Top CMMC Compliance Requirements Every Business Needs To Know
As more organizations in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. interface with the Department of Defense (DoD) or their supply chain, compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements has risen to the top of the list. CMMC is not optional – it’s a floor for winning and keeping defense contracts. With an intricate landscape to operate in, knowing the core requirements is the initial step towards compliance and safeguarding sensitive government information.
What is CMMC?
At Solvere One, we have helped companies with compliance for years. Here is what you need to know about CMMC requirements and how your organization can get ready. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a single, standardized framework developed by the DoD to help ensure contractors are:
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Access Control
Limit access to systems and data based on user roles and need to know.
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Incident Response
Develop and exercise incident response plans to detect, respond and remediate cybersecurity incidents.
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System and Communications Security
Secure network boundaries and secure data transmission.
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Audit and Accountability
Provide audit trails and monitoring for system activity.
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Identification and Authentication
Implement strong identity verification methods (multi- factor authentication).
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Configuration Management
Implement secure configurations of systems, track changes, and prevent unauthorized changes.
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Risk Management
Evaluate and handle risks, including vulnerabilities and possible threats to information systems.
Levels of CMMC Comliance
The latest version of the framework is called CMMC 2.0, which has three levels:
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Level 1: Foundational - Cyber hygiene practices to secure FCI
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Level 2: Advanced - Highly Convergent with NIST SP 800-171 requirements and required for processing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
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Level 3: Expert - Targeted to the contractors processing the most sensitive data, adding practices from NIST SP 800-172
For Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. area contractors, the decision is simple: most small and mid-sized contractors will likely need to ensure Level 2 compliance where CUI protections are applicable.
Getting Ready for CMMC Compliance
For many businesses, preparation for a CMMC assessment can be a daunting task. The requirements are broad and they cover almost every aspect of your IT environment. How organizations can effectively prepare for this:
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Gap Assessment
Determine which aspects of your current security practices do not meet CMMC standards.
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Remediation Plan
Strategies to eliminate deficiencies should be developed and implemented.
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Documentation
Keep good policies and procedures in place as may be required for audit.
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Continuous Monitoring
Use continuous monitoring for ongoing system compliance.
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Training and Awareness
Train staff on their responsibilities to safeguard sensitive data.
Why Partner with Solvere One
CMMC compliance is not a box to check – it takes expertise, resources, and continuous management. That’s where Solvere One can help.
Based in Northern Virginia, serving the greater Washington, D.C. area, we focus on helping business deploy effective, cost-effective cybersecurity solutions designed to complement CMMC. Our staff has decades of experience with compliance structures, proactive IT management, and supporting defense supply chain contractors.
By working with Solvere One, your organization gets:
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Consulting advice on how to interpret CMMC requirements.
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Onsite assistance with testing, remediation and documentation.
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Continuous IT management for ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.
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A local partner who knows the cybersecurity issues facing businesses in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Final Thoughts
The compliance requirements for CMMC are no longer a distant possibility – they’re here, now, and companies that do not comply could lose valuable DoD contracts. By recognizing the essential requirements and engaging with an experienced service like Solvere One, you can safeguard sensitive information, ensure ongoing eligibility for government contracts, and fortify your cybersecurity stance.
If you are a business in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C. and you’re getting ready for CMMC compliance, Solvere One is here for you. Call us today for a consultation and take the first step towards becoming confident in compliance.