Boosting Cybersecurity with Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365: A Deep Dive

Organizations supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) are required to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive data. To ensure consistent security practices across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), the DoD introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 framework. 

CMMC 2.0 compliance is now a key requirement for defense contractors. For prioritized acquisitions, a third-party assessment is mandatory, while other contracts may permit self-assessment. Since preparation can take months, early planning and the right tools are essential. 

What Does CMMC 2.0 Mean? 

Recently, CMMC 2.0 emerged as a continuing evolution of existing safeguards, aimed at ensuring contractors comply with requirements. This new framework has undergone a number of iterations and updates to a 3-tiered structure that allows self-assessments where appropriate but requires Certified 3rd Party Assessments for critical contracts.  

CMMC 2.0 introduces different assessment requirements depending on your contract type and the level of certification needed: 

Level 1: 

All organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) must complete an annual self-assessment against 15 basic safeguarding requirements from FAR 52.204-21. No third-party certification is required. 

Level 2: 

Aligns with the 110 controls in NIST SP 800-171 r2, designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

For non-prioritized acquisitions, organizations may complete a self-assessment and submit results to the DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). 

For prioritized acquisitions, a third-party assessment by a certified C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization) is required. 

Level 3: 

Reserved for contractors supporting the most sensitive DoD programs. These organizations must undergo a government-led assessment, conducted by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s DIBCAC team. 

Do You Need a Third-Party CMMC Assessment? 

Whether your contract requires a third-party CMMC assessment depends on how it’s classified. The DoD will specify this in the solicitation. Prioritized acquisitions mandate an assessment by a certified third-party organization, while others may allow self-assessments. 

While CMMC 2.0 was created to reduce the compliance burden for SMBs, especially through self-assessments at Level 1 and some Level 2 contracts, implementation can still be resource-intensive. Many Level 2 contracts still require third-party certification, which makes early preparation and planning crucial. 

The Cybersecurity Challenges of CMMC 2.0 

Challenge 1: Deciphering and Implementing NIST SP 800-171 

CMMC 2.0 is built on the NIST SP 800-171 framework, which outlines 110 controls for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). For organizations new to NIST standards, translating these technical requirements into practical, enforceable policies can be a major hurdle. Securing the handling, storage, and transmission of CUI, especially across distributed contractor and vendor networks, requires specialized knowledge and a well-structured approach. 

Challenge 2: Adapting to Evolving CMMC 2.0 Requirements  

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing, and CMMC 2.0 is designed to evolve alongside emerging threats. To stay compliant, organizations must adopt a flexible security posture that allows for continuous monitoring, regular policy updates, and periodic reassessments. This ongoing effort can be especially demanding for small and mid-sized businesses with limited security resources. 

Challenge 3: Overcoming Resource Constraints 

Many SMBs in the Defense Industrial Base face budget constraints and a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Yet CMMC 2.0 requires a company-wide commitment. Everyone who interacts with CUI must understand and follow the required practices. Achieving and sustaining compliance demands investment in training, security operations, and long-term support. 

Challenge 4: Streamlining Documentation and Policy Management  

Robust documentation and clear, current security policies are essential to demonstrating CMMC 2.0 compliance. These materials provide the structure for addressing security gaps uncovered during self-assessments or formal evaluations. However, maintaining this documentation, especially as requirements shift, can create a significant administrative load. Automating documentation and using managed compliance platforms can reduce the burden and improve accuracy. 

Challenge 5: Managing Supply Chain Security  

CMMC 2.0 compliance doesn’t stop at your organization’s boundaries. Contractors must ensure that their entire supply chain, including subcontractors and vendors, adheres to the same cybersecurity standards. This requires vetting partners, enforcing contractual obligations, and continuously monitoring supplier compliance. Without this oversight, even a well-protected organization can become vulnerable. 

How Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 Addresses These Challenges 

Navigating the complexities of CMMC 2.0 requires a robust and tailored approach.  Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 solution offers a powerful, fully managed SaaS platform tailored to the challenges faced by businesses in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). 

• Streamlined NIST SP 800-171 Implementation: Products such as Managed Microsoft 365 can help with secure collaboration that meets CMMC 2.0 and NIST SP 800-171 requirements. This eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of misconfigurations, ensuring a strong foundation for compliance. 
• Proactive Security Management: While GCC High provides the secure foundation needed to handle CUI, compliance requires proper configuration, documentation, and continuous oversight. Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 Solution delivers these services by helping organizations stay ahead of CMMC 2.0 requirements and reducing the burden on internal teams. 
• Cost-Effectiveness: Accessing expert cybersecurity resources and cutting-edge tools through a managed service is significantly more cost-effective than building an in-house team. This eliminates the need for expensive training and specialized personnel, providing a scalable and budget-friendly solution. 
• Simplified Documentation and Reporting: Managed services can generate comprehensive reports and documentation tailored to CMMC self-assessments. This streamlines the assessment process and provides clear evidence of compliance, reducing the time and effort required for documentation. 
• Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Operating within Microsoft’s secure GCC High environment facilitates seamless collaboration and communication with suppliers and other stakeholders. This secure sharing of sensitive information fosters trust and strengthens supply chain security. 

Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 and the CMMC Ready Suite 

Exostar offers a CMMC Ready Suite to support organizations throughout the compliance lifecycle: 

• Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365: Pre-configured for CMMC and NIST compliance, deployed in a secure enclave with built-in onboarding and support. 
• Certification Assistant: Maps NIST SP 800-171 controls to real-world requirements and tracks progress toward readiness for self-assessment or third-party assessment. 
• PolicyPro: Provides customizable policy templates aligned with CMMC controls, critical for SSPs and POA&Ms. 
• Optional Expert Support: Access to CMMC compliance specialists and assessment partners to accelerate readiness and reduce uncertainty. 

Get Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 and Collaborate Securely 

Meeting CMMC 2.0 requirements doesn’t have to overwhelm your team. With the right combination of secure collaboration tools, policy guidance, and compliance automation, you can reduce risk, save time, and confidently handle CUI. 

Solutions like Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365, built for GCC High, and the CMMC Ready Suite help defense contractors protect CUI, simplify compliance, and stay resilient. 

Ready to simplify compliance and move forward with confidence? Explore Exostar’s CMMC Ready Suite or talk to one of our experts to see how we can support your team’s next step.