The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 is the new framework for companies working with the DoD, which outlines the cybersecurity rules these businesses must follow to protect sensitive information.
Also, the bottom line is that the country’s defense supply chain must be protected against growing cyber threats. CMMC 2.0 has simpler levels of compliance that focus on essential security practices and ensure all firms handling sensitive DoD data will consistently meet acceptable levels of cybersecurity standards.
However, if your company works with the DoD, you must also be prepared for these new requirements. It’s no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. Knowing the process and working with a Certified Third-Party Assessor will make your path to compliance easy and manageable.
Preparation for CMMC 2.0 can be very intimidating initially; the process becomes more manageable with each step you take toward such preparation. How to Get Started: This article outlines how to get started with preparations for CMMC 2.0.
1. Understanding the Role of a C3PAO
C3PAOs play a very important role in the CMMC certification process. The work of examining companies to check on their compliance is entrusted to the accredited organizations. They become your consultant and verify that you meet all the standards required. You could start your work with a C3PAO if you are a fresher in the CMMC industry.
A C3PAO is much more than just someone who conducts an assessment. They assist organizations in identifying weaknesses in their current practices, developing a strategy, and preparing for the certification examination. You can save time and money by working with an experienced C3PAO.
What gives working with a C3PAO real power, though, is professional experience. These organizations understand the nuances of cybersecurity frameworks and the NIST SP 800-171 requirements- the how-to that bridges your practice to the CMMC 2.0 level. Their scope of work includes the assessment of entities and assisting the entity in success.
2. Understand Your Current Security Posture
The first step toward CMMC 2.0 preparation is understanding where your organization stands. A gap assessment is necessary to decipher your current cybersecurity standing according to the level your organization is aiming and pursuing. The gap assessment will show some strong suits in other areas where the organization may be weak, pointing toward what needs improvement.
This stage is priceless because it explicitly shows how various things can be done. Without it, your efforts will be futile, as you will waste your time on unnecessary activities or not meet the job requirements.
Remember, a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) can help you carry out this task by telling you where your organization is and demonstrating how the gap will be crossed.
3. Develop a Plan of Action
Once the gaps have been identified, the next task will be developing an action plan. The action plan is a detailed road map that will help you comply with all the regulations as a company manager or owner. It involves specifying particular jobs that must be done to redress the failures, such as installing new security measures, updating old systems, or establishing policies in the company.
The fixing of human errors never gets the action plan completed. The last step is training employees in the best cybersecurity practices. This is because human error is usually the weakest spot in security. With a clear and realistic plan following the CMMC 2.0 standards, you can be confident in your next steps.
4. Focus on Documentation
Documentation plays a central role in CMMC 2.0 compliance. Your organization must prove that required cybersecurity practices were implemented and followed consistently. That means developing detailed policies, procedures, and records for every control you put in place.
Proper documentation also smoothes out the assessment process and makes it a lot easier. When assessors from a C3PAO review your organization, they’ll rely on your documentation to confirm your compliance. Even the best security measures might not pass the assessment without proper documentation. By properly documenting everything, you ensure that you are ready when the time comes to schedule your certification assessment.
5. Implement Security Controls
After identifying what you will be doing and putting it on paper, the final thing would be implementation: the security controls. Security controls are particular things your organization will implement to safeguard sensitive information. It might involve using the most recent firewalls, intentionally prohibiting users’ access to sensitive information, or encrypting the data for prevention against unauthorized parties subject to CMMC degree.
What is important here is how controls align with the CMMC standards. Everything you implement as controls should pinpoint what is being asked for at the certification level you aim for.
If you target Level 2, it must match 110 practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Working with a C3PAO or cybersecurity consultant at this stage will ensure things are not forgotten and that the implemented controls are appropriate.
Final Thoughts
CMMC 2.0 is necessary when doing business with the DoD, but it does not need to be overwhelming. Making the process less daunting and achieving clarity and confidence in compliance is possible by breaking it down into more palatable bites.
Approach this by understanding your current security posture through a gap assessment. Once that occurs, develop a remediation plan, document efforts, implement controls, and prepare for your assessment with the help of a trusted C3PAO.