Who Needs CMMC Certification? Answering Common CMMC Questions
So, the U.S. government is rolling out a new cybersecurity maturity model and cybersecurity maturity process called the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The CMMC program will require all contractors who want to do business with DoD-related data to be certified at three different compliance levels, depending on the sensitivity of the information they will interact with.
But there are questions regarding the CMMC process, especially as it’s changed multiple times. Suppose you’re interested in finding out the basics of the CMMC certification process. We’ll discuss a few critical questions — such as “what does CMMC stand for,” “what is CMMC compliant” and “who needs CMMC certification?”
What Does CMMC Stand For?
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It is a certification program created by the Department of Defense (DoD) that assesses an organization’s cybersecurity posture. The CMMC framework consists of three maturity levels (formerly five), each with increasing requirements for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Because the CMMC has changed several times, it can be confusing for those trying to adopt these new standards. The CMMC itself is considered to be a more rigorous update of previous security and process standards under the CMMI, and it’s closely related to the NIST. But most importantly, CMMC is necessary for a defense contractor/DoD contractor working with federal contract information.
What is CMMC Compliant?
To be CMMC compliant, an organization must be assessed by a certified third-party assessor and receive a passing score for the appropriate CMMC level. Organizations that handle CUI on behalf of the DoD must be certified at one of the three maturity levels to bid on or work on relevant contracts. On a broader level, every organization should meet the CMMC requirements necessary to achieve CMMC compliance Level 1, even if they are not trying to work with the DoD or any public entity. These are basic cybersecurity and cyber hygiene standards tested via the CMMC assessment.
An organization can be called CMMC compliant if it has passed the CMMC certification process for at least Level 1. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can go after all government contracts; it still needs the appropriate level of compliance to meet the CMMC requirement controls outlined.
Who Needs CMMC Certification?
Organizations that work with the Department of Defense on contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information must be CMMC certified. This includes prime contractors and their subcontractors, regardless of size.
While other organizations don’t need CMMC certification (and it would be a waste of time and money to go through the assessment process with the CMMC accreditation body), the controls outlined by the CMMC requirements are still a great way to test security posture, such as through a managed IT service.
Does CMMC Replace NIST SP 800-171?
No. NIST SP 800-171 is a set of security requirements for nonfederal systems and organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information, such as small businesses. Organizations must still meet these requirements to do business with the federal government. The CMMC Model builds on NIST SP 800-171, adding additional required maturity and capability levels.
How Do I Get CMMC Certified?
To get CMMC certified, you must first have your organization assessed by a certified third-party assessor. The assessor will review your organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures to determine which CMMC level is appropriate. Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a report with the assessor’s findings and recommendations. You will have time to react to these findings and recommendations to change any issues with your current security posture. Once you’ve updated your system, you will have another audit.
You may need Level 3 CMMC certification, but the auditor may find that you only pass at Level 2. They will give you a list of areas in which you failed to meet Level 3 standards in the form of controls that you missed. But you will need someone else to tell you exactly what you need to do to achieve these standards.
This is where an MSP can come in. An MSP can work with you to ensure that you meet these standards next time and achieve your certification. An MSP won’t just determine where you don’t meet CMMC standards currently but also create (and enact) a plan for getting you to that level of certification. This is critical if your organization is attempting to achieve a level of CMMC certification now to continue bidding on government contracts.
When Does CMMC Go into Effect?
The CMMC Model goes into effect on May 2023. All new solicitations for defense contracts will require contractors to be certified at one of the three maturity levels. Contracts will need to be reassessed as they come up for renewal.
Because achieving full CMMC maturity is complex, organizations should already be working toward meeting the standards and controls necessary. It may require an entire overhaul of their security systems and processes, or it may just require additional training or utilities. It depends on the organization and its goals for compliance.
What is the Purpose of the CMMC?
The CMMC Model was created to improve the cybersecurity of defense contractors and reduce the risk of Controlled Unclassified Information being compromised. This is incredibly important today, in an era with multiple high-profile attacks against government entities.
When it comes to data, it’s only as secure as the weakest link. The CMMC Model is not just a compliance exercise; it is a journey that will improve cybersecurity for all organizations, whether they work with the Department of Defense or not. Still, organizations should build toward better security rather than building toward compliance. An MSP can help organizations who want to improve their security solutions, whether they’re pursuing CMMC compliance or interested in discovering more about NIST or other cybersecurity maturity models.
Get Full CMMC Compliance with Red River
An MSP can help your organization assess its current security capabilities and improve upon its security posture. Red River can help your organization determine which level of CMMC compliance it needs, the best path toward CMMC compliance, and how to get to full CMMC compliance before the May 2023 deadline. Meanwhile, Red River can answer your questions, such as the ones we’ve covered here.
The CMMC is, by necessity, complex. CMMC compliance will take time.
If you’ve been putting off tackling your compliance (or if your compliance plans simply aren’t moving to schedule), then you need help. Contact Red River today.
