Imagine you’ve just landed a high-stakes contract with the Department of Defense (DoD)—exciting, right? There’s just one critical requirement: to handle DoD data, you must meet rigorous cybersecurity standards.
Without them, even the best deals can slip through your fingers. That’s where the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 comes into play.
This DoD mandate is essential to understand, whether it’s already on your radar or entirely new to you. In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials to help you get started with CMMC compliance.
What Is CMMC 2.0?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a compliance standard created by the Department of Defense (DoD) to protect sensitive information shared across its supply chain.
Launched in 2021, CMMC 2.0 is a streamlined update that ensures contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) meet rigorous cybersecurity requirements.
With a simplified three-level structure, it enables businesses to demonstrate their cybersecurity maturity—from basic protective measures to advanced security protocols.
CMMC 2.0 aligns closely with NIST standards and offers self-assessment at lower levels, making compliance more accessible. For contractors working with the DoD, achieving CMMC certification is now essential for securing and maintaining valuable partnerships.
Who Needs CMMC Certification?
Not every business requires CMMC certification, but if you’re part of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) or work with the DoD, this mandate is likely on your horizon. Here are the key groups that need to consider CMMC:
- Defense Contractors Handling CUI
- If your business handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—sensitive information that must be protected—CMMC standards will apply.
- Contractors Managing Federal Contract Information (FCI)
- Even without handling CUI, businesses with Federal Contract Information (FCI)—data shared by the government as part of a contract—must follow certain CMMC levels to secure this information.
- Subcontractors Within the DIB
- Working as a subcontractor on a DoD contract often means meeting the same security standards as the primary contractor, particularly if you’re dealing with any level of sensitive information.
For companies in any of these categories, CMMC compliance isn’t just a recommendation—it’s essential for staying in the DoD’s good graces.
The Importance of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
A key focus of CMMC is the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). While not classified, CUI represents sensitive data that requires safeguarding to avoid potential security risks.
This could include personally identifiable information or business-sensitive records. For any contractor entrusted with CUI, implementing federal protection standards is a top priority.
The Role of CyberAB in CMMC
To achieve CMMC compliance, companies will work closely with CyberAB (formerly known as the CMMC Accreditation Body).
CyberAB plays a vital role in ensuring businesses meet CMMC standards. By authorizing Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), CyberAB oversees the assessments that validate a company’s adherence to CMMC requirements.
Think of CyberAB as the essential checkpoint on your path to certification.
Steps to Achieve CMMC Certification
Here’s a straightforward look at the path to becoming CMMC certified:
- Initial Assessment with an RPO
- Start with a comprehensive security assessment from a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) like Just Solutions, where we identify your current security practices and spot any gaps.
- Develop a Remediation Plan
- Any gaps found in your initial assessment will guide a tailored remediation plan. Just Solutions can support you in building a practical roadmap to meet CMMC requirements.
- Undergo an Official Assessment
- When you’re ready, a C3PAO conducts an official assessment to verify compliance. Passing this assessment finalizes your certification, showing that your business meets DoD security standards.
CMMC Compliance Checklist
To stay organized during the certification process, here’s a checklist of the essential steps:
- Conduct a Preliminary Assessment
- Identify and document all CUI in your network.
- Review current cybersecurity practices to gauge compliance readiness.
- Collaborate with an RPO
- Engage an RPO like Just Solutions for an in-depth readiness assessment and clear insights into your security gaps.
- Create a Remediation Plan
- Prioritize and address key areas, from access control to incident response, to get ready for the next stages.
- Implement Security Enhancements
- Put in place the necessary tools, policies, and practices to meet CMMC’s requirements. Test these measures to ensure they’re effective.
- Prepare for the C3PAO Assessment
- Schedule a pre-assessment review to ensure readiness, and gather all necessary documentation (policies, logs, etc.) to prove compliance.
- Schedule the Official CMMC Assessment
- When ready, undergo the C3PAO evaluation and address any additional steps recommended by the assessor.
- Maintain Ongoing Compliance
- Keep up with compliance by setting regular reviews, audits, and ongoing employee training to stay prepared for future assessments.
The 14 Core Domains of CMMC Compliance
To meet CMMC standards, your business will need to focus on 14 core domains that create a strong cybersecurity foundation.
Each domain covers a vital area of protection, making them the building blocks for a secure framework against cyber threats. By addressing each area, you’re not only meeting DoD requirements but also strengthening your company’s defenses.
Here’s an overview of the 14 domains:
- Access Control (AC) – Managing access to sensitive information.
- Audit and Accountability (AU) – Keeping activities trackable and accountable.
- Awareness and Training (AT) – Educating your team on security best practices.
- Configuration Management (CM) – Maintaining secure system configurations.
- Identification and Authentication (IA) – Verifying user identities.
- Incident Response (IR) – Preparing for and managing security incidents.
- Maintenance (MA) – Conducting regular, secure system maintenance.
- Media Protection (MP) – Safeguarding data on digital and physical media.
- Physical Protection (PE) – Restricting physical access to systems.
- Personnel Security (PS) – Vetting and training personnel with sensitive access.
- Risk Assessment (RA) – Proactively evaluating security risks.
- Security Assessment (CA) – Testing and validating security measures.
- Systems and Communications Protection (SC) – Securing data during transmission.
- System and Information Integrity (SI) – Preventing unauthorized data changes.
These domains are the backbone of a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, helping protect your business while fulfilling DoD standards.
Your Partner in Navigating CMMC Compliance
CMMC compliance can seem complicated, but you don’t have to face it alone. As a Registered Practitioner Organization, Just Solutions is here to help you navigate each step of the certification process, from initial assessments to full compliance.
Our Registered Practitioners work closely with small and mid-sized businesses handling CUI, ensuring they meet CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, and NYS Shield Act requirements.
Whether you’re just getting started or well on your way to certification, Just Solutions provides the expert support your business needs to stay secure and compliant.
Take The First Step
Achieving CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be intimidating. With Just Solutions by your side, you’ll have a partner to guide you through every step of the journey. Ready to make compliance simpler? Contact Just Solutions today to schedule your initial assessment and take the first step toward certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
CMMC, or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, is a framework set up by the Department of Defense (DoD) to secure sensitive information in its supply chain. If you work with the DoD or are part of its network, you’ll need CMMC compliance to win or keep contracts.
CMMC 2.0 simplifies things. The update reduced the number of levels from five to three and gives businesses more flexibility. For example, companies at Level 1 can do a self-assessment, making compliance a bit easier to manage.
With CMMC 2.0, Level 1 allows for self-assessment. If you’re aiming for Level 2 or higher, and if you handle critical DoD data (like Controlled Unclassified Information or CUI), you’ll need a third-party assessment to confirm compliance.
The timeline can vary. For some businesses, it might take a few months, especially if more advanced levels are needed. Starting early and preparing thoroughly can help the process go more smoothly.
CMMC certification lasts for three years. But it’s essential to keep up with cybersecurity best practices and monitor your systems regularly to stay compliant and ready for recertification.
Costs depend on the level you need. Lower levels with basic controls cost less, while advanced levels with complex requirements can be more expensive. Budgeting for training, software, and possibly external help is a good idea.
Both NIST 800-171 and CMMC focus on protecting CUI. However, CMMC includes additional requirements around maturity and verification. NIST 800-171 is a set of guidelines, whereas CMMC involves certification, making it a bit more structured and thorough.
Just Solutions Inc. can guide you through the entire CMMC journey. We offer thorough assessments, gap analyses, and tailored support to get you to the right CMMC level. From your first assessment to full implementation, we’re here to make compliance as straightforward as possible.