Bluestreak™
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Compliance isn't just a Box to Check—it's a Strategic Necessity in Today's Cybersecurity Landscape. In today's ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, compliance is more than just a regulatory requirement—it's a strategic imperative.
Welcome to Part Three of our blog series, "A Practical Compliance Guide: NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 & CMMC 2.0."
In today's cybersecurity landscape, simply meeting standards isn't enough. The third part of our series dives into why the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a must-have for companies handling sensitive defense information. From understanding the different levels to aligning with frameworks like NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS, this article offers a clear path to not just compliance but also enhanced security posture. Stay ahead—because protecting your data means protecting national security.
CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
Introduction and Purpose
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified standard designed to enhance cybersecurity across the defense industrial base (DIB). It introduces a maturity model that mandates third-party assessments to verify compliance.
CMMC aims to:
• Strengthen the overall cybersecurity posture of companies within the DIB.
• Standardize cybersecurity practices across the supply chain.
• Ensure that contractors and subcontractors handling sensitive defense information meet specified security requirements.
By implementing CMMC, companies can better protect sensitive information, uphold national security interests, and maintain trust within the defense community.
Levels and Domains of CMMC 2.0
CMMC is divided into three levels, each with increasing complexity and security requirements. The model also includes 14 domains, such as Access Control, Incident Response, and Risk Management, each containing specific practices.
Level 1 - Foundational
• Description: Includes basic cybersecurity practices appropriate for small companies utilizing a subset of universally accepted common practices. • Controls: Includes the same 17 controls outlined in the original CMMC framework.
• Assessment: Requires an annual self-assessment and affirmation by company leadership.
• Applicability: Appropriate for companies that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) and do not handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Level 2 - Advanced
• Description: Covers all 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 controls.
• Assessment: Requires certification by a CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) and recertification on a 3-year basis by an outside C3PAO instead of an annual self-assessment.
• Applicability: This is the minimum level required for companies that handle CUI in any way.
Level 3 - Expert
• Description: This level involves highly advanced cybersecurity practices, including continuous improvement across the organization’s security practices, both digital and physical, to protect CUI.
• Controls: Details of this level are still being defined, but it is expected to incorporate a subset of controls from NIST SP 800-172.
• Assessment: A company will need an existing Level 2 certification. The Level 3 controls will be assessed by the DoD, not by a C3PAO.
Implementation Steps
• Understand CMMC Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the CMMC levels and domains relevant to your organization.
• Conduct a Gap Analysis: Assess your current practices against CMMC requirements.
• Develop an Action Plan: To address gaps and achieve the desired CMMC level.
• Implement Controls and Practices: Execute your action plan and implement the necessary controls.
• Prepare for Assessment: Engage a CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) for formal assessment.
Assessment and Certification Process
• Preparation: Gather documentation and evidence of compliance.
• Self-Assessment: Conduct an internal review to ensure readiness or;
• 3rd-Party Assessment: It is highly recommended to partner with a CMMC-RPO (Registered Practitioner Organization) that employs CMMC-RPs (Registered Practitioners) or CMMC-RPAs (Registered Practitioners Advanced) who are properly
trained in the implementation of CMMC.
• Formal Assessment: Undergo the formal assessment by a certified C3PAO.
• Certification: Achieve certification based on the assessment results.
Integrated Implementation Strategy
Aligning DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC Requirements
These frameworks share many common requirements. Aligning them involves:
• Unified Compliance Framework: Create a single compliance framework that addresses requirements across DFARS, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC.
• Consolidated Action Plans: Develop action plans that incorporate overlapping requirements.
• Streamlined Documentation: Maintain a single documentation set to demonstrate compliance with all three frameworks.
Unified Compliance Plan
A unified compliance plan should include the following:
• Leadership Support: Ensure top management is committed to the compliance program.
• Clear Objectives: Define clear compliance objectives and timelines.
• Resource Allocation: Allocate necessary resources, including budget, personnel, and technology.
Tools and Technologies
Leverage technology solutions to streamline compliance efforts, such as:
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): For real-time monitoring and analysis.
• Access Control Systems: To manage user access.
• Endpoint Protection: To secure devices and prevent malware.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Implement continuous monitoring processes to ensure ongoing compliance, including:
• Regular Audits: Conduct periodic internal and external audits.
• Incident Response Drills: Regularly test incident response procedures.
• Training Programs: Continuously update employee training programs.
• Continuous Monitoring: Implement processes for continuous monitoring and im- improvement.
Conclusion As we conclude Part Three of our blog series, "A Practical Compliance Guide: NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 & CMMC 2.0," it’s clear that achieving CMMC certification is more than just a requirement for doing business with the Department of Defense—it’s a critical step towards strengthening your organization’s cybersecurity posture.
So, stay tuned for Part Four, the last blog of our series, where we will guide you in developing a step-by-step action plan that breaks down tasks, assigns responsibilities and sets achievable timelines. Once the plan is in place, your team can focus on implementing the necessary controls and practices, conducting employee training, and validating the effectiveness of these measures.
About the Author
Joe Coleman is the Cyber Security Officer for Bluestreak Compliance™, a division of Throughput | Bluestreak | Bright AM™. Joe is a Certified CMMC-RPA (Registered Practitioner Advanced).
About Bluestreak™:
Bluestreak™ is a fully integrated Quality Management System (QMS), a powerful Manufacturing Execution System (MES) designed for the manufacturing environment and service-based manufacturing companies ( metal-treating/powder-coating, plating, heat-treating, forging, and metal-finishing), businesses that receive customers’ parts, perform a process (service) on them, and send those parts back to the customer). Companies need MES software tailored to specific functionality and workflow needs, such as industry-specific specifications management, intuitive scheduling control for staff and machinery maintenance, and the ability to manage work orders and track real-time data. If different work centers on the production floor aren’t “speaking” to each other via the MES, the data loses value and becomes disjointed or lost in disparate silos.
Bluestreak | Bright AM™ is an MES + QMS software solution specifically designed to manage and optimize the unique requirements of Additive Manufacturing’s production of parts and powder inventory usage.
Comments