for Government Contractors

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

Leveraging Extended Detection and Response (XDR) for CMMC Audit Readiness

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

SIEM Solutions and CMMC Audit Readiness

CMMC sets a high cybersecurity standard for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information, focusing on continuous monitoring, incident response, and reporting, which aligns directly with SIEM capabilities. A SIEM can significantly ease the CMMC audit process by providing real-time monitoring, automating log management, and supporting incident response protocols. This article examines how SIEM systems can support… Read More

CMMC and Data Classification: Ensuring Proper Handling of Controlled Unclassified Information 

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

FedRAMP Equivalent Requirements for CMMC: Navigating Government Responsibilities

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

Managed Service Providers and CMMC Support Services

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical initiative to enhance companies’ cybersecurity practices within the defense industrial base. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, the Department of Defense implemented CMMC to ensure that all contractors have robust cybersecurity measures. Managed Service Providers play an essential role in this ecosystem, offering… Read More

Selecting the Right GRC Tool for CMMC Compliance

As businesses navigate the complexities of CMMC, the need for robust Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools becomes increasingly critical. These tools facilitate achieving compliance and ensure that organizations maintain a state of readiness, reducing the risk of cybersecurity breaches. This article covers what it means to incorporate tools, solutions, or platforms to help decision-makers… Read More

What Managed Service Providers Should Know About CMMC

With the rise in cyber threats targeting sensitive defense-related information, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become more pressing than ever. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed to address these concerns.  The transition from CMMC 1.0 to CMMC 2.0 has recently brought about significant changes to simplify compliance while maintaining stringent cybersecurity… Read More

CMMC and the Global Security Threat Landscape

In the evolving global cybersecurity landscape, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification has emerged as a critical framework for safeguarding sensitive information within the defense industrial base. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, CMMC aims to enhance the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI) from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.  This article discusses CMMC within the… Read More

CMMC and Zero Trust Architecture: Enhancing Cybersecurity in a Digital Age

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

How CMMC Maps Onto Other Security Frameworks

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