The defense sector is one of the high-stakes areas. Upholding effective cybersecurity practices is a matter of necessity. As such, organizations that transact with the Department of Defense (DoD) must implement the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) to safeguard sensitive information that could jeopardize national security against cyber threats.
However, navigating CMMC isn’t a smooth ride, and this is where many defense contractors find themselves. The plenty of misconceptions about what, who, and how make navigating it more difficult. By understanding what’s required of you to comply, you can meet the set standards and leverage opportunities to work with various government agencies.
Imagine this: minimal cyber risks, increased credibility, and reduced risks to suits from inadequate data protection. All these could mean business success. But it all starts with debunking these misconceptions- that’s what we’ll look at here. Read on to find out!
1. If We’re NIST Compliant, We Don’t Need CMMC
There’s a common misconception that CMMC is essentially the same as NIST 800-171. It makes contractors believe they have met the CMMC requirements if they are NIST-compliant. After all, if they’re basically the same, why bother? However, this is far from the truth. While CMMC draws from NIST guidelines, they are not identical. Yes, they share many similar controls, but CMMC goes further by expanding on NIST 800-171, introducing additional requirements.
The reality is that organizations must comply with and maintain CMMC requirements. So, if your company monitors network security as per NIST, you still need to be compliant with CMMC—keep login records and review security protocols. It adds a security layer that nature accountability on top of the basic NIST requirement.
Additionally, CMMC certification is done by Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO), which is still all about accountability. This isn’t a recruitment with NIST.
When working with DoD, understanding the full CMMC compliance requirements is important. It helps you better protect data and increase your chances of winning contracts. So, stay updated with the latest CMMC news to align yourself with cybersecurity standards as they evolve.
2. CMMC Won’t Affect You If You Don’t Work Directly with the DoD
Many companies mistakenly believe that CMMC applies only to direct DoD contractors. The reality is that it affects you as long as you are along the supply chain. So, if you provide indirect support to DoD contractors, you technically work with them, and CMMC likely affects you, too.
This misconception can have serious consequences for businesses that don’t prepare. For instance, a small IT service provider might think they’re safe from CMMC requirements because they don’t handle sensitive DoD data. However, if they work with a contractor bound by CMMC, they might also be required to meet CMMC standards to avoid compromising positions that could make them lose important contracts.
On the flip side, CMMC compliance can open new doors for companies even if they are not in business with them. So, becoming CMMC compliant can help organizations earn trust and expand their network in the industry.
3. Achieving CMMC Certification Is Quick and Easy
CMMC certification is more tasking than many realize. The only levels that might be a bit straightforward are levels 1 and 2, which require a self-assessment. However, level 3 isnt exactly a walk in the park; there are more practices to comply with, and a third-party assessment might even be required depending on the nature of the contract.
CMMC level 3 requires a formal and structured assessment by an accredited C3PAO. That means you need more than a simple check-the-box exercise; organizations must pass a comprehensive evaluation to prove their cybersecurity maturity.
Preparing a CMMC complaint could take a couple of months as you go up the certification levels. That’s because contractors need to undertake advanced measures. Overcoming this misconception is key to preparing early by getting the right resources. Contractors should budget for time and resources to ensure they’re ready for CMMC certification.
4. Only Large Contractors Need to Worry About CMMC
There’s a common notion that only large, established defense contractors must comply with CMMC. CMMC applies to all companies within the defense industrial base, regardless of size, as long as they handle sensitive data, CUI and FCI. In fact, CMMC is structured with small and medium-sized organizations in mind with its scalability factor. Besides, being small doesn’t shield you from cybersecurity threats, so you must comply and get certification for your level. These certifications are not as demanding as the advanced ones that large companies follow.
5. CMMC Certification Guarantees Protection Against Cyber Threats
100% protection against cyber threats is another myth around CMMC. CMMC aims to ensure companies have baseline controls and mature practices to manage known risks. While a strong foundation is key to enhancing security, it doesn’t guarantee total immunity.
However, becoming CMMC compliant means setting up the right protocols, conducting ongoing monitoring, and regularly reviewing and updating. By doing so, organizations can significantly reduce their security against threats.
It’s all about being vigilant and responding promptly to situations to minimize the effects of cyber attacks. To achieve this, employees and the entire organization must be cybersecurity-aware and make it a culture that CMMC aims to achieve.
Conclusion
These common CMMC misconceptions make it hard for companies that work with the DoD directly or indirectly to make the right decisions and be CMMC compliant. That’s a huge risk that exposes sensitive information to attacks.
With a solid understanding of the facts, companies can integrate CMMC practices into their cybersecurity strategies to enhance their security posture. By overcoming these misconceptions, you can take the right steps to build an effective cybersecurity defense and stay on top of your game.
