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Businesses constantly encounter the threat of cyberattacks that use sophisticated methods to get ahold of sensitive information. New methods of cyberattack continue to mature, develop, and evolve every day. You may wonder if you need a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance checklist to help you defend against attacks.
As the value of sensitive data grows, it provides threat actors with new avenues to exploit. In response, all organizations working within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) need CMMC. This certification aids in navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity.
CMMC provides security controls. They guide everyone eligible to work on defense contracts. Before embarking on the certification journey, take the time to understand the requirements. Gathering correct information increases the chances of success.
To become CMMC certified, organizations must meet a specific set of requirements. The ultimate CMMC checklist includes the following:
There are three levels of CMMC. They measure and assess cybersecurity practices. The first one is the foundational level. The Department of Defense (DoD) requires that foundational contractors follow 17 practices from NIST 800-171. They must also submit an annual self-assessment. Foundational projects don’t contain sensitive national security information.
The second level, advanced, has to comply with at least 100 controls from NIST 800-171. Contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) will undergo third-party assessments every three years. They handle critical national security information. In some programs, the DoD may need you to submit a yearly self-assessment.
In the third level, contractors work on the most critical defense programs. This category is expert level. Every three years, the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) assesses those at this level. The contractor should comply with more than 110 NIST 800-172 practices.
Once you’ve determined the maturity level of your organization, assess its cybersecurity posture. Take a deep dive into your organization’s cybersecurity practices. Assess the weaknesses, strengths, and areas for improvement. Conduct a gap analysis. It will compare your current security state to a required CMMC compliance level.
Go through the policies and procedures used to tackle various security challenges. Assess network security by looking for vulnerabilities and examining network infrastructures. Do you have an incident response plan?
Consider developing communication channels for incident responses. Map out a plan for disaster recovery and business continuity. Review identity and access management. This ensures that only authorized personnel have key access to various data types.
Engage existing frameworks and certifications that align with CMMC requirements. CMMC borrows a lot from other established cybersecurity frameworks. A good example is the NIST CF.
The framework provides comprehensive guidelines and practices for mitigating cybersecurity challenges. Using such frameworks can prepare your organization and streamline the certification process. You will know what to expect and save on costs by avoiding retakes.
Review the assessment of your organization’s readiness for CMMC certification. Create documents with plans to address the weaknesses of your cybersecurity practices. The document will play a significant role in demonstrating your commitment to be compliant.
Based on every gap identified in the assessment, find a solution for it. Focus first on weaknesses and areas of improvement that carry a lot of weight. Develop a timeline for every action that needs to be completed. Break the project into smaller segments and assign them to different team members. Hold them accountable at the end of every sprint to ensure the team is on track. Document every step taken to accomplish compliance and track their progress. Record changes no matter how small they may seem. This strategic approach yields faster and more efficient results.
Since you will be handling CUI, you must prove you have the facilities to protect the data. Your organization must create an SSP to store and handle information from NIST-800-171.
The security system plan should outline authentication and authorization procedures. It should highlight how it receives and transmits information between various systems. The security system plan must also work within stipulated regulations.
State every employee’s obligation and commitment to making the plan successful. The document should also receive regular updates whenever changes arise. It’s important to make a well-detailed SSP that the defense department can test. The DoD will use the document to gauge whether you’re worthy of CMMC compliance. The SSP also helps maintain your company’s certification. It is, therefore, subject to constant change.
A Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) has a mandate to conduct independent assessments. They assess on behalf of the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB). The assessment can include document evaluation and cybersecurity practice reviews. Third-party assessors are also keen to interview stakeholders and managers. They may also provide general examinations to test IT and cybersecurity protocols.
When choosing the right C3PAO, check appropriate websites to confirm eligible assessors. Look for an assessor with experience in your industry. Ask for recommendations and verify their accreditation statuses. Once you’ve chosen a third-party assessor, work with them to meet your goals.
CMMC certification processes can be time-consuming. Organizations need to plan accordingly. Consider the size of your organization when allocating tasks crucial for certification. Call for reviews after sprints and stand-up meetings to update documents and plans.
The certification process could take up to 12 months. It’s important to have realistic timelines when planning. The timeline also varies depending on the level of maturity. Foundational accreditation takes a shorter time compared to expert levels.
Your chosen C3PAO will perform an independent gap analysis. They will use the results to conduct an assessment, which could take up to three months.
Getting CMMC certification will require funds. You’ll need to confirm the cost of every level of certification, including hiring a C3PAO. The cost of hiring a C3PAO varies depending on their experience. It also depends on their accreditation status. You’ll need to factor in compliance costs to maintain the certification status. You also need to hire compliance experts for guidance.
Acquiring CMMC compliance can be taxing. Yet, you need it to keep working with sensitive information. This CMMC compliance checklist details everything you need to know to keep your organization on track. Contact us to get expert guidance. We will provide solutions that will fast-track your journey to being CMMC-compliant.
