CMMC
What is CMMC Certification?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the Department of Defense’s (DoD) newly established protocol to secure the supply chain’s cybersecurity within defense contracts. CMMC compliance is a complex process, but a new (soon to be) requirement for businesses that want to work with or continue to with the Department of Defense.
What does your business need to do to obtain CMMC compliance?
Your business needs to find and secure a Certified Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) such as SysAudits to provide the necessary steps in order to ultimately obtain compliance. Potential and current DoD prime and subcontractor will need to hire a C3PAO company to help them achieve CMMC certification prior to contracts being awarded with the DoD.
Who is SysAudits?
SysAudits has a proven track record of helping businesses achieve CMMC compliance. It is a CMMC accredited C3PAO, allowing it to provide assessments and issue certificates to businesses seeking CMMC compliance.
SysAudits, LLC is a minority owned company located in Virginia that specializes in offering exceptional service involving information technology security audits. SysAudits’ staff and ownership is composed of skilled auditors with certifications as Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Certified Information Systems Auditor’s (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
What is a C3PAO?
A C3PAO company, such as SysAudits, have gone through accreditation by the CMMC Accreditation organization, Cyber AB established by the DoD. A CMMC audit company or C3POA, such as SysAudits helps businesses navigate the process and achieve compliance by running preaudits, assessments, final audits and upon readiness, issue certificates of CMMC compliance.
What types of Businesses work with SysAudits?
Although SysAudit has the capacity and experience to work with businesses of all sizes and many industries they specialize in working with small to medium size companies in the areas of accounting/cpa firms, law firms, manufacturing companies, and software/engineering companies. They help micro-companies that provide support services under DoD contracts prepare for their certification. SysAudits works cross-border with companies servicing the Canadian military industry to acquire their needed accreditation.
How does the CMMC process work with SysAudits?
SysAudits starts by helping businesses develop a CMMC compliance plan. This plan will outline the steps needed to achieve compliance; including assessing needs and addressing necessary remediation activities to work towards and gain compliance.
Step for CMMC Compliance for Small to Medium Sized Businesses
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) needs can depending on the organization’s size, current cybersecurity framework, and the specific CMMC level required. Below is a step-by-step outline of the typical phases and factors for CMMC Compliance
Phase 1: Preparation and Planning
- Identify CMMC Level Requirements
Determine the necessary CMMC level based on contract obligations—Levels 1 to 3 are most common for SMBs. - Partner Selection
Choose a CMMC Registered Practitioner (RP) or consulting firm for guidance and select a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) for certification. - Team Training
Provide training to key staff on CMMC standards and compliance responsibilities.
Phase 2: Gap Analysis and Remediation Planning
- Gap Assessment
Analyze current cybersecurity systems, processes, and policies against CMMC requirements to identify shortcomings. - Remediation Roadmap
Develop a plan to address identified gaps, prioritizing critical vulnerabilities.
Phase 3: Implementation and Remediation
- Close Gaps
Deploy necessary technical and procedural improvements, such as firewalls, encryption, and updated access controls. - Staff Training
Educate employees on enhanced cybersecurity practices and their role in compliance. - Internal Audits
Conduct internal reviews or pre-assessments to ensure readiness for formal evaluation.
Phase 4: Formal CMMC Assessment
- Scheduling and Preparation
Coordinate with a C3PAO for the official audit, keeping in mind potential wait times. - Assessment Process
The C3PAO evaluates cybersecurity measures, processes, and documentation. - Certification Outcome
Upon successful review, a certification level is awarded, valid for three years.
Phase 5: Post-Certification and Maintenance (Ongoing)
- Continuous Compliance
Regular monitoring, internal audits, and updates help sustain compliance. - Prepare for Recertification
Certification renewal occurs every three years or earlier if required by new contracts.
Accelerating the Process
- Start Early: Begin gap analysis promptly to identify issues.
- Assign a Compliance Lead: Ensure dedicated resources oversee the process.
- Engage Experts: Use consultants to expedite technical and procedural upgrades.
- Pre-Schedule Assessments: Avoid delays by booking C3PAO evaluations in advance. There are more companies that will need this certification than there are C3PAO assessors available
Though the process can be overwhelming at first, the team at SysAudits will walk your business through the steps needed to obtain compliance. With the goal including setting up the systems in place in your organization to pass the audit, and then receiving CMMC certification. Contact SysAudits, to learn more and start the process today.
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