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
Cutting the Costs of CMMC with Lazarus Alliance
The new CMMC rule proposal is out, and some organizations are getting their first introductions to the cost of doing business in the federal sector. This new rule includes several estimates for the total costs of adopting the framework for small and larger businesses. But is this the final word? We break down some of… 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
The Role of Business Decision-Makers in CMMC Compliance
We’ve talked quite a bit about the technical compliance requirements in this space, and IT and security support are the most critical parts of your CMMC strategy. However, business leadership is the backbone of ongoing compliance strategies (and their success). Business leaders set the tone for compliance strategies, prioritizing organizations’ resources and attention to ensure… Read More
CMMC for Small Businesses: Getting Ready for Compliance
Starting in Q1 2025, software providers in the DoD supply chain must align their security with CMMC 2.0 standards. While many enterprise customers have been spending that past year getting ready, the reality is that most businesses don’t share this level of preparedness–specifically, small businesses. Meeting the challenges of a complex framework like CMMC can… Read More
Automapping Cybersecurity Controls to CMMC
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
Controlled Unclassified Information: A Basic Introduction to CUI
We’ve written extensively about CMMC and NIST Special Publication 800-171, which cover the handling and protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). But what is CUI? How is it created, and why is it so important to protect? Here, we’re digging into CUI and why it’s integral to significant cybersecurity frameworks in the federal marketplace.
CMMC and Level 2 Assessment Guidelines
Our previous articles on CMMC Level 1 certification focused on what organizations need to know when conducting self-assessments. These documents relied primarily on the fact that the contractor would do their assessments and reporting. With Level 2 certification, the game changes. Not only are nearly all assessments performed by C3PAOs, but their requirements expand nearly… Read More
Performing Level 1 Self-Assessments Under CMMC Requirements
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
CMMC and Scoping Level 1 Self-Assessments
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
When Should You Work with a CMMC RPO vs. a C3PAO?
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
CP-CSC, CMMC, and North American Cybersecurity
International collaboration between countries in cybersecurity isn’t unheard of, but it involves several miles of red tape and regulations. That’s why many countries seek parity in their security frameworks. One such parity that Canadian officials are seeking is between their own CP-CSC and the CMMC model for handling CUI.
The CMMC Proposed Rule and Expectations in 2024
In December 2023, the Department of Defense announced its new Proposed Rules for CMMC. This release comes two years after their initial proposal for CMMC 2.0 as a framework. Many of CMMC’s expected requirements are coming to pass, and the DoD is looking to finalize and aggressively roll out the program over the next three… Read More
What Is NIST 800-172 and Advanced Security Structures
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.
Leveraging Managed Security Service Providers for NIST 800-171 and CMMC Compliance in the Defense Supply Chain
The complex relationships between government agencies, third-party vendors, and managed service providers form a challenging web of connections that comprise the DoD digital supply chain. Both NIST 800-171 and CMMC address these at various points, expecting providers to adhere to complex security requirements. These requirements can become so complex that they may turn to Managed… Read More
CMMC 2.0 and Level 2 Maturity
CMMC 2.0, while retaining the foundational principles of its predecessor, introduces refined maturity levels, each delineating a progressive enhancement in cybersecurity practices and protocols. Transitioning from Maturity Level 1 to Level 2 is not just about adding additional requirements to an organization. It’s about committing to security strategies to protect critical Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). … Read More
CMMC 2.0 and Level 1 Maturity
The defense sector, responsible for safeguarding national security, is particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, there’s an urgent need for a comprehensive framework to ensure the security of sensitive data. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a strategic initiative by the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the cybersecurity posture… Read More
The Necessity and Challenges of Cybersecurity Program Maturity
The U.S. Department of Defense launched the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in response to the escalating cyber threats. This initiative underscores the increasing emphasis on the maturity of cybersecurity programs as a benchmark for assessment and standardization within the Defense Industrial Base and its extensive supply chain. Yet, a surprising revelation from Infosecurity Magazine… Read More