Cyber attacks account for billions in damages yearly. This applies not only to large companies. Cybersecurity threats can target any organization – regardless of size or industry.
That’s why the Department of Defense created the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This certification ensures that organizations meet a certain level of cybersecurity standards. Thus, helping to protect them from potential security threats.
This blog will discuss the CMMC, why it matters, and the steps organizations can take to become compliant.
Continue to learn about the five different CMMC levels and what each entails. We will also discuss the importance of meeting CMMC compliance requirements.
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification: What Is It?
CMMC is a rigorous set of standards and requirements that organizations that do business must meet. The CMMC was created to ensure contractors meet security requirements when handling information.
This model also helps protect against cyber threats. For example, data breaches and leaks can cause significant financial losses. The certification is based on the five different levels of security requirements.
Each group requires organizations to meet specific criteria related to cybersecurity best practices. For instance, data protection and access control.
Moreover, the certification is specific to organizations contracted by the Department of Defense. Any organization looking to do business with DOD must meet these security standards.
Why Is CMMC Certification Important?
Becoming certified ensures an organization meets all of the DoD’s standards for handling information. By meeting these standards, organizations can ensure their data is safe and secure.
The certification also assures clients that the organization is taking sufficient advances. These are done to protect itself from cyber threats.
This creates trust between an organization and its customers. Trust is essential for any business relationship. Without trust, there can be no continuous transaction.
Furthermore, meeting CMMC requirements helps organizations stay up-to-date with evolving security threats. This helps protect an organization from potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
How to Achieve CMMC Compliance?
Organizations must first understand the different levels of requirements. After this, they must determine which one they need to meet.
Once they have chosen their story, they should review the CMMC guidelines. This is followed by an assessment of their current cybersecurity practices.
Organizations can then create a plan to address gaps in their practices or procedures. This may involve updating cybersecurity compliance protocols, implementing measures, or investing in cybersecurity tools.
Once an organization has met the minimum for its level of compliance, it must be assessed by a DoD-approved third-party auditor. This is done to ensure they have met all security standards and can be certified compliant.
The Five Levels of CMMC
The five levels of CMMC range from basic security requirements to more advanced practices.
Level 1 is the most basic and includes conducting regular cybersecurity maintenance. For example, patching systems, using anti-virus software and limiting access to sensitive data.
At Level 2, organizations must establish a formal assessment process. This may include vulnerability scanning and malware analysis. They must also create a plan for responding to cyber threats and incidents.
Level 3 requires companies to review their security policies and procedures periodically. It also mandates that organizations develop secure access controls. This is done by restricting user privileges and monitoring system activity.
Level 4 requires companies to protect critical information through encryption and safeguarding data. Additionally, organizations must track system changes. They must monitor user activities to detect potential threats.
Finally, Level 5 is the most advanced level of certification. Companies must implement a comprehensive security program that meets industry best practices.
This includes continually assessing their environment for vulnerabilities. It may also involve regularly testing their systems for compliance with security standards.
By understanding CMMC compliance, organizations can create a plan to achieve certification.
CMMC certification is essential for any organization doing business with or serving the DoD. It ensures that all sensitive data is adequately protected from potential cyber threats.
By achieving certification, organizations assure clients they are taking steps to protect themselves.
Common Mistakes Made With CMMC Compliance
A common mistake when preparing for certification is not assessing current cybersecurity. Organizations should take the time to understand the different levels of compliance. They must determine what they need to achieve before setting out an implementation plan.
Another mistake is to take into account the evolving security threats and technologies. Organizations should regularly review their security measures. They must also update them as needed to avoid potential cyber threats.
Finally, organizations may overlook investing in additional cybersecurity tools and services. Investing in these can help ensure that an organization meets all the requirements for its level of certification.
Achieving CMMC compliance is essential for any organization that does business with or serves the DoD. Organizations should understand the five levels of compliance. They must assess their current cybersecurity practices before creating an implementation plan.
Compliance Made Easy for You
The CMMC Compliance certification provides a greater sense of security. This is true when it comes to the protection of sensitive data. With this compliance, organizations can reduce risk while increasing their overall cybersecurity maturity.
In addition, companies will be better poised to meet requirements from the DoD. They will remain compliant with new regulations in the future.
With this guide, you are now well-equipped to get your organization certified. As a consequence, you will reap the many benefits of CMMC Compliance.
The importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world can not be overstated. Ensure your organization is up-to-date with all security protocols by getting compliance certification.
Be Structured Technology Group is one of only 34 companies in California that is CMMC certified.
Get in touch with us if you’re interested in taking your cybersecurity to the next level.
