CMMC Overview

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

What is CMMC?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC is designed to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) within the DoD supply chain.

CMMC builds upon NIST SP 800-171 requirements and adds a certification component to verify that defense contractors have implemented the required cybersecurity controls. The program includes five maturity levels, with Level 1 being the most basic and Level 5 being the most advanced.

CMMC Maturity Levels

Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene

17 practices focused on basic cyber hygiene. Required for companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).

  • • Basic access controls and authentication
  • • Standard security awareness training
  • • Basic incident response procedures
  • • Simple configuration management

Level 2: Intermediate Cyber Hygiene

110 practices including all Level 1 practices plus intermediate cyber hygiene. Required for companies handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

  • • Enhanced access controls and monitoring
  • • Comprehensive security awareness training
  • • Advanced incident response capabilities
  • • Detailed configuration management
  • • Risk management processes

Level 3: Good Cyber Hygiene

110+ practices including all Level 2 practices plus good cyber hygiene. Required for companies handling CUI with additional security requirements.

  • • Advanced access controls and monitoring
  • • Specialized security training
  • • Sophisticated incident response
  • • Comprehensive configuration management
  • • Advanced risk management

Level 4: Proactive

110+ practices including all Level 3 practices plus proactive cybersecurity. Required for companies handling CUI with advanced persistent threat (APT) protection.

  • • Proactive threat hunting
  • • Advanced security monitoring
  • • Sophisticated incident response
  • • Continuous security assessment
  • • Advanced threat intelligence

Level 5: Advanced/Progressive

110+ practices including all Level 4 practices plus advanced/progressive cybersecurity. Required for companies handling CUI with the highest security requirements.

  • • Advanced persistent threat protection
  • • Sophisticated security monitoring
  • • Advanced incident response
  • • Continuous security improvement
  • • Advanced threat intelligence and sharing

Key CMMC Requirements

Access Control (AC)

  • Multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts
  • Role-based access control implementation
  • Regular access reviews and recertification
  • Session management and timeout controls

Audit and Accountability (AU)

  • Comprehensive audit logging of all system activities
  • Centralized log management and monitoring
  • Log integrity protection and tamper detection
  • Regular log review and analysis

Configuration Management (CM)

  • Baseline configuration management
  • Change control and approval processes
  • Configuration monitoring and compliance
  • Secure configuration standards

Incident Response (IR)

  • Incident response plan and procedures
  • Incident response team and roles
  • Incident detection and analysis capabilities
  • Incident recovery and lessons learned

CMMC Assessment Process

1

Readiness Assessment

Conduct internal assessment to identify gaps and prepare for official assessment.

2

Gap Analysis and Remediation

Address identified gaps and implement required controls and processes.

3

Documentation and Evidence

Prepare comprehensive documentation and evidence of control implementation.

4

Official Assessment

Engage CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) for official assessment.

5

Certification and Maintenance

Receive certification and maintain compliance through ongoing monitoring and assessments.

CMMC Timeline and Deadlines

Current Timeline

  • 2024: CMMC 2.0 rule published and public comment period
  • 2025: CMMC requirements begin appearing in DoD contracts
  • 2026: Full CMMC implementation across DoD supply chain
  • Ongoing: Continuous compliance and periodic reassessment

Benefits of CMMC Compliance

  • Access to DoD contracts and opportunities
  • Enhanced cybersecurity posture and protection
  • Competitive advantage in defense contracting
  • Reduced risk of cyber incidents and breaches
  • Improved customer confidence and trust

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