The Cybersecurity Maturity Model certification is a new set of criteria regarding cybersecurity infrastructure that must be met by companies who work with data involved with DoD. This certification program has undergone many changes and updates since it was first introduced in the beginning of 2020.
The program, at its core, is designed to ensure that defense department contractors are able to securely house sensitive information and properly protect it from the growing threat of cybercriminals. There are multiple levels to this set of certifications that are based on the type of business and type of data that is being housed, but the main concern is that a basic level of cyber hygiene is being met by these companies.
This basic set of cybersecurity protocols is thoroughly highlighted in the level 1 requirements that were put forth by the DoD.
What are the CMMC Level 1 Requirements?
The first level of requirements that the CMMC puts forth is the basic set of requirements that companies need to have when housing sensitive data that is tied to the DoD. In essence, it is the cybersecurity minimum that the DoD requires for companies.
This initial level of certification contains a set of universally-accepted standards that are common in the sphere of cybersecurity for companies. These foundational cybersecurity standards are laid out by some of the leading voices on cybersecurity including leading minds at MIT and other high-level institutions. According to the CMMC and these governing entities, these basic cybersecurity requirements are the best practices for protecting against the latest developments in cybercrime.
CMMC Level 1 Requirements
Level 1 of the CMMC has 17 specific qualities, better known as “controls”, to which a business must adhere. Here is a quick breakdown of each of these.
Access Control
The first section highlighted in level 1 is defined as access control or limiting the users who have access to critical information such as passwords. This control is designed to put a cap on the people who are classified as authorized users or those who act on behalf of authorized users.
This simple practice is in place to keep this sensitive information limited and in as few hands as possible. It also aims to limit the presence of this information on servers or publicly-available sources of information within the company.
Identification and Authentication
As the name suggests, this section is designed to ensure that all users, devices or processes are properly logged and identified. Additionally, its role is to authenticate and verify the identity of these users, as well as track those logged with this level of access. In this control, these users need to be identified and logged prior to being granted access.
Media Protection
In order to keep information safe, it is important that the mediums that house information are sanitized or disposed of properly when either being sold for re-use or being disposed of.
System and Communications Process
This control handles the different modes of system communications that occur within, and are transmitted outside of, the organization. It stipulates that all organizational communications need to be checked, organized and properly monitored.
Physical Protection
This control deals with the physical aspect of cybersecurity and aims to make sure that companies know who has access to information systems and equipment. Additionally, it requires them to keep logs of audits and ensure that any visitors have escorts when handling these devices or systems.
System Integrity
Maintaining system integrity is an important part of keeping information safe from cybercriminals. This control is in place to ensure that organizations have basic code protection mechanisms in place that are up to date with the latest standards. These protections should be strong enough to prevent common malicious code break-ins and serve as a potent firewall.
How To Achieve Level 1 Certification
Achieving this level of certification simply means putting your information systems through a basic audit and ensuring a basic level of cyber hygiene. While this is not the most difficult process, it may mean reorganizing, updating or transforming some of your organizational systems and procedures.
In order to achieve level 1 certification, one of the most critical aspects is to ensure that the goal of enacting proper cybersecurity is a goal that is shared by executives as well as members of your IT teams.
If you are considering level 1 certification and want further information about the specific requirements, be sure to at SeaGlass technology today. You can also reach out to learn more about how our expert team can assist you in this process.