CMMC for Defense Contractors – Detailed Guide
CMMC is a cybersecurity maturity model for defense introduced by the US Department of Defense (DOD) that was implemented for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors. It is a combining standard and latest certification model to protect DOD contractors and save their sensitive information.
The US Department of Defense took action in 2010 against the rise of threats and developed the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The CMMC forms the two types of organizations that are affiliated with the DOD known as certified defense contractors (CDCs).
they work on classified projects and the second one is Defense Industrial Defense Industrial Base (DIB) organizations which handle unclassified projects. These projects are measured with it’s loss probability to the nation-sensitive data. CMMC is predetermined to secure DIB’s sensitive unclassified information from cybercriminals and nation-states.
DOD keeps focusing on updating new security regulations as we see growing threats day by day over the years. It is expected to introduce new CMMC 2.0 by the end of 2023. They emphasize simplifying compliance and security measures for companies to clearly outline the responsibilities for securing confidential information.
This model also fortifies cooperation between DOD and organizations across the different landscapes to find evolving threats in the new era.
Overview Program of CMMC For Defense Contractors
This cybersecurity maturity model certification is outlined with DOD information security needs for DIB partners. It is created and designed under the perimeters to protect the sensitive unclassified information that is distributed to contractors and subcontractors of the department.
This program provides essential secure environments that meet with cybersecurity requirements of contractors and subcontractors. This process takes new heights in the acquisition of programs and systems to control unclassified information.
CMMC set new standards, practices, and processes to follow mandatory within the supply chain of DOD. these policies are not for solely Defense Industrial Bases (DIB) defense contractors must also implement this because defense acquisitions soared to 447 billion in fiscal 2020 and it was a 10% jump over the year before.
Defense contractors are vulnerable and target frequent, persistent, rigid cyber attacks. There new repertoire found recently that from January to February 2022 U.S. cleared defense contractors and subcontractors had been trapped and were regular targets by cyber attackers.
All the systems were hacked and they were used to operate command, control, communications, and combat systems; intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting weapons and missile development. vehicle and aircraft design data was stolen and software development was also operated by them, data analytics, computers, and logistics many things were targeted.
Defense contractors are advised to follow the best cyber security service providers to make them safe and get selected in selected contracts.
Key Features Of the CMMC 2.0 Program
Tiered Model: Those companies that are entrusted with national security information implement CMMC cybersecurity standards according to the progressive levels depending on the sensitivity of the information. This program also covered the sensitive information that flowed down between the contractors.
Assessment Requirement: CMMC provides assessments to each department to verify the implementation of clear cybersecurity standards and processes.
Implementation through Contracts: After implementation of CMMC certain DOD contractors that handle susceptible information of the defense base will be required to achieve specific CMMC level certification.
Models in CMMC For Defense Contractors
CMMC is kept updated with its policies and security standards to secure program structure and make requirements designed to achieve the primary goals of the defense contractors:-
CMMC Framework and Certification Levels Details:-
Level 1 – Foundational
In this level, only necessities are necessary for small companies utilizing a subclass of universally allowed basic practices. This level would perform practices in an impromptu manner. This level is comprised of 17 controls mentioned in the original CMMC framework but this level of certification only needs annual assessment and confirmation from the company leadership.
Level 2 Advanced
This level includes coverage of all NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 controls. In this level processes and work remain maintained and need to be followed regularly and at this level full guide of cyber assets is present. DOD has reduced the original 130 controls in the original CMMC Level 3 baseline to the 110 controls outlined in NIST 800-171. DOD is following a separate process to recognize prioritized acquisitions that must experience an independent assessment against the new level 2 for advance needs on a triannual basis in opposition to annual self-assessment with confirmation.
Level 3 Expert
This level is superior in advancements of highly advanced cybersecurity practices. This level consists of continuous improvement across the organizations and creates a defensive wall against threats at machine speed. This level replaces levels 4 and 5 framework needs because this will integrate a subset of controls from NIST SP 800-172 where organizations could get this in level 2 certification, and the level 3 controls will be operated by DOD, and C3PAO will not include in this.
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Conclusion
Those companies bidding for defense contracts need to follow security standards and comply with newly revised cybersecurity maturity model certification requirements.
In this article, we have covered CMMC for defense contractors’ needs and the regulations they abide by. CMMC created a streamlined model for securing the nation’s data and encouraging compliance and accountability.
If you are affected contractors and subcontractors, you should begin compliance and regulations planning now and shore up your ability to defend against advanced threats in the present scenario.