Table of Contents
Introduction:
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) establishes new cybersecurity standards for businesses that work closely with the Department of Defense. To bid on upcoming contracts, any business that works with the DoD must have CMMC certification. Contract workers who work for companies that provide goods and/or services to the DoD will also require the appropriate level of certification in order to maintain current business relationships.
As a small business, you have an area of expertise, and then there are many areas where you simply do not have the manpower or bandwidth to devote adequate attention. That is certainly true when it comes to issues such as payroll, accounting, or human resources. Consider how important your records are, as well as how you store and secure your computer documents and policies.
The security of your business and your client’s data will be critical to your survival. A single data breach can force you to close your doors, ruin your reputation, and incur crippling fines. Businesses, now more than ever, cannot afford to ignore the consequences of poor data management and security.
What are the 5 levels of CMMC?
Since the passage of DFARS (Defense Acquisition Federal Regulation Supplement) in 2015, DoD contractors have been required to follow specific cybersecurity protocols. It mandates that all private contractors working for/with the DoD implement specific security measures that meet the standards outlined in the NIST SP 800-171 framework.
The CMMC collaborates with NIST SP 800-171 to ensure contractors have the appropriate level of security in place for the controlled unclassified information they handle. CMMC is a tool that demonstrates to auditors that your organisation is in compliance with all applicable regulations.
The CMMC has five levels. The level of certification required by your company will be determined by the type of contracts you intend to bid on now and in the future.
1. Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene
Any government contractor should already be level one compliant because the requirements at this level are the same as those in FAR 52.204-21. At this level, only basic cybersecurity practices such as maintaining anti-virus software, choosing strong passwords, and changing passwords on a regular basis are required.
2. Level 2: Intermediate Cyber Security
Level Two certification necessarily involves compliance with intermediate cybersecurity standards and is required for any company working with controlled unclassified information (CUI). It’s a sort of transition phase for businesses that want to get to Level Three but aren’t quite there yet.
This certification necessitates the use of advanced security protocols capable of safeguarding data against cyber threats. At this level, the contractor must be able to prevent more advanced treatments than a Level 1 organisation. It also introduces the concept of documenting the security protocols that are implemented and maintained. This also includes plans and policies that outline how the security programme will be implemented.
3. Level 3: Good Cyber Hygiene
Level Three CMMC authentication is required for any business that stores or processes CUI, has Federal Contract Information, has government data, or has export-controlled data. Most government contractors should aim for this CMMC level.
When an organisation achieves this certification, it has implemented the security controls mandated by NIST SP 800-171. This certification is required if the contractor has access to or generates CUI. This demonstrates that the organisation is capable of dealing with the majority of threats while also keeping information secure. Level 3 organisations, on the other hand, may find it difficult to combat APTs. (advanced pervasive threats)
4. Level 4: Proactive Cyber Hygiene
Level four, like level two, is intended to serve as a bridge between levels three and five. The requirements for this level are quite demanding, as you will need to take steps to protect yourself not only from common cyberattacks but also from advanced persistent threats. Rogue nation-states and terrorist organisations are examples of such threats. You’ll need proactive cybersecurity measures to keep your systems safe by aggressively detecting and eliminating potential threats before a data breach occurs.
This certification necessitates a robust and proactive cybersecurity programme. The contractor can effectively protect CUI by regularly upgrading its security TTP (tactics, techniques, and procedures) used against APTs. The organisation must also document and evaluate the effectiveness of all security protocols. If any problems are discovered, upper management must act quickly.
5. Level 5: Advanced and Progressive Cyber Hygiene
Level Five is the highest level of CMMC certification. To prevent even the most sophisticated hacking techniques, businesses at this level must have fully optimised processes in place, as well as cutting-edge cybersecurity tools. This level of certification demonstrates that the organisation is not only capable of protecting CUI, but also has a cybersecurity programme that evolves to meet advanced threats. To be certified, the organisation must demonstrate that its security process is standardised across all networks. This includes any third-party partners.
How To Get CMMC Certified?
In the past, a company could certify on its own that it met government cybersecurity requirements. That time has passed. Any company seeking any level of CMMC certification must be authenticated by a DoD-approved third party. Because the number of auditors is limited, you should make an appointment ahead of time to ensure that your paperwork is in order in time to bid on the contracts of your choice. However, before you hire an independent auditor to evaluate your cybersecurity tools and procedures, you must first take some important steps.
What is the current state of your cybersecurity? It’s a good idea to start by looking at employee behaviour. Do your employees change their passwords regularly, use strong passwords at all times, and use two-factor authentication? Do employees understand the warning signs that indicate malicious content in pop-ups and emails? Cybersecurity training and testing for employees can help ensure that your employees are aware of and follow your company’s cybersecurity policies at all times.
You must also examine your IT hardware and software. All software programmes must be updated regularly because patches and updates eliminate vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to gain access to your systems.
Conclusion:
Defence and military data are near (if not at) the top of the list of data sought by cybercriminals. And the federal government of the United States Department of Defense (DOD) is not taking it lightly. As a small business owner especially one who is a government contractor it’s onerous to take extra steps of precautions before getting into businesses with the DoD. We at Security Pilgrim are here to guide you while ensuring your business’s cybersecurity is robust as well as compliant.
