CMMC 2.0 Assessments Launch – Be Prepared
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC2.0) assessments officially launched in Q1 2025, following the final rule’s effective date of December 16, 2024. With Level 1 self-assessments for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Level 2 third-party assessments by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) for those managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) now underway, Department of […]
Navigating Fiscal Uncertainty with CMMC 2.0
The reinstatement of the U.S. debt ceiling on January 17, 2025, has introduced significant fiscal uncertainty, creating budget pressures for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors. As the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 assessments begin in Q1 2025, contractors must achieve compliance with limited resources to remain competitive in the Defense […]
Defending Against Cyberattacks with CMMC 2.0
In December 2024, China’s acknowledged cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure underscored the escalating threat to the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), amplifying the urgency of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0. For Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), CMMC Level 2’s third-party assessments, starting in Q1 2025, are critical to countering advanced, state-sponsored threats. This blog post examines the nature of these cyberattacks, highlights the role of CMMC 2.0 in strengthening cybersecurity, and provides practical strategies to enhance IT systems, achieve compliance, and protect against Chinese cyber threats.
CMMC 2.0 Final Rule – Time to Execute
On October 15, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) published the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 final rule, effective December 16, 2024, formalizing compliance requirements for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). With Level 1 self-assessments and Level 2 third-party assessments by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) starting in Q1 2025, the rule sets a three-year rollout, culminating in full adoption by mid-2028. For contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), aligning with the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls is critical to avoid contract risks. This blog post breaks down the final rule, underscores the urgency of immediate preparation, and provides practical strategies to achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance and ensure readiness for assessments.
Gaining a Competitive Edge with CMMC 2.0
As the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 rollout begins in Q1 2025, industry reports highlight that early certification offers a significant competitive advantage for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors. With a limited number of Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) available, early adopters can avoid assessment bottlenecks and position themselves favorably […]
CMMC 2.0’s New DFARS Rule and Incident Reporting
On August 15, 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) proposed a Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rule that introduces a 72-hour incident reporting requirement for cybersecurity incidents and mandates Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliance at contract award. For DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), this rule adds complexity to CMMC 2.0, particularly for rapid incident response. This blog post examines the implications of the new DFARS rule, highlights the importance of robust incident reporting systems, and provides practical strategies to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance while meeting the 72-hour reporting mandate.
Supporting Subcontractors with CMMC 2.0
As the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 rollout approaches in 2025, prime contractors are increasingly requiring subcontractors to demonstrate compliance, according to industry discussions in 2024. For subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), achieving CMMC Level 2 certification is critical to remaining in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) supply chain. […]
Strengthening DIB Security with Managed IT
The Department of Defense (DoD) released its 2024 Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity Strategy, emphasizing routine compliance evaluations to bolster the security of contractors handling sensitive data. This aligns with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0’s goal of ensuring robust cybersecurity through continuous oversight, with assessments starting in Q1 2025. For DoD and Intelligence […]
Preparing for CMMC 2.0’s DFARS Rule
In May 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) released a draft Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rule to enforce Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliance, signaling that certification will be a contractual requirement by mid-2025. For DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors, this rule underscores the urgency of preparing for CMMC assessments to secure contract awards. This blog post outlines the implications of the DFARS rule, emphasizes the importance of readiness, and provides practical strategies to prepare for CMMC 2.0 assessments, ensuring compliance and audit success without delays.
Microsoft® 365 GCC High as a CMMC 2.0 Enabler
In December 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a memo clarifying that cloud service providers must meet FedRAMP Moderate equivalency to comply with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 requirements for secure storage of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). For DoD and Intelligence Community (IC) contractors, Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud High (GCC High) is a critical tool to achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance and satisfy DFARS 252.204-7012 mandates. This blog post explores how contractors can leverage Microsoft 365 GCC High to enable CMMC 2.0 certification, secure CUI, and maintain contract eligibility, offering practical strategies to implement and optimize this compliant cloud solution.