The recent CMMC 2.0 updates consist of some very complex and nuanced cybersecurity specifications. In order for companies to adhere to these requirements, it is important that they understand the characteristics of these requirements as well as how to manage and implement complete CMMC compliance.
What is CMMC 2.0?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a rigorous cybersecurity standard that the department of defense has deployed in order to protect critical data. This standard is essential in order to safeguard the important and sensitive information that is housed within the Department of Defense and its subsidiaries.
In December of 2021, the original CMMC requirements were updated in order to essentially “trim the fat” of the original plan and make it more direct and to the point. This new update helped to condense the requirements within the CMMC and ensure a streamlined process for relevant companies.
It also helped to update and enhance certain aspects of the plan requiring renovation since the original release. A rise in cybercriminal activity and the progressing level of the attacks have been the driving force behind the requirement updates.
In order to work with the DoD, companies need to have met the CMMC 2.0 requirements put forth by that department. For many companies, this requires reaching only level 1 CMMC compliance. For other companies, however, there are some very strict compliance and reporting requirements that are necessary due to the higher level of risk involved.
How To Manage Your Unique Compliance Needs
Understanding what the CMMC is and what the 2.0 updates entail is the first step toward achieving compliance. If you are unsure of where to begin, here are a few tips:
Analyze Your Current Infrastructure
Understanding what your current infrastructure consists of, and how it relates to the requirements, can help you get a wider view of where you stand. This is an important step that every company should do periodically and is required if you are going to be able to understand how your current framework relates to the CMMC 2.0 guide.
In order to do this, ensure that you require your teams to engage in routine analyses of your cybersecurity framework and understand how to apply proper scrutiny.
Determine Your Certification Level
After you have analyzed your existing cybersecurity infrastructure, you will need to compare your current setup to the requirements of the CMMC 2.0. The requirements outline which certification level, ranging from 1 to 3, each type of company falls under.
Each level becomes more stringent and is meant to apply to companies with increased security risks and those who house more important information. First level compliance, for example, consists of basic cyber hygiene requirements while CMMC level 3 requires highly sophisticated cyber security protocols and management.
Determining your CMMC certification level will help to determine the actions you will need to take in order to maintain compliance. Additionally, it will also ensure that you understand what your unique requirements for cybersecurity include.
Develop an Implementation Strategy
Once you have completed the self-evaluation and have determined your certification level, it is time to develop the strategy for implementation. This strategy can be completed in a variety of ways, as long as it ensures your company is compliant with all of the latest CMMC 2.0 requirements.
If you are unsure of how to implement the necessary updates, renovations, or documentation, this is a good time to contact a professional cybersecurity consulting firm to help you develop a plan that is optimized for speed and efficiency. Having this assistance will help companies to create a POA&M that is comprehensive and addresses all of the needed improvements.
Keep Up With Developments
Cybersecurity is always growing and changing as technology becomes more sophisticated. This makes it important to stay current on the latest updates to the framework and ensure that you are not at risk in any areas of your infrastructure.
This is done most effectively by enacting processes within your teams that require yearly or quarterly checks to seek out any updates that are available, or any gaps in your protocols. Being proactive can be the difference between landing a contract and losing out to the competition. Performing proper due diligence can also help your company see weak points in your infrastructure before they become an issue with CMMC.
Contact the Certified CMMC Experts at SeaGlass Technology
Our team understands the technical complexity required of many of these renovations. If your team is unsure where to begin or how to apply the necessary changes in a cost-effective manner, it may be time to have a certified team of experts to assist you in your efforts to achieve compliance. Contact our team of dedicated cybersecurity professionals today.