Skip to content
On April 10, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced plans for retaliatory cyber operations in response to Chinese cyberattacks, highlighting the critical need for robust cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, with its Level 2 requirements for contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), is central to ensuring the resilience of systems supporting these high-stakes cyber missions. As CMMC 2.0 assessments, launched in Q1 2025, continue, contractors must fortify their IT infrastructure to meet the 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls and enable DoD’s cyber operations. This blog post explores the role of CMMC 2.0 in supporting DoD’s cyber strategy, emphasizes the need for mission-ready cybersecurity, and provides practical strategies to achieve compliance and strengthen systems against advanced threats.
CMMC 2.0 and DoD’s Cyber Operations
The DoD’s planned cyber operations, aimed at countering Chinese cyberattacks, rely on a secure DIB to execute mission-critical tasks, such as data analysis, intelligence sharing, and offensive cyber actions. CMMC 2.0, formalized by the final rule effective December 16, 2024, mandates:
- Level 1 Self-Assessments: For Federal Contract Information (FCI), requiring 17 basic cybersecurity practices.
- Level 2 Third-Party Assessments: For CUI, requiring 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls, verified by Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs).
- 72-Hour Incident Reporting: Per the August 2024 DFARS rule, contractors must report cybersecurity incidents within 72 hours.
Contractors supporting DoD cyber operations must ensure their systems are resilient against sophisticated threats, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs) and supply chain attacks, while achieving CMMC Level 2 certification to maintain contract eligibility. Robust cybersecurity is essential to protect CUI and enable seamless mission execution.
Why Mission-Ready Cybersecurity Matters
Weak or non-compliant systems can undermine DoD’s cyber operations, leading to:
- Compromised CUI, disrupting intelligence sharing or operational planning.
- Contract ineligibility, as CMMC certification is mandatory at award.
- Mission failures, as unsecured systems become entry points for Chinese cyberattacks.
- Supply chain vulnerabilities, weakening the DIB’s ability to support DoD objectives.
CMMC 2.0’s NIST controls ensure contractors have the cybersecurity foundation to support DoD’s cyber missions, protect sensitive data, and maintain operational resilience.
Strategies to Support DoD Cyber Operations with CMMC 2.0
Contractors can fortify IT systems, achieve CMMC Level 2 compliance, and enable DoD cyber operations with the following strategies, aligning with NIST SP 800-171 and ensuring mission readiness:
1. Assess Threat Detection Needs
Evaluate your organization’s ability to detect and counter threats relevant to DoD cyber operations:
- Map CUI Systems: Identify systems handling CUI, such as those used for intelligence analysis or secure communications, to prioritize protection.
- Analyze Threats: Focus on Chinese cyber tactics, like APTs, phishing, or supply chain exploits, as highlighted in the 2025 ODNI Threat Assessment.
- Align with NIST Controls: Target controls like SI-4 (System Monitoring), IR-4 (Incident Handling), and AU-2 (Audit Events) to guide threat detection efforts.
This assessment ensures cybersecurity measures support DoD’s mission-critical needs.
2. Build Secure IT Architectures
Robust architectures protect CUI and meet CMMC requirements:
- Implement Zero-Trust Security: Require continuous verification with MFA and role-based access to secure mission-critical systems, complying with AC-3 (Access Enforcement) and IA-2 (Identification and Authentication).
- Encrypt Data: Use FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption for CUI at rest and in transit, aligning with MP-1 (Media Protection) to prevent interception.
- Harden Systems: Apply secure configurations and firewalls to reduce attack surfaces, meeting CM-6 (Configuration Settings).
- Segment Networks: Isolate CUI systems to limit supply chain attack impacts, supporting SC-7 (Boundary Protection).
These controls counter advanced threats and ensure mission resilience.
3. Leverage Microsoft 365 GCC High for Mission Support
Microsoft 365 GCC High, a DoD-compliant cloud platform, enhances cybersecurity for cyber operations:
- Enable Threat Detection: Use audit logs and security dashboards to monitor for APTs or unauthorized access, aligning with AU-2 (Audit Events) and SI-4 (System Monitoring).
- Secure CUI Workflows: Restrict Teams and OneDrive sharing to authorized users, protecting CUI during mission collaboration, per AC-3 (Access Enforcement).
- Configure DLP Policies: Prevent CUI leaks with data loss prevention, meeting SC-7 (Boundary Protection) and MP-1 (Media Protection).
- Automate Alerts: Set up real-time notifications for anomalies to support rapid response, complying with IR-4 (Incident Handling) and the 72-hour reporting mandate.
GCC High ensures secure, compliant operations for DoD missions.
4. Refine Incident Response Plans
Effective incident response is critical for CMMC 2.0 and DoD cyber operations:
- Define Workflows: Establish procedures for detecting, analyzing, containing, and reporting incidents within 72 hours via the DoD’s DIBCS portal, per IR-6 (Incident Reporting).
- Test Plans: Conduct tabletop exercises simulating Chinese cyberattacks, like phishing or APTs, to ensure rapid response, meeting IR-2 (Incident Response).
- Automate Detection: Use SIEM tools or GCC High alerts to identify incidents quickly, supporting IR-4 (Incident Handling).
- Document Responses: Maintain records of incidents and actions for C3PAO assessments, aligning with AU-3 (Content of Audit Records).
A refined plan ensures mission continuity and compliance.
5. Document Compliance with SSPs and POA&Ms
Comprehensive documentation demonstrates cybersecurity readiness:
- System Security Plan (SSP): Detail how NIST controls protect CUI systems, including threat detection, encryption, and incident response, per RA-2 (Security Categorization).
- Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M): List gaps, such as incomplete monitoring, with remediation steps and deadlines, aligning with CA-5 (Plan of Action and Milestones).
- Organize Evidence: Collect logs, configurations, and response records for C3PAO review, ensuring accessibility, per AU-3 (Content of Audit Records).
- Update Regularly: Revise documentation to reflect system changes or mission needs, maintaining audit readiness.
Clear documentation proves systems support DoD cyber operations.
6. Implement Managed IT for Continuous Resilience
Managed IT practices sustain cybersecurity and compliance:
- Monitor Continuously: Use SIEM or GCC High tools to track threats in real time, complying with SI-4 (System Monitoring) and AU-6 (Audit Review).
- Patch Promptly: Apply updates to close vulnerabilities, per SI-2 (Flaw Remediation), protecting mission-critical systems.
- Secure Backups: Store encrypted CUI backups in compliant environments, meeting MP-4 (Media Storage) for recovery.
- Train Staff: Educate employees on secure practices, like avoiding phishing, to meet AT-2 (Security Awareness) and support mission security.
These practices ensure ongoing protection and audit evidence.
7. Prepare for CMMC Level 2 Assessments
C3PAO assessments verify systems supporting DoD cyber operations:
- Conduct Mock Audits: Test systems and documentation against NIST SP 800-171 controls, focusing on monitoring (SI-4), incident response (IR-4), and encryption (SC-7).
- Compile Evidence: Organize SSPs, POA&Ms, logs, and records to demonstrate compliance, ensuring accessibility for C3PAOs.
- Train Teams: Prepare IT and compliance staff to explain cybersecurity measures and response processes, meeting AT-3 (Role-Based Security Training).
- Remediate Gaps: Fix issues, like incomplete logs or weak configurations, to ensure certification success.
Proactive preparation ensures mission-ready systems pass assessments.
Looking Ahead: Cyber Operations and CMMC 2.0 in 2025
As DoD escalates cyber operations, contractors should anticipate:
- Stricter Compliance: Assessments will scrutinize systems supporting cyber missions, emphasizing rapid incident response and threat detection.
- Supply Chain Focus: Prime contractors will require subcontractor compliance to secure mission-critical operations.
- Advanced Threats: Chinese cyberattacks will evolve, demanding adaptive cybersecurity beyond NIST controls.
Early preparation for CMMC 2.0 ensures contractors support DoD’s cyber strategy effectively.
Conclusion
The DoD’s planned cyber operations against Chinese cyberattacks, announced April 10, 2025, highlight the critical role of CMMC 2.0 in securing DIB systems. By assessing threat detection needs, building secure architectures, leveraging Microsoft 365 GCC High, refining incident response, and preparing for assessments, contractors can achieve Level 2 compliance and support mission-critical cyber operations. These strategies not only ensure certification but also strengthen cybersecurity, protect CUI, and enable DoD’s strategic objectives in a high-threat environment.
