GUIDE
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is acompliance framework established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to safeguard controlled unclassified information (CUI) across its supply chain. Organizations must meet specific cybersecurity standards and obtain third-party certification to continue working on DoD contracts.
CMMC has 3 levels of maturity:
Level 1 (Foundational)
Basic cyber hygiene practices protecting federal contract information (FCI).
Level 2 (Advanced)
Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 practices for safeguarding CUI.
Level 3 (Expert)
Advanced controls mapped to NIST SP 800-172 for protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs).
Organizations must meet the required CMMC level to bid on or renew DoD contracts, making adherence non-negotiable.
Key technical steps to achieve CMMC compliance
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a compliance framework
1. Conduct a gap analysis
- Map your existing security controls to the 110 practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171 for Level 2 or NIST SP 800-172 for Level 3.
- Identify gaps in access control, incident response, and audit logging.
2. Build a System Security Plan (SSP)
- Develop a detailed SSP documenting your organization’s current cybersecurity infrastructure, configurations, and processes.
- Ensure the SSP addresses the assessment objectives for each CMMC domain (e.g., access control, configuration management, and risk assessment).
- Identify gaps in access control, incident response, and audit logging.
3. Implement mandatory practices
- Map your existing security controls to the 110 practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171 for Level 2 or NIST SP 800-172 for Level 3.
- Identify gaps in access control, incident response, and audit logging.
- Deploy continuous monitoring solutions to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.
4. Prepare for third-party assessments
- Gather evidence of compliance, such as audit logs, security configurations, and employee training records.
- Use tools that centralize and automate audit preparation to streamline assessor reviews.
Pro tips for IT Professionals
Streamline compliance scope
Leverage Microsoft Azure’s certified infrastructure to create secure enclaves for CUI, reducing assessment scope and complexity.protecting federal contract information (FCI).
Integrate policy automation
Tools such as Nerdio Manager help enforce compliance by automating the deployment of CIS and CMMC-aligned security policies.
Leverage centralized reporting
Nerdio Manager provides a single-pane-of-glass view for tracking compliance metrics, reducing time spent on manual audits.
Prepare for real-time threats
Use advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools in conjunction with Nerdio to protect against APTs, as required for Level 3 compliance.
CMMC compliance checklist for IT professionals
☐ Conduct a gap analysis using NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Assessment Guides.
☐ Develop a comprehensive SSP and plan of action & milestones (POA&M) for identified gaps.
☐ Implement access controls, encryption protocols, and endpoint protection to secure systems.
☐ Establish an incident response plan (IRP) aligned with NIST guidelines.
☐ Maintain audit logs and system monitoring in accordance with CMMC Level 2 or 3 requirements.
☐ Train employees on role-specific cybersecurity protocols and insider threat awareness.
☐ Schedule a third-party assessment with a CMMC C3PAO.
Why CMMC compliance is essential
Maintain DoD contract eligibility | Advanced controls mapped to NIST SP 800-172 for protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs). |
Reduce cyber risks | Implementing CMMC practices significantly mitigates risks of data breaches and insider threats. |
Build competitive advantage | Demonstrating compliance builds trust with clients and positions your organization as a leader in cybersecurity maturity. |