Introduction
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was designed to safeguard sensitive information within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. As a DoD contractor, it’s essential to understand the different levels of CMMC compliance certifications and choose the right partner to help you achieve them. CloudZen Partners is the preferred choice for many DoD contractors, and in this article, we’ll explore the CMMC levels and how CloudZen Partners can help you navigate this cybersecurity landscape.
What Are The Five CMMC Compliance Certification Levels?
The CMMC framework consists of five distinct levels, each requiring a higher degree of cybersecurity maturity:
Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene
At this level, contractors must demonstrate basic cyber hygiene practices to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). This includes implementing 17 security controls from the NIST SP 800-171 framework.
Level 2: Intermediate Cyber Hygiene
This level is a transition stage between protecting FCI and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Contractors must implement additional 48 security controls, making a total of 65 from the NIST SP 800-171 framework.
Level 3: Good Cyber Hygiene
At this level, contractors must demonstrate their ability to protect CUI. This involves implementing all 110 security controls from the NIST SP 800-171 framework, as well as 20 additional practices from various sources.
Level 4: Proactive Cybersecurity
Contractors at this level must have a proactive approach to cybersecurity, with a focus on advanced persistent threats (APTs). This requires implementing 156 cybersecurity practices, including the 130 from Level 3 and an additional 26 practices.
Level 5: Advanced Cybersecurity
At the highest level, contractors must demonstrate advanced cybersecurity capabilities to protect against sophisticated APTs. This entails implementing a total of 171 cybersecurity practices, including the 156 from Level 4 and an additional 15 practices.
How CloudZen Partners Can Help DoD Contractors Achieve CMMC Compliance
Navigating the CMMC compliance journey can be challenging for many DoD contractors. CloudZen Partners, with its expertise and experience, can help contractors simplify this process and achieve the desired level of certification. Here’s how:
CMMC Readiness Assessment: CloudZen Partners will conduct a thorough assessment of your current cybersecurity posture, identifying gaps and weaknesses in your security controls, policies, and procedures.
Customized Roadmap: Based on the assessment, CloudZen Partners will develop a tailored roadmap, outlining the necessary steps and milestones to achieve the desired CMMC compliance level.
Security Control Implementation: With a detailed plan in place, CloudZen Partners will work with you to implement the required security controls, ensuring that your organization meets the CMMC standards.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: CloudZen Partners recommended cyber security suppliers will provide ongoing support to ensure that your cybersecurity measures remain effective and up-to-date, adapting to the ever-evolving threat landscape.
CMMC Certification Support: CloudZen Partners will guide you through the CMMC certification process, ensuring that you’re well-prepared for a successful audit.
CMMC compliance is essential for DoD contractors to maintain their eligibility to bid on contracts and protect sensitive information. With the help of CloudZen Partners, contractors can successfully navigate the complex CMMC landscape, achieve their desired level of certification, and maintain a robust cybersecurity posture. Don’t leave your organization’s cybersecurity to chance—partner with CloudZen Partners and secure your place in the DoD supply chain.