The cyber-attack landscape is constantly changing. As the threat landscape evolves, so must the way we approach cyber security. Organizations must continually evolve their cyber security practices in order to remain an attractive target and remain compliant with industry regulations. The CMMC is the only cyber security certification program that helps organizations gain the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to reach cyber security maturity. Fortunately, the CMMC is an attainable goal for any organization that is serious about making progress. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and commitment. If you’re ready to take the first step, then keep reading for our comprehensive guide to getting your CMMC.
What is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?
Cybersecurity maturity is the level at which an organization’s cybersecurity is currently at. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC) is a framework for determining where an organization currently stands in terms of cybersecurity maturity. The CMMC is based on the following three factors:
The Organization’s Cyber Strategy – The organization’s current state of cybersecurity is partly dependent on the quality of its strategies. The CMMC includes an organizational assessment that evaluates an organization’s cyber security management and plans for risk management.
The Organization’s Cyber Capabilities – The organization’s current state of cybersecurity is also heavily influenced by its capabilities. The CMMC includes an organizational assessment that evaluates the capabilities of an organization’s cyber security management and risk management processes.
The Cyber Threat Landscape – Finally, the CMMC includes a risk assessment that analyzes the current state of cybersecurity as it relates to the cyber threat landscape.
The Eight Levels of Cybersecurity Maturity
Preparedness – Preparedness is the initial level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization is aware of the threats and risks that are currently affecting its cybersecurity. Preparedness is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity. – Awareness – Awareness is the second level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization identifies the risks and threats that are currently affecting its cybersecurity. Awareness is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity.
Understanding – Understanding is the third level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization understands the risks and threats that are currently affecting its cybersecurity. Understanding is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity.
Evaluation – Evaluation is the fourth level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization evaluates the effectiveness of its risk management processes. Evaluation is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity.
Diagnosis – Diagnosis is the fifth level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization diagnoses issues that could be negatively affecting its risk management processes. Diagnosis is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity. – Resolution – Resolution is the sixth level of cybersecurity maturity. At this level, an organization resolves issues affecting its risk management processes. Resolution is the first step towards a more mature level of cybersecurity maturity.
Get to CMMC – The Ten Steps to Get You There
All contractors doing business with the Department of Defense will be required to meet at least Level 1 CMMC requirements. The exact level of certification required to be awarded a contract will be specified in the RFP.
Although you are not required to be CMMC certified at the time of the RFP, you must be when the contract is awarded. That means you’ll have a window to begin and finish certification, but the length of that window will vary depending on the contract. However, it is best not to wait until the last minute to avoid unforeseen delays and the risk of losing a contract.
To obtain CMMC certification, you must work with an accredited, independent third-party assessment organization via the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body. You’ll specify your organization’s level of cybersecurity maturity and set up an evaluation.
The assessing organization will award you the appropriate certification once you have met the security requirements for the requested tier. The DoD will have access to your certification level through a database, but the results of your cybersecurity audit will be kept confidential.
