How to Ensure You Meet CMMC Compliance Requirements by the Deadline
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) deadline is coming up fast. While “2025” might seem far off, the truth is that many CMMC requirements are incredibly in-depth—companies need to start working on their CMMC requirements now if they are going to achieve them without disruption.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the specific CMMC compliance requirements that your organization must meet will vary depending on where you’re starting from and what level of compliance you require.
Here are a few important tips that can help you ensure that your organization meets DOD cybersecurity requirements by the deadline:
1. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the CMMC requirements.
Read and understand the CMMC specifications internally. Consult with trusted advisors to make critical decisions about implementation. Since the CMMC is new, it behooves you to understand the specific compliance requirements that apply to your organization. Prioritize them; while you should have the best security feasible for your organization, there are certain elements you should concentrate on first.
2. Identify which systems and information need to be protected.
Not all systems and information will need to be protected to the same level, so it is important to identify which ones are most critical to your organization. This will help you prioritize your efforts and ensure that the most important systems and data are protected first.
3. Audit your existing system and your security controls.
You may not be as far off from true CMMC compliance as you think. Conversely, you could be further away than you hope to be. You can’t tell how much you need to do until you know where you already are. A third-party audit can help you dive deeper into your current security solutions and the changes that will have to be made.
4. Implement processes and controls to meet CMMC requirements.
Once you have identified the systems and information that need to be protected, you need to implement processes and controls to ensure compliance. This might include things like access control measures, data security protocols and incident response plans.
5. Train your employees on CMMC requirements and their importance.
Your employees will need to be aware of the CMMC requirements and how to comply with them. Make sure you provide training on the requirements and make sure employees understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to compliance.
6. Break the larger parts of compliance into smaller tasks.
Once you know what you need to do to achieve CMMC compliance, make the entire process more manageable by breaking larger tasks into smaller tasks. Smaller, incremental changes are the way to go if you want to avoid widespread disruption.
Work with a trusted CMMC partner
Does that sound like a lot? CMMC compliance is rigorous and complex. But it’s also essential. The easiest way to achieve true CMMC compliance is to work with a trusted partner.
Working with a trusted CMMC partner can help you meet compliance requirements while avoiding disruptions to your business. A partner can help you assess your specific needs, develop and implement compliance strategies and provide ongoing support.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your organization meets all necessary requirements by the CMMC compliance deadline. However, it is important to note that compliance is an ongoing process—you will need to continue to work towards compliance even after meeting the deadline and you may need to make adjustments to your organization’s security standards.
For more help and advice on CMMC compliance, contact the experts at Red River.
