Understanding The Changing Landscape In Cybersecurity Compliance

Until recently, many government contractors working in the defense industrial base (DIB) were able to self-assess and verify the measures they were taking to be cyber compliant. Historically they had three levels of cybersecurity requisites to meet, and for the most part, were accepted off good merit. According to CMMC, DIB companies should continue to self-assess their cyber efforts, but they will also be required to report to Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) for an official assessment and certification. Each carefully selected C3PAO has been vetted by a third-party organization, the CMMC-AB. This CMMC Accreditation Body will provide a neutral ground to help operationalize the CMMC through training, information resources, and accrediting all C3PAOs.  

The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) has suffered serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the last decade. It is estimated that the DIB loses up to 600 billion dollars a year in Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from IT networks and other information systems, not to mention the loss of trust that comes with it. With such susceptibility, the Department of Defense (DoD) has created a new cybersecurity framework and certification process. This new process, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is set up to protect the entire DIB, and GSec LLC is prepared to answer your questions and provide you with CMMC information that will help guide you in your cyber compliance.  

As you may know, the DoD used conditions to the existing 110 security level requirements listed in DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST 800-171 documentation. However, with the changes and the utilization of CMMC, there will now be extended security measures to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). There are a total of five levels in CMMC, with each increasing in complexity. While the first three levels that were already part of the cybersecurity plan mentioned above stay intact, there are now 171 security requirements in totality. Leveraging a trusted partner like GSec LLC to help you understand and navigate your CMMC process will help prepare you for your certification process.  

All the new measures put in place for DIB companies have both an economic and cultural effect. It may seem like a daunting task to meet the new required CMMC certifications, especially for a contractor who doesn’t fit into the world of IT. Additionally, this new CMMC action will impact nearly every sub-contractor in the ecosystem. Becoming educated and starting a cyber compliance process now will help you remain relevant in defense contracting and will allow for a more flexible cyber plan when your time comes to be certified.  

Ultimately, any organization that is planning to do business with the DoD must adhere to these new CMMC requirements which are already rolling out and due to be fully deployed by September 2025. Regardless of the decision to continue bidding on defense contracts, the idea of creating a more cyber-secure environment will only help improve your cyber ecosystem. The sense of urgency should intensify for any organization that wants to prevent cyber hazards and to maintain an impressive cyber plan. Any efforts taken to become compliant with new defense regulations will leave you more resilient and protected from any adversary.