The CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) are standards-based on ascending maturity levels. It starts with “Basic Cybersecurity Hygiene” and goes up to “Advanced/Progressive.” Depending on the DoD contract being dealt with, the maturity levels have various demands to achieve certification. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Level 1: safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI)
- Level 2: transition to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
- Level 3: protect CUI
- Levels 4 and 5: protect CUI and reduce risk of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
With DoD sensitive information and intellectual property theft on the rise, the transfer to the CMMC framework became a must.
While assessing and enhancing the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) supply chain’s cybersecurity, the CMMC will also ensure that robust cybersecurity processes are implemented. The DoD believes that 300,000-plus organizations will need to be certified on one of the CMMC’s levels. On this list are prime contractors, subcontractors, and any other business working alongside the DoD.
There’s bound to be some leeway as contractors and subcontractors adjust to these bolstered requirements. However, acting now will prevent any problems down the line. Getting on the correct path starts through using the right software that’s ready for CMMC approval.
Here’s a list of some products to look into:
- CMMC Cloud Software #1: Microsoft
- CMMC Cloud Software #2: Amazon Web Service
- CMMC Cloud Software #3: Google Cloud
- CMMC Cloud Software #4: Accenture
- CMMC Cloud Software #5: IBM
CMMC Cloud Software #1: Microsoft
All Microsoft cloud environments are subject to cybersecurity frameworks. The efficacy of process and automation of practices both dictate cybersecurity maturity. Specific control requirements adhere to respective cloud environments.
Controls are in place for Azure Government that restrict access to only screened U.S. persons with data processing and storage within the Continental U.S.
Alternatively, sovereign clouds restrict control requirement specificity regarding other cloud environments.
These are just two examples, but each cloud environment must demonstrate a level of cybersecurity that satisfies the CMMC.
CMMC Cloud Software #2: Amazon Web Service
Collaborating with the DoD and the CMMC-AB, AWS (Amazon Web Service) is working toward establishing the requirements and certification process.
Beyond that, AWS wants to work with clients to streamline their CMMC certification, offsetting both effort and risk. The solutions will eventually include the following benefits:
- Automated deployment capabilities
- Reference architectures
- CMMC practices responsibility matrix
- Potential FedRAMP authorization inheritance
- Supporting certification documentation
AWS has an impressive list of customers that will encourage DoD subcontractors and contractors to feel comfortable with the service. This list includes the following agencies and organizations:
- U.S. Defense Logistics Agency
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Special Operations Command
- Lockheed Martin, Raytheon
- GDIT
CMMC Cloud Software #3: Google Cloud
Offering in-depth defense and security that shields data on a global scale, Google Cloud meets technical needs on top of its CMMC level protection.
Security risks are seamlessly flagged and managed with Google Cloud’s robust framework—long before an issue can grow into a threat. Any contractor or subcontractor using this service also benefit from the following benefits that support your compliance requirements globally:
- Certifications
- Technical capabilities
- Guidance documents
- Legal commitments
CMMC Cloud Software #4: Accenture
Accenture put tremendous effort into establishing robust cybersecurity across government. It’s meant to safely embrace disruption while harnessing citizen trust.
Not only is Accenture one of the first cloud services popping up when you search for something CMMC compliant on Google, but it delivers results.
First and foremost, it’s fast, with native accelerators, enabling security capabilities and controls. This way, all safeguards can be deployed within hours instead of months. It can also be implemented harmoniously with existing solutions, business processes, and operational teams.
The security is also automated and self-healing, reducing manual steps, streamlining the process. It’s also possible to establish pre-emptive controls, blocking incidents from occurring before they even start.
CMMC Cloud Software #5: IBM
You’re always going to be in good hands with IBM as your cloud provider—the company’s history is rooted in high-end security.
Their cloud is currently seen as the most secure public cloud for business, and for a good reason.
IBM’s Cloud platform allows you to manage security and compliance controls within the system. There’s a unified dashboard, allowing you to view all compliance postures at once. There’s also automation, the ability to configure governance, and you’ll intuitively detecting vulnerabilities and risks.
Answering A Couple of Critical Questions:
After going through these providers, we want to elaborate on a few more talking points integral to CMMC approval. Here are some questions you might want to be answered about the process:
- When Will CMMC become a Requirement for the DoD? The DoD already began phasing CMMC requirements into new contracts at the beginning of 2020. It was expected that 10 Requests for Information (RFI) and 10 Request for Proposal (RFP) met the CMMC standards. Throughout the next half-decade, expect CMMC requirements to be more prevalent in new DoD contacts. By 2026, almost all new DoD contracts will be written with CMMC standards as part of the package.
- How Can Your Organization Get Certified? The CMMC has created an independent, non-profit Accreditation Body (A.B.). Its purpose is to teach individual assessors and consultants to help organizations go through the process of certification. For DoD contractors’ convenience, the CMMC-AB has launched a CMMC Marketplace where approved and certified C3PAO’s and RPO’s can be viewed and selected. An RPO will provide readiness services to help organizations prepare for assessment with a C3PAO and their certified accessor. The C3PAO will independently assess DoD contractors every three years and be certified based on a given CMMC maturity level. The RPO can help ensure that the organization is in compliance with all required controls at all times.
It’s Time to Adhere to CMMC Standards Now.
DoD contractors or subcontractors without a firm grasp of CMMC guidelines are directly placing obstacles in front of themselves. While the frameworks are being slowly grandfathered in, they will be the norm before the end of the decade.
Of course, as demands become more rigorous, it’s challenging to keep up. However, getting started now will make it far more straightforward than trying to catch up five years from now. When it comes to cybersecurity, mostly when the government is involved, it’s always preferred to be safe than sorry.
One place to start is with your network architecture and how the organization will handle CUI data. From there, you can begin the process of implementing CMMC approved technologies in place by using cloud services that adhere to the CMMC guidelines already. This way, the transition will have far fewer obstacles because you’re using software that can satisfy these many challenges.
BlueSteel Cybersecurity is a CMMC RPO and can provide you with guidance to get your firm ready for assessment. Reach out today to learn more about our CMMC Readiness Service.
