If you are still confused about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, a good place to start is by understanding its importance. Keep reading to learn what CMMC is, why you need it, and why it is important.
What Is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is a cybersecurity framework created by the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve cybersecurity standards across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
The CMMC model comprises three progressive levels (Foundational, Advanced, and Expert) each featuring an increasing number of cybersecurity practices.
We have covered CMMC extensively in previous posts. To learn more, we recommend reading “CMMC for Small Businesses: a Starter Kit” and “What CMMC Level Do I Need?“
Why Is CMMC Important?
Now that we know what the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is, let’s take a look at the reasons that make it important.
You Need It To Win and Maintain DoD Contracts
Cybersecurity is always a smart investment. However, the main reason why CMMC is important is that if you are part of the DIB in any capacity, you need to comply with CMMC in order to keep and maintain DoD contracts.
The good news is that CMMC is based on or aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172, two standards you should already be applying.
So while you have work to do, some of the foundations may be already in place. If you haven’t started working towards CMMC compliance yet, contact our CMMC Practitioners today. They will help you understand where you stand and what steps you need to take in order to achieve full compliance.
It Gives You a Competitive Edge
Since CMMC compliance is a contract award requirement, it is easy to see how obtaining the highest possible CMMC certification will put you one step ahead of your competitors.
Keep in mind that this applies to both contractors and subcontractors. DFARS Clause 252.204-7021 not only requires contractors to have a current (not older than 3 years) CMMC certificate at the CMMC level required by a given contract but also mandates the inclusion of a CMMC requirement in all subcontracts
Clause 252.204-7021 also states that subcontractors must have a current CMMC certificate at a level that is appropriate for the information that is being flowed down by the prime contractor.
Long story short: Whether you are a defense contractor or subcontractor, you need to be CMMC compliant if you want to stay competitive within the DIB.
CMMC Improves Your Organization’s Cybersecurity Posture
In addition to the more practical reasons described above, CMMC fulfills a more basic purpose: it strengthens your organization’s cybersecurity.
Adversaries of the United States are targeting the DIB with increasingly complex cyberattacks because they see it as a vulnerable area they can exploit to obtain valuable information.
Needless to say, the consequences of a cyber attack can be devastating for your organization, and even for the country itself.
Preparing for this challenging landscape requires expert assistance, and CMMC provides a framework that organizations of all sizes can use to implement professional cybersecurity standards across all their operations.
Need To Achieve CMMC Compliance? We Are Here To Help
Whether it’s CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, DFARS, or ITAR, we help organizations achieve compliance with all applicable cybersecurity regulations at any level so that they can win and maintain Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.
Brea Networks, LLC is a fully Registered Provider Organization (RPO) and is a Microsoft partner with full Microsoft GCC High licensing and migration solutions.
Contact our CMMC Registered Practitioners today by clicking here.
Brea Networks, LLC / CMMCCompliance.us
451 W. Lambert Rd Suite 214
Brea, CA 92821
Tel: (714) 592-0063
