No one is immune to cyberattacks. People and organizations alike can fall victim to digital attackers, even government organizations. As the defense industrial base (DIB) faces frequent and more complex cyberattacks, the Department of Defense (DoD) must work proactively to fight against these malicious threats. Attackers are working on a daily basis to hack into sensitive government information and breach private data, which can put our country at risk. To combat these threats, the US government works endlessly to safeguard data and strengthen cybersecurity within its departments.
Within the past five years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented a new line of defense against these digital threats—the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program. The CMMC Program that we know today was released in 2021 and only went into effect at the end of 2024. The CMMC Program requires that every contractor, subcontractor, or service provider handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) be CMMC compliant.
Now that the DoD is beginning to mandate the CMMC Program, contractors must be compliant in order to continue business with the DIB. With any line of cyber defense, the process of becoming compliant can be rather complex. Especially when dealing with government defense-related departments, you will want to thoroughly review your CMMC assessment guide and double-check it, as there is no room for error here.
As a security consulting Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) specializing in CMMC Level 1 and CMMC Level 2 compliance, we understand the nuances of meeting these DoD requirements. Here’s your step-by-step guide to CMMC compliance, helping your organization secure new DoD contracts and avoid penalties.
CMMC Purpose
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program is a cybersecurity risk management plan designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) shared with DoD contractors. Its purpose is to strengthen the cybersecurity of contractors or any organizations handling CUI. As smart devices and technology have progressed and become integral to daily operations, it’s imperative that the tech used is secure from threats, especially when processing sensitive information. The CMMC Program enforces specific cybersecurity requirements, safeguarding sensitive information through cybersecurity monitoring.
Who Must Comply with CMMC?
In short, it’s mandatory for any contractor or organization handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) to comply with CMMC. The DoD contracts a wide variety of strategic consultants and contractors for its daily operations. Even service providers who handle CUI and FCI must be compliant. Organizations subject to CMMC compliance include:
- DIB contractors
- MBB strategy consulting
- Big 3 consulting
- Strategic consulting
- Strategic management consulting
If your organization is not directly involved with the DoD, you may still be subject to CMMC compliance if you process, store, or transmit FCI and CUI on behalf of a contractor. Organizations subject to CMMC compliance include:
- Cloud consulting services
- Managed Services Provider (MSP)
Does your organization handle CUI, FCI, or process this information in any form? If so, it’s time to receive your certification. Easier said than done, organizations must obtain this certification to continue securing DoD contracts and avoid penalties. Let’s break down how to actually become CMMC compliant together.
Determine Your Required Level
The first step in this process is determining the level of certification your organization requires. There are three levels of certification, based on the type of documents and information your organization handles. Each level requires the contractor or organization to implement a cybersecurity risk management plan at increasingly advanced levels, depending on the sensitivity of the information. Working through a CMMC compliance questionnaire with a cybersecurity monitoring and managed IT services provider can help you determine which level of compliance you must meet and the tailored cybersecurity and IT support solutions that meet stringent DoD regulatory requirements.
CMMC Level 1: Foundational
Government contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) must be compliant with CMMC level 1. This involves completing an annual self-assessment and affirming compliance with the 15 security requirements outlined in FAR 52.204-21. If your organization must be level 1 CMMC compliant to continue to secure DoD contracts, specific cybersecurity implementations might look like:
- Antivirus and firewall end-to-end IT solutions
- Secure password policies
- Limiting physical access
CMMC Level 2: Advanced
Government contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required to be compliant with CMMC Level 2 for the broad protection of CUI. Level 2 compliance aligns with NIST SP 800-171 standards and requires companies to implement 110 security controls across multiple domains. Requirements for level 2 CMMC also include either a self-assessment or a C3PAO assessment every three years, which is decided by the type of information processed by the contractor.
If you are a contractor handling CUI, then you likely must earn your Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Here are a few cybersecurity monitoring practices you might be required to implement to be CMMC compliant:
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
- Multi-factor authentication
- Zero Trust Architecture
- Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
Why CMMC Level 2 Compliance Matters
CMMC is a mandatory framework for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Not only is it mandatory to secure new DoD contracts and avoid penalties, but it also protects sensitive information from the DoD. The CMMC Program is a response to real cyber threats that pose a danger to our government and its sensitive data.
CMMC Level 3: Expert
Level 3 CMMC protects CUI from advanced persistent threats. It is the highest level of certification and aligns with 110 requirements from NIST SP 800-171 R2, plus 24 requirements from NIST SP 800-172. Contractors are required to achieve CMMC Level 2 status, comply with an assessment every three years by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC), and provide an annual affirmation verifying compliance with the 24 identified requirements from NIST SP 800-172. Assessments may only be completed by the DoD, not by a third party or by itself.
CMMC End-to-End IT Solutions
Now that we’ve covered the three tiers of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program, it’s clear that this is a rather tedious process with little room for error. Handling CMMC compliance is a complex project that requires meticulous attention to detail and ongoing monitoring. If you are a contractor for the DoD, then focusing on daily operations is a must. It’s essential to find the right MSP for you, offering end-to-end IT solutions designed to help government contractors meet and maintain CMMC compliance.
Working with an MSP enables you, as a contractor, to have a fully functional cybersecurity risk management plan that meets the rigorous requirements of the DoD without compromising your main priorities.
When it comes to CMMC Level 1 and 2 compliance, we don’t mess around. As an MSP specializing in CMMC Level 1 and 2 compliance, Exact IT Consulting offers end-to-end IT solutions designed to help government contractors meet and maintain CMMC Level 2 certification.
CMMC Gap Analysis & Readiness Assessment
The first step to meet and maintain CMMC level 2 certification is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current IT security posture. This can be accomplished using a CMMC compliance questionnaire with the assistance of an MSP. Next, identifying gaps in NIST SP 800-171 compliance. After identifying any gaps, an MSP can build a strategic roadmap for achieving CMMC level 2 certification, and you’re on your way to effectively securing new DoD contracts.
Secure IT Infrastructure & Implementation
After any gaps and readiness are evaluated, it’s time to secure your IT infrastructure to become CMMC level 2 compliant. Here, zero trust architecture is deployed, requiring continuous authentication for every access request. Endpoint security, data encryption, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) are also implemented here to prevent data breaches. Lastly, we ensure secure cloud solutions meet FedRAMP and DFARS requirements.
Ongoing Compliance and Monitoring
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification compliance is a continuous operation, not a one-time process. By outsourcing your CMMC level 2 certification to an MSP, you can maintain CMMC level 2 compliance without diverting focus from critical business operations and contracts. At Exact IT, we offer secure monitoring and Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) twenty-four hours a day. We also utilize proactive threat detection and incident response, as well as Managed Detection and Response (MDR), to mitigate cyber threats.
Compliance Documentation & Audit Support
Complying with the Level 2 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification ensures the DoD that you have the cybersecurity measures in place to handle controlled unclassified information (CUI). After implementing the proper plans and procedures, you need to verify this through compliance documentation. In this step of the process, system security plans (SSP) and Plan of Actions & Milestones (POA&M) are established. After these protocols are implemented, we offer continuous compliance tracking and audit readiness. Here, Exact IT also provides support for third-party CMMC assessments.
Employee Training & Security Awareness
Last but certainly not least, it’s time to ensure that you and your team have a solid grasp of cybersecurity and the dangers posed by hackers and ransomware. Your entire staff should be involved in your business’s cybersecurity protocols and network security. By providing tailored cybersecurity training programs, phishing simulations, compliance workshops, and best practices for securing the handling of CUI—we can minimize human error together.
Benefits of Outsourcing an MSP for CMMC Certification
Outsourcing an MSP for your Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification offers a unique set of advantages. An MSP has expertise in DoD compliance, so you don’t have to stress about the tedious steps of becoming certified or obtain a penalty as a result of an oversight during the process or continuous monitoring. Exact IT specializes in helping contractors navigate CMMC and DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements.
An MSP provides continuous monitoring, risk assessments, and incident response to ensure your business remains secure and protected. Through a proactive security approach, your organization will stay CMMC compliant while you focus on success. Our team is dedicated to compliance support, working closely with you to simplify CMMC certification and audits. At Exact IT, we offer cost-effective solutions by providing tailored MSP services that align with your budget while ensuring full compliance.
Become CMMC Compliant with Exact IT Consulting
Don’t let cybersecurity challenges put your government contracts at risk! Exact IT Consulting specializes in level 1 and level 2 CMMC compliance. Leveraging our expertise, we ensure your business is equipped with the right tools and security frameworks to protect CUI while maintaining operational efficiency. Partner with an MSP you can trust to handle the complexities of CMMC compliance with a tailored, cost-effective approach. Tackle the CMMC compliance process with the help of Exact IT. Contact us today for a consultation.