CMMC 2.0 is the latest version of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). It was released in November of 2019, and replaces CMMC 1.0. CMMC 2.0 is mandatory for all Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors, so it is important to understand what this means for your business.
In this blog post, we will explain who needs to be compliant with CMMC 2.0, what the differences between CMMC 1.0 and 2.0 are, and why you need professionals to help you become compliant.
What Is CMMC?
The CMMC is a certification program that was created by the Department of Defense (DoD) in order to improve cybersecurity within the defense industrial base. This certification is required for all companies that do business with the DoD, and originally consisted of five levels of security.
With CMMC certification, businesses can show their commitment to cybersecurity, and that they have the necessary controls in place to protect DoD information.
Who Needs CMMC Certification?
All companies that do business with the Department of Defense (DoD) must be CMMC certified. This includes contractors, subcontractors, and any other company that handles DoD data. CMMC certification will soon be required for all companies that want to do business with the DoD.
What Are the Differences Between CMMC 1.0 & 2.0?
The main difference between CMMC 1.0 and CMMC 2.0 is that CMMC 2.0 has three levels of security whereas the original version had five. Additionally, CMMC 1.0 included a list of both processes and practices while the second version focuses on practices alone.
The original version’s levels included:
- Performance
- Documentation
- Management
- Review
- Optimization
The new framework condenses these into three levels of security: foundational, advanced, and expert. These new levels are not significantly different from the old ones; however, they are simpler and easier to understand.
How To Get Started
The certification process can initially seem intimidating, but it’s easier when you’ve done your research and work with professionals. The first step towards reaching certification is to develop an understanding of CMMC.
After that, assess your IT infrastructure and note areas that need development. Next, implement the necessary changes. Finally, request an assessment from a certified third-party assessor organization.
Why You Need CMMC Consultants
Complying with CMMC can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the certification process. CMMC compliance requires a significant investment of time and resources, and it is important to have a team of experts in your corner to help you through the process.
CMMC consultants can help you assess your current cybersecurity posture, develop a plan to become compliant, and implement the necessary controls. If you are doing business with the Department of Defense, it is important to understand CMMC and what it means for your company.
CMMC compliance is not something that can be achieved overnight, and it is important to have a team of experts to help you through the process. Contact us today to learn more about CMMC and how we can help your business reach certification.
