Understanding CMMC 2.0: A Comprehensive Guide for Defense Contractors
With growing cybersecurity threats and data breaches, ensuring cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) has become paramount. The Department of Defense (DoD) has worked diligently to upgrade cybersecurity protocols by introducing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This guide will explore the recent developments in CMMC 2.0 and what they mean for businesses working with the DoD supply chain.
Understanding CMMC Infographic 2023
What Is the Background of CMMC?
CMMC serves as a standardized set of cybersecurity strategies designed to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Initially introduced as CMMC 1.0, it was revised to CMMC 2.0, streamlining the standard by focusing on the effective implementation of the 110 security controls defined in National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 880-171 (NIST SP 800-171).
What Insights Can We Gain from CMMC 2.0?
CMMC 2.0 verifies a company’s cybersecurity hygiene against NIST SP 800-171 controls, with the goal of enhancing cybersecurity posture across the DIB and safeguarding FCI and CUI against cybersecurity threats. The relationship between NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 is direct, with CMMC 2.0 typically relying on audits by CMMC 3rd Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) to verify a DIB company’s proper implementation and ongoing execution of the controls identified by NIST SP 800-171.
What Was Achieved in the Recent Rulemaking Update?
On July 24, 2023, the DoD marked a crucial milestone by delivering CMMC rulemaking to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review. The review process could take up to 90 days, followed by a 60-day public comment period and subsequent finalization. This development represents a significant step towards more robust cybersecurity strategies for the defense supply chain via CMMC accreditation.
What Does CMMC 2.0 Mean for Defense Contractors?
With the expected inclusion of CMMC in DoD contracts via Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause 252.204-7021 (DFARS 7021) by fall 2024, defense contractors must align their cybersecurity strategies and corresponding tactics with evolving cybersecurity protocols.
Your CMMC 2.0 Journey with Exostar®
Achieving CMMC can be a complex, costly, time-consuming, resource-intensive process. Exostar® offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to assist organizations on their journey, from defining the scope of the challenge to maintaining compliance with cybersecurity protocols. These turn-key solutions help organizations understand expectations, work toward accreditation, reduce non-compliance risk, and best position themselves as a trusted partner eligible to participate in future government contracts.
Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365™
Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365™ supercharges the familiar Microsoft Teams environment with enhanced cybersecurity and partner onboarding for external collaboration, making it the superior choice for DoD compliance needs. Meeting 85 of the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls for CMMC 2.0 “out of the box,” it’s an essential tool for aligning with the rigorous cybersecurity protocols mandated by the defense industry.
Whether a large enterprise seeking sophisticated collaboration tools to better protect intellectual property or a small-to-medium sized business seeking practical solutions that reduce upfront cost and implementation time and burden, Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365™ bridges the gap. It combines the collaborative functionality of Teams with Exostar’s® top-tier identity and access management and other security measures, allowing your organization to store, handle, and share CUI internally and externally with complete confidence.