What is CMMC Certification? A Guide for Businesses

Sensitive data is vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) organizations handle high-risk information that is particularly prone to these threats. To work with the Department of Defense (DoD), organizations must ensure contractors and any other organizations they work with comply with strict security measures, which include the Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC).

Because cyberattacks are rising and are becoming increasingly complex, CMMC certification is essential to safeguard critical data. It validates contractors and suppliers for doing business with the DoD, helps reduce cybersecurity risks, increases client and partner trust, and enhances a company’s reputation and marketability.

This article guides business owners and executives in defense contracting to achieve CMMC compliance, protect sensitive information, and meet certification requirements. We’ll cover contractor obligations, CMMC levels, and the latest updates on the certification process.

What is CMMC Certification?

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC) certification provides compliance measures and regulations to safeguard sensitive DoD-related information. The certification standards enforce mandatory security practices essential for supply chain contractors handling logistics and transportation of sensitive technologies and data.

Previously, the CMMC model had five maturity levels; however, it has become more streamlined based on input. The CMMC 2.0 program is a new framework developed by the DoD to streamline requirements into three levels, aligning each with nationally accepted NIST cybersecurity standards.

Key Objectives of CMMC Certification

An organization working with the DoD must meet the strict security standards of CMMC to maintain its eligibility to work on defense projects. CMMC's primary objective is safeguarding sensitive information from cyber threats and adversaries. Some of the objectives of CMMC include:

• Safeguard Sensitive Information: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) must be protected from cyber threats and adversaries.
• Enhancing National Security: Critical information must remain confidential and secure to ensure defense operations integrity.
• Establish Consistent Cybersecurity Requirements: Standardizing a cybersecurity practice framework that applies to all Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors.
• Promote Cybersecurity Accountability: Ensure the defense supply chain is resilient and maintains a culture of accountability.
• Streamline Compliance Processes: Simplify navigation of complex cybersecurity requirements for organizations of all sizes, ensuring they meet minimum cybersecurity maturity levels.

Who is CMMC Certification For?

Because private contractors and suppliers in the DIB handle critical national and military operational information, they must be CMMC certified. As prime targets for cybercriminals, they must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their data and operations.

The types of contractors CMMC applies to include:

• Defense Contractors: Defense and subcontractors must be CMMC-certified to work on projects or receive DoD contracts.
• Suppliers in the Defense Supply Chain: Those who supply products and services to the DoD must get CMMC certification.
• Businesses handling Controlled Unclassified information: Companies in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology that handle sensitive data may also benefit from pursuing CMMC certification.

CMMC Levels Explained

The original CMMC model began as a 5-level system that moved to a 3-level structure based on input from the CMMC advisory board. CMMC 2.0 combined levels 1 and 2 into one level and 4 and 5 into another. This restructuring reflects the varying degrees of cybersecurity maturity required for different types of defense contractors. Below is an overview of the three CMMC levels:

Level 1: Foundational Security Practices

CMMC Level 1 focuses on basic cybersecurity hygiene to protect low-risk data through fundamental measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, and secure access controls. Contractors must implement minimal safeguards, including 15 specific requirements designed to secure Federal Contract Information (FCI)—data provided or generated for the government under contract that isn't for public release.

Key components of Level 1 include:

• Annual Self-Assessment: Contractor self-assessments must be performed annually to evaluate CMMC compliance.
• Annual Affirmation: DoD contractors must affirm that they are adhering to the CMMC security practices of this level.

Level 2: Advanced Security Practices

Level 2 of the CMMC framework is designed for contractors managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires the implementation of 110 security controls aligned with NIST SP 800-171 standards.

Key aspects of Level 2 include:

• Triennial Third-Party Assessment: Contractors must undergo a third-party assessment every three years to verify compliance with the established security controls.
• Robust Security Measures: Level 2 includes enhanced security measures, including strong access control, incident response protocols, and data encryption.

It is crucial that organizations achieve Level 2 certification to work closely with the DoD and handle CUI. At this level, organizations ensure they comply with DoD security standards, which builds trust with clients and partners. Most organizations working with the DoD must achieve Level 2 certification to maintain or expand their defense contract work.

Level 3: Expert Security Practices

Level 2 demonstrates compliance with DoD standards, reinforces trust, and strongly commits to protecting sensitive information. While this level should be your priority, CMMC Level 3 incorporates additional NIST controls beyond NIST SP 800-171, designed for handling sensitive data that require advanced measures to address evolving cyber threats.

Key features of Level 3 include:

• Triennial Government-Led Assessment: The government leads assessment every three years to determine compliance with the highest-level cybersecurity standards.
• Annual Affirmation: Each year, contractors must affirm their commitment and compliance with maintaining advanced security practices.

How to achieve CMMC Certification

There are multiple steps your organization must take to prepare for becoming CMMC certified. This preparation includes assessing current cybersecurity practices, implementing the necessary controls, and documenting compliance with CMMC standards.

1- Understand Requirements

As a contractor, you must integrate cybersecurity practices into your daily operations to ensure compliance with CMMC requirements. It is crucial that you review and understand the NIST SP 800-171 controls for levels 1 – 3.

2- Perform a Compliance Gap Analysis

A gap analysis identifies discrepancies in your compliance with NIST requirements, and a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) evaluates your cybersecurity plan and develops a roadmap to address weaknesses and ensure compliance with essential cybersecurity standards.

3- Implement Controls

Implementing the security controls in the NIST and CMMC requirements will address the compliance gaps you identified during your gap analysis. Properly implementing the required security controls protects sensitive data and aligns your cybersecurity framework with established guidelines.

4- Prepare Documentation

You must ensure that all your policies and procedures align with CMMC requirements, as proper documentation helps track compliance processes and demonstrates the establishment of safeguards and controls in your security policies, minimizing roadblocks during certification.

5- Conduct Pre-Assessment

To properly evaluate your organization's CMMC readiness and identify any gaps, it is essential that you conduct a pre-assessment prior to the formal certification audit. At higher certification levels, assessing controls and policies is crucial. To enhance your preparedness and compliance, partner with a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) or other experts in securing all digital assets and sensitive data.

6- Engage a C3PAO

To ensure your organization is CMMC compliant, a C3PAO can help you secure valuable digital assets and sensitive data during your assessment. CMMC Level 2 and higher requires accurate assessments, which is essential for contractors with limited time and expertise. Preparing for CMMC certification requires significant time, compounded by C3PAO assessor shortages.

Challenges and Consideration

You will face many challenges regarding CMMC compliance if your organization wants to secure its place in the defense supply chain. Understanding these challenges allows you to navigate the various processes of CMMC certification more easily.

• Time: Contractors and small organizations may need more time to meet 100 security controls while balancing daily operations. Because of its extensive requirements and a limited number of C3PAOs, the CMMC certification process can experience delays.
• Cost: To become and maintain CMMC compliance, the DoD recommends that organizations allocate at least 0.5% of their revenue for security. Understanding these cost estimates will help you manage security expenses and prepare you for CMMC certification.
• Cybersecurity Expertise: Many organizations face a skills gap in cybersecurity, which is necessary to create security policies that align with CMMC. This lack of knowledge undermines effective CMMC implementation and compliance with required security controls.

Tips for Overcoming Challenges

If your organization faces the challenges above, engaging with experts will help you overcome obstacles while pursuing your CMMC certification.

• Engage Experts: It is crucial to work with third-party consultants or internal cybersecurity professionals to implement security best practices to help your organization align with CMMC requirements.
• Leverage Pre-Assessment Tools: To address security gaps and expedite your CMMC certification, use certification audit tools to find the areas and security controls you need to improve before your audit. Using these tools will help save you significant time and costs in the long run.

Training and Readiness

Official CMMC assessments will begin in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, but a shortage of certified assessors may cause a waiting period of 9 to 15 months. The accreditation process could take up to 21 months.

In the meantime, you can familiarize yourself with the compliance process, which will help streamline your accreditation. For hands-on training and to ensure your organization is fully prepared, consider New Horizons' expert-led CMMC preparedness programs.

• Training Courses Available: Licensed training providers, like New Horizons, offer CMMC courses to help businesses prepare for certification and overview critical topics related to CMMC requirements, implementation strategies, and best practices.
• Improving Compliance Readiness: CMMC-specific training is required to understand all the requirements for CMMC certification and assist with proper documentation, policy development, and assessment readiness.
• Timeline for Accreditation: Because of the many CMMC certification and compliance complexities, navigating them will be easier the sooner you begin the process. It is essential to start preparing as early as possible as the certification process can take over 21 months, with a 9 – 15 month waiting period due to the shortage of official assessors.

Conclusion

If your organization is currently or wishes to become a DIB contractor, you must ensure that its security meets the stringent requirements of CMMC certification. CMMC is critical to safeguarding sensitive DoD data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Not only is CMMC certification a requirement to work with the DoD, but it's also an investment in your organization’s long-term cybersecurity and business growth.

Additional Resources:

You can get started by visiting our training resources at New Horizons to begin the process. For more information and guidance, visit our resources.

• https://www.newhorizons.com/government-military/cmmc
• https://dodcio.defense.gov/