The federal government is moving closer to enforcing the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, meaning organizations that contract with the Department of Defense should consider working with a Registered Provider Organization to help them navigate the rigorous process and reduce the stress of going through a CMMC audit.
CMMC 1.0 was introduced in 2019 in response to escalating cybersecurity threats to prime contractors and subcontractors.
To ensure sensitive information doesn’t fall into the hands of bad actors, any organization that contracts with the DoD will be required to go through a rigorous audit process to be able to continue bidding or working on DoD projects.
CMMC Levels
The current CMMC 2.0 standard consists of three maturity levels:
- Level 1 is about basic cybersecurity hygiene.
- Level 2 adds more advanced practices to protect sensitive information.
- Level 3 requires a full-scale, sophisticated cybersecurity program.
The required level will vary depending on what type of and how sensitive the data is that the contractor will be handling.
For more detailed information, read this blog post.
Obtaining CMMC 2.0 certification can be a time-consuming and expensive project for small and midsized contractors. Estimated total costs can be anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 for Level 1, $100,000 to $250,000 for Level 2, and $ $250,000 or more for Level 3.
Contractors can’t afford to botch the process.
Hiring a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) to guide you through the process ensures your organization is well-prepared for the official audit and reduces the risk of having to go through reassessment. An RPO is an organization that has been trained and certified by the CMMC Accreditation Body (Cyber-AB) to assist companies in preparing for the audit. Here is what you can expect from an RPO:
Expert Guidance on CMMC 2.0 Requirements
Specialized Knowledge
They possess in-depth knowledge of the CMMC framework and its requirements across all levels.
Tailored Advice
The RPO can provide tailored guidance specific to your company’s industry, size, and operational needs. They help you understand which CMMC level applies to your organization and what specific controls are required.
Thorough and Objective Pre-Assessment
Early Identification of Gaps
A pre-assessment conducted by an RPO can help you identify any gaps or deficiencies in your current cybersecurity posture before the official audit. This proactive approach allows your company to address issues in advance, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Objective Evaluation
An RPO provides an unbiased, third-party perspective on your cybersecurity practices, ensuring that no critical areas are overlooked.
Development of a Comprehensive Remediation Plan
Actionable Recommendations
Based on the pre-assessment findings, an RPO can help you develop a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) that outlines specific steps to remediate any identified gaps.
Resource Allocation
RPOs can assist in determining the resources needed (time, personnel, budget) to implement the remediation plan, helping to avoid over- or under-commitment of resources.
Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings
Avoid Costly Mistakes
By engaging with an RPO early in the process, your company can avoid common pitfalls and costly mistakes that could arise from misunderstanding or misapplying CMMC requirements. This can save both time and money in the long run.
Streamlined Process
RPOs help streamline the compliance process minimizing disruptions to your daily operations and accelerating your path to certification.
Increased Confidence and Readiness
Mock Audits and Simulations
RPOs often conduct mock audits and simulations, helping your team gain familiarity with the audit process and what to expect.
Documentation and Evidence Preparation
RPOs assist in compiling and organizing the necessary documentation and evidence required for the audit to ensure everything is in order and readily available.
Compliance and Beyond
Continuous Improvement
Working with an RPO doesn’t just help with immediate compliance; it also lays the groundwork for continuous improvement. They can help you establish a robust cybersecurity program that not only meets CMMC requirements but also strengthens your overall security posture.
Ongoing Support
Many RPOs offer ongoing support and monitoring services even after the pre-assessment, helping your company maintain compliance and adapt to any new or evolving CMMC requirements.
Conclusion
Aside from the obvious benefits of engaging with an RPO, it demonstrates that your company is taking a proactive and strategic approach to achieving CMMC compliance. It shows the DoD and other stakeholders that you are committed to cybersecurity excellence, thus building trust.