When everyday Americans have their credit information or personal details exposed, the topic of cybersecurity gets attention on a national scale. It’s not only consumers that are at risk of hacking, phishing or other security problems, though. Businesses, including manufacturers and software companies, also have to deal with increasing cybersecurity threats. Companies seeking government contracts need to pay special attention to cybersecurity measures, such as CMMC certification.
What Is CMMC?
CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a unified set of cybersecurity guidelines for contractors that work with the U.S. Department of Defense. CMMC guidelines contain all of the rules and procedures that contractors must follow to protect sensitive data, including Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information.
Put simply, the CMMC exists to verify that DoD partners are equipped to manage protected data correctly. Following these practices are important to avoid preventable data breaches and other types of information theft.
What Does Compliance Involve?
To obtain CMMC certification, organizations must show that they meet the strict standards in place for cybersecurity. The idea of cybersecurity maturity involves showing that the business follows good data security practices currently and also has a roadmap in place for continuing security improvements.
There used to be five different levels of CMMC certification, but new updates simplified the list to three levels. Many businesses need help understanding and implementing safeguards for CMMC compliance because the process must be tailored to the circumstances of every organization. Certification looks at the business’s progress in information security and focuses on whether the measures in place are sustainable, efficient and effective.
When Does a Business Need CMMC Certification?
Generally speaking, all companies that want to do business with the DoD are required to hold CMMC certification. The level of certification required varies, usually depending on the type of project carried out, the type of data handled and the nature of the contract.
Businesses that process any type of CUI related to the DoD must have CMMC certification. In the future, compliance with the CMMC may be necessary for other government contractors as well.
The definition of CUI is extremely broad, which is why virtually all DoD partners need to follow CMMC protocols. Any data possessed by the government or created by the government is CUI. This includes obviously secure information regarding national security secrets, but also data that can seem relatively mundane: purchase orders, contact names, contract information, technical details and similar data. Documents relating to infrastructure and legal matters can also be subject to CMMC.
What Are the Levels of CMMC Certification?
Not every business is required to follow the same levels of cybersecurity. The more sensitive the data, the more rigorous the data security expected of DoD partners. Contracts generally explain clearly the level of CMMC certification necessary to bid on the project, and businesses must maintain their level of certification throughout the contract.
CMMC 2.0 establishes three levels of CMMC:
- Foundational: Businesses have to meet 17 different qualifications. The form detailing these qualifications is the NIST 800-171. Level one certification also requires businesses to undertake a self-assessment and submit supporting documentation.
- Advanced: This level has 100 different points for businesses to meet. In addition, companies must follow the self-assessment requirements of level one certification and undergo third-party assessments.
- Expert: The maximum level of CMMC certification requires businesses to meet over 110 points. The checklist is found in NIST 800-172. At this level, contractors must pass assessments conducted by the government every three years. Businesses must also comply with the requirements of level two and level three certification.
The first level covers basic information security practices that every modern business should have in place. These essentials include things such as capable antivirus programs, strong passwords and authentication methods, basic physical security systems and similar protections.
What Level of CMMC Certification Should Businesses Aim For?
The level of CMMC required depends on the contract work desired. In general, more lucrative work also requires a higher security clearance. Providers of basic services may only need level one certification.
That said, aiming to meet level two compliance with CMMC procedures can open up important possibilities for a business. An additional benefit is that strong data security practices benefit every area of businesses, including when working with non-governmental clients.