CMMC creates a new baseline that seeks to ensure all contractors make meaningful investments in cybersecurity. As cyberattacks and breaches continue to grow in both the private and government sectors, CMMC requirements will benefit all stakeholders, including your business.

CMMC requires DoD contractors to achieve a designated cybersecurity level in order to qualify for contract awards. These standards are also designed to protect the networks of government contractors for the sector’s own benefit. It’s a win-win scenario.

The certification also helps contractors with their preparedness for cyberattacks, and with incident prevention. Even if an attack occurs, CMMC enables a faster recovery, which would reduce associated penalties or financial implications.

The new model regulates five cybersecurity maturity levels of controls and processes that align with relevant policies. For example, Level 1 adopts the FAR 52.204-21 requirements, which all federal contractors must meet. Level 1 has 17 controls, all of which are basic cybersecurity measures that provide the minimum security any contractor should have already implemented.

Now, CMMC compliance can feel overwhelming with these different levels, controls and changes. But you’re likely more compliant than you think. In fact, many small- and medium-sized DoD contractors already possess CMMC Level 2 or 3 compliance, while large contractors are likely going to meet tiers 4 or 5 with ease.