The US Department of Defense is mandating that defense contractors fortify their cybersecurity operations. In a few short years, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification will be the standard for every firm in the Defense Industrial Base. The industry expects CMMC clauses to begin appearing in contracts very soon. To get prepared, it’s important to ask; what is cmmc compliance and how will it affect you as a US defense contractor?
What
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification refers to the standard cybersecurity requirements that all DIB contractors must adhere to. It is important to note that CMMC is not an overhaul of previous DoD standards. Rather, these new regulations will fortify standards and protocols that are currently in use. CMMC compliance is made up of 5 levels. These range from Basic Cyber Hygiene at Level 1, to Advanced at Level 5. While the DoD will require some level of CMMC compliance for each of its contractors, not all contractors will be required to comply with all 5 levels. The required level of compliance for your organization will depend on the services you provide and the terms of your contract.
Why
The DoD’s adoption of CMMC comes in response to the rise in cyber attacks by adversaries of the United States. Organizations within the DIB apparatus store and transmit sensitive data about the US, its allies, and their collective defense capabilities. This information is of great interest to other state actors, and contractors are responsible for keeping it safe. The CMMC mandate is critical for homeland security, but it also benefits contractors themselves. Any firm can fall victim to a cyberattack or data breach. Adopting more rigorous cybersecurity standards will also protect you from ordinary cybercriminals, and ultimately make your business more effective.
When
The Department of Defense has designated October, 1st 2025 as the deadline for all contractors and subcontractors to be CMMC compliant. This may sound like plenty of time to prepare, the deadline may be far sooner in reality. The DoD will soon begin including CMMC clauses in new defense contracts. The number of contracts that mandate CMMC compliance will grow every year until 2025. At that point, every firm will need to comply to win the contract. It is important to take steps to meet CMMC immediately. You could find yourself ineligible to bid for certain contracts long before they are standard.
How
CMMC certifications will be awarded by third-party accreditation services. The DoD has appointed an organization tasked with vetting potential services to complete this job. However, there are only a handful of organizations approved to certify contractors as of this writing. Luckily, there is still a lot you can do to be prepared.
As you’ve read, CMMC is not an overhaul. It is a fortification of existing standards. The first 3 levels of CMMC compliance are similar to the standards of NIST 800-171. Until now, NIST 800-171 standards were limited to specific defense contracts and could be verified with a self-assessment rather than by an independent auditor. While waiting for more information on accreditation services, the best thing your firm can do is ensure that they are totally in compliance with NIST 800-171. A compliance management service can provide you with the necessary guidance and proof. If you do this, you will have completed a significant portion of the CMMC requirements.
Once you are NIST 800-171 compliant, it is critical to stay informed. The landscape is changing very quickly and there are likely to be numerous updates. CMMC will be the baseline for your cybersecurity operations going forward. Staying vigilant and proactive will guarantee that you are ready when the time comes.