In order to achieve CMMC compliance many small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are feeling the pressure to spend more of their budget on Cybersecurity. While it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect your business, meeting CMMC compliance doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here we will clarify what CMMC compliance is, the challenges and costs of achieving it, and how it can be more affordable for your business.
What is CMMC compliance?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework created by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that outlines cybersecurity practices and processes that organizations must put in place to handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
CMMC replaced the self-attestation model for compliance and introduces a third-party certification process. With CMMC 2.0, the structure has been updated to reflect changes in the cybersecurity landscape. These new structural changes have changed the process for certifying third-party assessors to help streamline this for organizations.
CMMC 2.0 aims to better protect DoD information and improve the security posture of contractors working with the department.
The Challenges of Meeting CMMC Compliance
There are many questions and challenges with CMMC compliance. The biggest challenge for SMBs when it comes to achieving CMMC compliance is the cost.
The cost of the certification itself depends on the size and complexity of the organization and includes technology, program development, an audit process with Registered Provider Organization (RPO), and certifications. There are many factors – but meeting compliance could cost your business 30 to 200 thousand dollars.
In addition to the certification fee, there are also the costs of putting the necessary processes and procedures in place to meet the requirements of the CMMC. These can include things like hiring new staff, training current staff, and investing in new technology.
Many SMBs are struggling to meet these costs—however—there are ways to control the costs of CMMC compliance and still protect your business. We have broken down some of the costs and how your business can save money on each element.
Consultant Fees
Consultants are required to meet CMMC compliance so you cannot avoid them entirely. However, you can lower your need for them by doing as much as you can yourself and bringing on the right CMMC and NIST consultants. Consultants usually charge around $200 an hour, so the more you need them, the more your certification will cost.
The Scope
The more systems and people that have access to CUI data, the higher the cost will be. Every system has to be included in your compliance policy and every employee with access must have the proper training.
Limiting CUI access to certain employees and devices will save your business money in reaching compliance.
Ensuring The Correct Security Controls Are In Place
Having to redo any steps in the compliance process is just going to cost your business more money. It is better to do it once the right way than to try to get around things and end up having to pay more in the long run.
K2 helps ensure your business has the correct suggested security controls in place to meet CMMC compliance.
Control the Costs of Meeting CMMC Compliance With K2 Tech
Don’t risk failing your CMMC audit. Our team provides an assessment that prepares you for your audit so that you can be sure you meeting compliance requirements.
Our team of compliance and security experts will work with you to create a tailored solution that meets your specific needs, prepare you to pass your CMMC audit, protect, and save your business money in the process.
To learn more about how K2 can help you achieve CMMC compliance, contact us today. Our team would love to hear about your business and be happy to answer any of your questions.
