In late 2021, the Department of Defense (DoD) released updates to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The updates were designed to help organizations more effectively navigate incident response readiness, handling and reporting. The updates also included new requirements for plan testing.
CMMC Updates to Tiers and Requirements
One of the most important changes was the introduction of tiers. Organizations are now classified as Tier 1, 2, 3, or 4 based on their cybersecurity maturity. This classification determines the type and severity of audits that an organization is subject to.
Another significant change is the introduction of plan testing requirements. This was intended to help ensure that organizations are prepared to respond to incidents effectively. Organizations are required to test their incident response plans regularly.
The updates also include new requirements for reporting incidents to the DoD. Organizations are now required to report all incidents, regardless of severity. This was intended to help the DoD track the cybersecurity posture of organizations across the country.
The CMMC has undergone some significant changes in the past year, which makes navigating the new updates very important.
The Future of CMMC Testing
While the structure of the CMMC testing, its requirements and its reporting have been updated, the companies that need to obtain certification have not all changed. If you work with sensitive data related to the DoD, you will need to develop your systems to be at a minimum level of sophistication.
There are a few main considerations to be aware of in order to help you better navigate the lengthy process of attaining proper certification:
Department of Defense Is Critical On CMMC Incident Response Readiness
Incident response plans are critical for any organization that wants to be prepared for potential cyberattacks. Having a plan in place will help you navigate the process of handling and responding to an incident. There are several things to consider when creating an incident response plan.
You must first identify the key members of your organization who will be responsible for responding to an incident. Studies by the Chamber of Congress confirm that these individuals will be required to have the necessary technical expertise to effectively manage a cyberattack. You also need to establish protocols for how you will respond to different types of incidents. Will you immediately notify the authorities or attempt to remedy the attack yourself? What steps will you take to contain the attack and prevent it from spreading?
It is also important to test your incident response plan regularly to ensure that your team is prepared to respond if an attack occurs. By rehearsing your plan, you can identify any potential weaknesses and correct them before they become an issue.
Having a well-developed incident response plan is essential for any business to be prepared for a cyberattack. By taking these steps, you can create a plan that will help you navigate an incident safely and effectively.
Department of Defense Updates on CMMC Reporting
The Department of Defense (DoD) has updated its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to include new requirements for reporting cyber incidents. The updated CMMC requirement for organizations is to report incidents within 72 hours of discovery.
Reporting cyber incidents is important for several reasons. First, timely reporting can help organizations mitigate damage and prevent further losses. Additionally, timely reporting can help law enforcement officials investigate and prosecute cyber criminals. Overall, it helps to create more of a united front in analyzing common problems and developing targeted solutions.
Organizations that are required to report cyber incidents should familiarize themselves with the DoD’s reporting requirements. The DoD provides detailed instructions on how to report cyber incidents in its Cyber Incident Reporting Instructions Guide.
Higher Standards For CMMC Incident Response Plan Testing
Developing an incident response plan is only the first step – after all, how could you know if it works if it has not been tested?
Testing an incident response plan is critical to ensure that the plan will work as expected when a real incident occurs.
The CMMC requirements for incident response plan testing include the following:
- The test must be conducted at least once a year
- The test must include representatives from all areas of the organization who would be involved in responding to an incident
- The test must simulate a realistic incident scenario
Some things to keep in mind when conducting an incident response plan test:
- Make sure the test scenario is realistic and based on actual threats relative to your organization
- Ensure that all areas of the organization are represented in the test, including IT, HR, legal and communication teams
- Test not only the initial response to the incident but also how the situation will be managed over time
- Document the results of the test and use them to improve your incident response plan
Navigating the Latest CMMC Updates
It is important to stay up to date with CMMC changes and enlist the assistance of experts when it comes to incident response readiness, handling, DoD reporting and plan testing. By doing so, you can ensure that your organization is prepared for any potential incident that may occur.
These requirements can be very stringent, and understanding how the standards apply to your unique structure is extremely important for long-term success and compliance.
If you would like to learn more about how you can ensure your organization is on the right track, contact the team of cybersecurity experts at SeaGlass Technology today at 212-886-0790.