Are you a small business owner trying to win defense contracts? Then you must be overwhelmed by the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. These requirements were rolled out by the Department of Defense to ensure enhanced protection of the base supply chain. However, compliance to CMMC is something that most small business owners struggle with.
Large contractors have access to dedicated cybersecurity teams. Such teams handle all compliance issues. However, you wear many hats as a small business owner and ensuring compliance to CMMC is just one of them.
Get Up to Speed on CMMC Levels and Processes
CMMC establishes 5 levels of cybersecurity readiness, from basic safeguards at Level 1 to advanced capabilities at Level 5. The level required depends on the sensitivity of information you would handle as a contractor. The majority of small businesses will need to meet Level 1 or 2 requirements.
Once you know your required level, documenting and improving your cybersecurity processes is key. CMMC does not provide a checklist of exactly which technologies to install. Rather, you must show systematic management of cybersecurity activities according to specified process areas. Certified assessors will validate that activities like access control, asset management, and vulnerability scanning are consistently happening.
Build Upon Existing Safeguards
To avoid overspending, catalog what cyber protections you already have in place. Almost all small businesses owners today have implemented baseline security measures like firewalls, antivirus software, backups, and system updates. Verify documentation on the policies and procedures governing use of these safeguards to demonstrate systematic management.
You can then build further safeguards into existing activities and systems. For example, enhancing identity and access management controls when onboarding new hires and offboarding departing employees. Small changes spread across different process areas can collectively meet requirements without major new security infrastructure.
Train Employees and Contractors
CMMC also requires awareness training for all personnel. Include basic cyber hygiene like safe internet usage, password management, and detecting phishing emails alongside internal system security protocols. Training both employees and contracted staff ensures everyone handles sensitive information properly.
Formalize Processes with Cybersecurity Policies
Documenting formal policies solidifies that your cybersecurity activities are intentional, organized efforts rather than ad hoc practices. Well-written policies also improve consistency when responsibilities change hands, such as staff turnover. They provide proof to assessors that sound controls govern areas like incident response, vulnerability management, and the security of information on mobile devices.
Leverage Cost-Effective Resources
Various free or affordable resources exist for small businesses tackling CMMC. The federal-run CMMC Accreditation Body provides official training materials online. Non-profit advocacy groups like NDIA offer education forums and networking with fellow contractors. Technology tools like policy libraries and compliance tracking platforms automate elements of readiness for modest monthly fees.
Stay the Course with Continuous Improvement
While reaching your required CMMC maturity level enables competing for an initial contract, certification lasts only 3 years. You must plan for demonstrating continued readiness improvements when renewing it. Consider all the quick technology changes and new cyber threats emerging daily.
Solidify an internal team and budget dedicated to evolving defense contractor security over the long haul. Building a culture focused on regularly training personnel, testing defenses, and hardening protections will pay dividends. With CMMC here to stay, dedication to continuous enhancement cements your business as an asset to the defense industry and cleared to handle sensitive government data.
Final Words
By understanding compliance to CMMC, strategically enhancing current safeguards, training personnel, documenting processes, and selectively leveraging external resources, small businesses can achieve needed certification without overspending. Initially confusing acronym soup can give way to demonstrated cybersecurity discipline making you compliant and competitive for defense contracts.
