The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) is a framework developed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the defense industrial base (DIB). It establishes a standardized set of cybersecurity requirements for contractors and subcontractors that handle sensitive information for the DoD. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework is designed to protect sensitive information and control access to that information as it flows through the defense supply chain.
The CMMC compliance framework incorporates existing legislations like NIST SP 800-171, 48 CFR 52.204-21, and DFARS clause 252.204-7012.
What Is CMMC 2.0?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 establishes three certification levels that demonstrate a company’s cybersecurity maturity and reliability. These levels ensure that a company has the necessary capabilities to safeguard government information on their information systems. The primary objective of the CMMC is to enforce sufficient cybersecurity practices and processes. To protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) residing on the DIB’s network.
Key Features of CMMC 2.0
- Tiered Model: CMMC implements a tiered approach requiring companies handling national security information to adopt progressively advanced cybersecurity standards. It also mandates the protection of information passed to subcontractors.
- Assessment Requirement: CMMC assessments verify the compliance of contractors with established cybersecurity standards, ensuring they meet DoD expectations.
- Contract Implementation: Once fully implemented, DoD contractors managing sensitive unclassified information must achieve the specified CMMC level to qualify for contract awards.
The Evolution to CMMC 2.0
In September 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) launched the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, known as “CMMC 1.0.” This framework introduced a tiered model, mandatory assessments, and contract implementation. The interim rule took effect on November 30, 2020, initiating a five-year phase-in period.
By March 2021, the DoD began an internal review of CMMC’s implementation. This assessment aimed to refine the program’s policies and execution.
In November 2021, the DoD announced “CMMC 2.0,” an updated structure focused on:
- Protecting Sensitive Information: Safeguard critical information to support military personnel.
- Enforcing Cybersecurity Standards: Adapt to evolving threats with stringent cybersecurity measures.
- Ensuring Accountability: Maintain accountability while reducing compliance barriers for contractors.
- Promoting Cyber Resilience: Foster a collaborative culture of cybersecurity.
- Upholding Ethical Standards: Build public trust through high professional and ethical standards.
Sepio Offers Valuable Assistance to DoD Contractors in Achieving CMMC Compliance
In complex IT, OT, and IoT environments, enterprises often struggle with hardware asset visibility and accurate inventory tracking. This lack of oversight weakens policy enforcement and exposes organizations to security risks. Comprehensive visibility into hardware assets is crucial to address this challenge. Attackers exploit blind spots using USB Human Interface Device (BadUSB) emulating devices or physical layer network implants. With robust policy enforcement mechanisms, organizations can implement best practices and enforce strict rules across their systems.
Sepio provides an innovative solution to detect hidden hardware attacks operating over the network. By orchestrating comprehensive peripheral device management, Sepio ensures that no device goes unmanaged. Leveraging physical layer visibility fingerprinting and machine learning, Sepio identifies and blocks malicious devices, offering advanced protection against evolving threats.
Fortify the security of government information by embracing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and leveraging Sepio’s innovative solutions to protect your critical assets.
Schedule a demo to discover how Sepio’s patented technology can help you gain complete control over your asset risks and enhance your organization’s security posture.
Further Information About CMMC
- Department of Defense: CMMC Overview
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
