What Is The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)?

Uploaded on 2023-06-22 in TECHNOLOGY--Resilience, NEWS-News Analysis, FREE TO VIEW

Contributed by Gilad David Maayan

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a unified cybersecurity standard designed to ensure that companies in the defense industrial base (DIB) sector are adequately protecting sensitive information and data. It was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in collaboration with other government organizations, industry partners, and academia.

CMMC is designed to assess and improve the cybersecurity posture of defense contractors by providing a clear, standardized framework for evaluating their ability to safeguard sensitive information.

The certification process involves a third-party assessment of a company's security practices, which are then assigned a maturity level ranging from 1 (basic) to 5 (advanced).

By achieving CMMC certification, businesses can not only demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity but also gain a competitive edge in the defense contracting marketplace.

The Need for a Standardized Cybersecurity Framework

Prior to the introduction of CMMC, defense contractors were required to self-certify their compliance with information security requirements outlined in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). However, this self-certification process proved to be insufficient, as it allowed for inconsistencies and gaps in security practices across the industry.

The need for a more rigorous, standardized cybersecurity framework became evident as cyber threats continued to evolve and grow in sophistication. The CMMC was developed to address this need by providing a clear, consistent set of requirements that defense contractors must meet to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive information.
By adopting the CMMC framework, the DoD aims to create a more secure supply chain, reduce the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches, and ultimately protect national security.

The Five Levels of CMMC

The CMMC framework includes five distinct maturity levels, each with its own set of requirements and practices. These levels are designed to provide a clear progression for organizations to follow as they work to improve their cybersecurity posture and build an effective security operations center.

Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene: At Level 1, organizations must demonstrate basic cyber hygiene practices, such as protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and implementing basic security controls. This level includes a total of 17 practices, which align with the requirements set out in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
Achieving Level 1 certification is the starting point for many organizations, as it represents the minimum standard for participating in the defense industrial base. It is suitable for companies with limited cybersecurity needs and those that do not handle sensitive information.

Level 2: Intermediate Cyber Hygiene: Level 2 certification builds on the basic cyber hygiene practices established at Level 1, introducing additional requirements and controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This level includes a total of 72 practices, which align with the requirements set out in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171.

Organizations seeking Level 2 certification are typically involved in the handling of CUI and must demonstrate a more robust cybersecurity posture to protect this sensitive information.

Level 3: Good Cyber Hygiene: At Level 3, organizations must demonstrate good cyber hygiene practices and the ability to protect CUI effectively. This level includes a total of 130 practices, which encompass all the requirements set out in NIST SP 800-171 as well as additional practices from other sources.
Achieving Level 3 certification is a significant milestone for organizations, as it demonstrates a strong commitment to cybersecurity and the ability to safeguard sensitive information effectively.

Level 4: Proactive: Level 4 certification is designed for organizations with advanced cybersecurity needs and requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating threats. This level includes a total of 156 practices, which focus on advanced threat detection and response capabilities.

Organizations seeking Level 4 certification must demonstrate the ability to adapt to evolving threats and protect sensitive information from sophisticated cyber adversaries.

Level 5: Advanced / Progressive: At the highest level of CMMC certification, organizations must demonstrate advanced cybersecurity practices and the ability to protect sensitive information from highly sophisticated threats. Level 5 certification includes a total of 171 practices, which focus on advanced threat hunting and response capabilities.

Achieving Level 5 certification is a significant achievement, as it represents the pinnacle of cybersecurity maturity and the ability to safeguard sensitive information from even the most advanced cyber adversaries.

How Do Organizations Achieve CMMC Certification?

The first step towards achieving CMMC certification is to conduct a self-assessment of your organization's current cybersecurity practices. This will help you identify gaps and areas for improvement, allowing you to develop a roadmap for achieving the desired maturity level.

Next, you will need to implement the necessary practices and controls to meet the requirements of the CMMC level you are targeting. This may involve making changes to your organization's policies, procedures, and technology infrastructure.

Once you have implemented the required practices, you will need to engage a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to conduct an independent assessment of your cybersecurity practices. The C3PAO will evaluate your organization against the CMMC framework and determine whether you meet the requirements for certification.

If your organization is found to be in compliance with the CMMC requirements, you will be awarded the appropriate level of certification. This certification will be valid for three years, after which you will need to undergo a reassessment to maintain your certification status.

In conclusion, achieving the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is an important step in demonstrating your organization's commitment to cybersecurity and protecting sensitive information. By understanding the CMMC framework and working towards certification, you can gain a competitive edge in the defense contracting marketplace and help safeguard national security.

Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.

Image: Freepik

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