7 Essential CMMC Requirements Every Defense Contractor Needs To Know

For defense contractors, understanding the CMMC requirements is the first step toward compliance. The Department of Defense (DoD) created the CMMC to enhance security by ensuring contractors have adequate measures to protect  CUI and FCI.

Should you care about CMMC compliance? Absolutely! Non-compliance is not good for your business; apart from exposing you to cyberattacks that threaten national security, it can lead to serious reputational damage. These ultimately render you ineligible for defense-related contracts, jeopardizing business.

So, compliance is not just necessary; it’s essential for your business’s survival.

There are several steps to take to become compliant and meet CMMC requirements. To help you better understand CMMC compliance, we have compiled the top seven essential requirements. With this, you can gauge your standing and know the right steps to take to become compliant. Let’s take a look.

What Are the CMMC Requirements?

Becoming compliant requires organizations to implement various laid-out effective cybersecurity practices from the 14 interdependent domains of the CMMC framework.

To succeed, defense contractors need to have a checklist of the core requirements. They include:

Requirement 1: Know Their CMMC Level

There are three CMMC levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level has cybersecurity requirements tailored to address the security risks. The level a defense contractor falls into depends on the sensitivity of the information they handle.

• CMMC Level 1: Targets contractors who handle basic FCI. It contains 17 cybersecurity based on FAR 52.204-21. Contractors must undertake a self-assessment to attain CMMC Level 1 certification and qualify for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.
• CMMC Level 2: Requires contractors to implement 110 security measures to protect CUI according to NIST SP 800–171 guidelines.
• CMMC Level 3: For defense contractors handling highly sensitive CUI. It also includes organizations facing Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These contractors need to align with all Level 2 NIST SP 800-171 requirements and additional practices from NIST SP 800-172.

To define your CMMC level, you must establish the sensitivity of the data you process from the contract terms. While self-assessment is enough in Level 1, Levels 2 and 3 CMMC requirements use a certified 3rd-party assessor.

Requirement 2: Identify and Protect Key Data and Systems

This CMMC requirement stresses the need for defense contractors to identify key data and the systems that process and store this data. The next step is to evaluate how they process the information to ensure its security. As such, contractors need to know which assets should be protected (scope).

Requirement 3: Secure Their Networks

Organizations should use a security design that meets the CMMC standards. Such as system should align with the security controls that protect CUI and FCI to enhance network security. Choosing or designing the right security architecture is crucial to effectively managing current and future cyber threats.  

Requirement 4: Put in Place Security Controls and Procedures

This entails setting up controls that protect sensitive assets and data.

Based on your CMMC level, adopt effective measures and practices, such as malware protection and physical protection, to enhance safety. By integrating various security measures, defense contractors can meet the strict requirements of CMMC.

Requirement 5: Review Their Systems with a CMMC Audit

A CMMC audit is an essential requirement that measures how defense contractors meet compliance requirements. It entails assessing how well they meet the set cyber security standards in their processes and practices. The audit report should show that the organization is committed to protecting sensitive information.

Requirement 6: Get the Required Documentation In Order

Documentation is a key to CMMC compliance. It includes showing the regulator that you have appropriate security policies, systems, procedures, employee training records, etc., necessary to meet cybersecurity threats. Organizations should regularly update and adopt the recommended security practices under CMMC in preparation for the assessment.

Requirement 7: Undertake Your CMMC Assessment and Review Systems Regularly

Finally, with all the checkboxes, it’s time to do the formal CMMC assessment for certification.

In level one, you can do the self-assessment by yourself. However, for level 2 and level 3, the evaluation is done by an accredited C3PAO. They review your documentation, check security controls and interview key personnel to ensure CMMC requirements are implemented correctly.

Attaining compliance doesn’t mean you relax; it’s a continuous process. Organizations must continuously monitor their systems to ensure they are aligned with the latest CMMC standards to remain safe and compliant. That entails regularly reviewing how you monitor, detect and respond to threats.

Conclusion

CMMC compliance is essential for organizations working with the DoD and handling sensitive CUI and FCI. However, tackling the technical requirements can be challenging. By addressing these seven key requirements, the path to compliance and certification should be smoother.

Each requirement plays a crucial role in preparing contractors for the CMMC assessment. With the help of a cybersecurity consultant, you can walk through these requirements to meet CMMC standards, be compliant and get certification.