Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
Let Stepping Forward guide you through the CMMC process required for Department of Defense contractors.
What is CMMC and who needs it?
The CMMC is a unified cybersecurity standard established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure contractors and subcontractors meet specific cybersecurity requirements. The goal is to protect sensitive information, particularly Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), from cyber threats.
Simply put, it’s a framework to assess and enhance the cybersecurity posture of any company seeking to do business with the DoD.
Benefits of CMMC compliance
Enhanced Security
Implementing and adhering to the CMMC standards helps protect your systems from cyber threats.
New Opportunities
As a DoD requirement, being CMMC certitfied opens doors to lucrative government contracts.
Building Trust
Compliance demonstrates to your partners and customers that you prioritize security.
Supporting you through the CMMC process
Evidence of compliance
We conduct thorough Security Risk Assessments (SRA) and provide supportive evidence documentation to ensure you meet CMMC requirements. This includes ongoing assessments, typically conducted twice a year, to maintain readiness for CMMC Level 2.
Connecting with auditors
We facilitate connections with Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) who conduct the official CMMC certification audits. Additionally, we collaborate with document writers to ensure all necessary compliance documentation is prepared and maintained.
Hands-on technical support
Our support includes implementing security tools, gathering compliance artifacts, and managing projects to align the company with CMMC requirements. We also provide ongoing support to address any technical issues that arise during the preparation and assessment phases.
Frequently Asked Questions about CMMC
Is CMMC certification mandatory?
Yes, certification is mandatory for most DoD contractors and subcontractors. Unlike self-attestation under older systems, CMMC requires an independent third-party assessment for most companies.
What are the maturity levels of CMMC?
- Level 1: Basic Cybersecurity Hygiene — suitable for protecting FCI.
- Level 2: Advanced Security — aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and meant for protecting CUI.
- Level 3: Expert Security — for companies handling critical national security information.
Are there three maturity levels or five?
While there were previously five maturity levels within CMMC, they were reduced to three levels with the release of CMMC 2.0 in December 2023.
Why was CMMC created?
The CMMC was developed in response to increasing cyberattacks targeting the defense supply chain. Sensitive data breaches can lead to stolen intellectual property, weakened national security, and financial harm to both the government and businesses.
The DoD recognized that inconsistent implementation of cybersecurity practices across its contractors posed a significant risk. CMMC ensures that all companies handling FCI and CUI meet a baseline of security standards.
How do I prepare for CMMC compliance?
Stepping Forward can guide and support you through CMMC preparation. Here’s the general process:
- Understand the Requirements: Review the CMMC model and identify your applicable maturity level.
- Gap Analysis: Assess your current cybersecurity practices against the CMMC requirements.
- Implement Controls: Close the gaps by enhancing your security measures and processes.
- Engage an Assessor: Work with a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to conduct your audit.
Will you guarantee I'll be certified?
While we provide extensive support and guidance, we do not certify or guarantee that you will be found CMMC compliant. Our role is to provide insights and support for CMMC readiness.
An Managed Service Provider such as Stepping Forward provides advisory and compliance services, while C3PAOs conduct the formal CMMC assessments and audits. This separation ensures the independence and objectivity required for certification.
