If you are in the military, or a defense contractor, you have probably heard of CMMC. It was created in 2019 by the Department of Defense, and its full name is “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.” While the CMMC is not a security standard itself, it is an “assessment framework,” a set of guidelines for understanding cybersecurity risks. CMMC also includes a set of measures needed to ensure compliance with specific standards: NIST SP 800-171 & -172. These are a set of cybersecurity protocols designed to ensure that controlled unclassified information remains confidential.
CMMC consultants specialize in this framework and have the ability to educate organizations about CMMC while helping achieve compliance. Both government agencies (specifically the military) and private organizations handling defense contracts, who wish to improve their cybersecurity posture can benefit from CMMC consulting partnerships in the ways described below. Note that once CMMC is fully implemented, some level of compliance will be required for certain companies that are suppliers to the Department of Defense (DoD).
Framework-specific Expertise and Knowledge
There are three levels of CMMC Compliance (Foundational, Advanced, and Expert). While it is possible to self-certify at the Foundational level, the complexity and difficulty quickly advances, with the advanced level requiring compliance with over 100 specific security controls. CMMC consultants have not just expertise in cybersecurity, but knowledge of the many hoops your organization will have to jump through in order to comply with the higher CMMC levels. The knowledge that CMMC consultants bring to the table will help you to avoid common pitfalls, while ensuring a speedier and more efficient compliance process. For organizations with atypical processes and operations, CMMC consultants can provide compliance strategies tailored to specific needs.
Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Thorough risk assessments conducted by CMMC consultants can find vulnerabilities in your current cybersecurity practices that go far beyond what a standard consultant would see. The CMMC framework knowledge base allows consultants to provide detailed analyses of cyber risks. The partnered organization then has the opportunity to act on potential threats that might have been previously missed.
Certified Consultants Streamline Adoption of CMMC Practices
CMMC consultants speed up the certification process, reducing the time and effort required to achieve compliance. They guide your organization through each step, from initial assessment to final certification, ensuring a smoother and more predictable journey. But the cybersecurity journey itself is an ever evolving and ongoing process. CMMC consultants provide continuous support and advice as circumstances change. They keep your organization informed about new regulations and standards, as well as emerging threats. This ensures the long-term robustness of your cybersecurity posture.
Risk Mitigation and Incident Response
At the heart of cyber risk mitigation is the protection of sensitive data. This is enhanced with the help of CMMC consultants, who deliver risk assessment, security controls, and employee training as a proactive approach. Incident responses are also improved through detection, containment, recovery, and documented post-incident review. The result is minimized damage and recovery time.
Summary
Partnering with CMMC consultants is a strategic move that provides a multitude of benefits, from expert guidance and risk assessment to streamlined certification processes and ongoing support. This partnership not only strengthens your cybersecurity posture but also enhances your organization’s overall efficiency, reputation, and resilience against cyber threats.
