With exceedingly increasing technological advancement, cybersecurity threats have evolved and threat actors have been targeting data systems used by the U.S. government. This is due to the sensitivity and invaluable nature of data stored in these infrastructures. As such, the U.S. government requires organizations to take critical measures to protect the integrity of their data systems. While contractors are mandated to execute significant cybersecurity requirements, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) alters this protocol by compelling third-party assessments of their compliance with various compulsory procedures, practices, and capacities that enable them to adapt to the ecosystem.
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) recently released the latest, all-inclusive cybersecurity standard for state contractors to protect sensitive, unclassified data. The new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) protocols duped the CMMC 2.0 as an upgrade of the earlier version. This improved version reduces the previous model to three levels of cybersecurity, deleting the bespoke CMMC requirements while allowing self-assessment assertions for Level One and a section of bifurcated Level Two. The new cybersecurity protocol is called CMMC 2.0, implying the possibility of future standard versions with advanced information security approaches.
The CMMC 2.0 Framework is compatible with all organizations contracted by the U.S. DoD, implying all the companies offering services to the DoD must comply with all cybersecurity standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These standards aim to secure controlled unclassified information (CUI) from bad actors and foreign agents. As such, DoD awards contracts to only CMMC-complaint companies, which means companies without a CMMC certification cannot secure government contracts. Whereas there are no fines nor penalties imposed on non-compliant businesses, non-compliance puts them and their customers at risk of data theft, data loss, and hacking.
Using Simpatico Systems as Registered Provider Organization (RPO) to get CMMC Certification
A good (accredited and reputable) Registered Provider Organization (RPO) guides you through the entire CMMC certification process and gives your business credence for shortlisting in DoD contracts. An RPO with a cybersecurity compliance background in several frameworks, including NIST SP 800-172, CIS CSC 7.1, SO 27002, etc., provides valuable experience to prepare for contractors’ assessments. Simpatico Systems, a U.S.-based technology company that offers augmented IT support and managed IT services, helps the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements; thus, CMMC comes in naturally. Simpatico Systems doubles as a Managed Service Provider (MSP) and a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) devoted to assisting the U.S. DoD contracted firms with security gap assessments, remediation exercises, preparedness, and current CMMC lifecycle.
RPOs must have at least a single Registered Practitioner (RP) specially equipped and certified by the CMMC-AB for delivering ‘non-certified advisory support informed by fundamental training on CMMC protocol.’ As a certified RPO, Simpatico Systems comes with several RPs, such as Cory Ruthardt, Jeremia Cohen, and Gavin Carpenter.
Final thoughts
While there are no retributions associated with failure to comply with CMMC, obtaining CMMC certification provides ample opportunity for the growth of your business. With CMMC certification as a requirement for securing DoD contracts, several contractors are expected to drop out due to time and high costs. Thankfully, Simpatico Systems guides you through the CMMC accreditation process seamlessly, effortlessly, and cost-effectively. Don’t miss government contracts because of non-compliance. For more information, visit https://simpaticosystems.com/cmmc/
