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CMMC Levels 1-3

CMMC Compliance Overview

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a set of standards introduced by the U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) to ensure that defence contractors maintain robust cybersecurity practices, safeguarding sensitive information and national security. This model mandates that all DoD contractors, regardless of size, implement and maintain cybersecurity measures to combat an increasing threat landscape. CMMC builds upon existing frameworks like NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172 and categorizes compliance into three levels based on the type of data handled and the security measures required.

This compliance framework is mandatory for all contractors within the defence supply chain and has clear deadlines and enforcement mechanisms to ensure adherence. Organizations that fail to meet the required CMMC level risk facing penalties, including losing DoD contracts and facing fines.

What is CMMC ?

CMMC is a cybersecurity certification framework established by the DoD to protect two types of critical information:

Federal Contract Information (FCI)

Unclassified information that relates to a DoD contract, but does not contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

Sensitive but unclassified data that requires safeguarding due to its potential impact on national security or defence operations.

Framework Overview

The framework requires contractors to implement specific cybersecurity practices and undergo periodic assessments to ensure compliance with the requirements of each level.

CMMC Levels

The CMMC framework consists of three levels, each progressively more stringent in its requirements. Contractors are required to achieve and maintain the appropriate level based on the sensitivity of the data they handle.

Level 1: Foundational – Protecting FCI

Level 1 compliance is intended for organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). This level focuses on fundamental cybersecurity practices to protect FCI from common cyber threats.

17 Basic Cybersecurity Practices

Essential safeguards like system access control and security training.

Self-Assessment

Annual self-assessments signed off by senior executive.

Basic Cybersecurity Hygiene

Practices to reduce vulnerabilities and protect FCI.

Level 2: Advanced – Protecting CUI

Level 2 compliance is for contractors that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which is more sensitive than FCI. At this level, contractors must implement more advanced cybersecurity measures from NIST SP 800-171.

110 Security Practices

Covering encryption, access control, system integrity, and incident response.

Assessment Options

Self-assessment or third-party audit based on risk level.

Enhanced Security Controls

Advanced safeguards including logging and continuous monitoring.

Level 3: Expert – Defending Against APTs

Level 3 is the highest level of compliance, designed for contractors that deal with highly sensitive data or are at a higher risk of targeted cyberattacks from Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). This level incorporates more stringent cybersecurity measures outlined in NIST SP 800-172.

Comprehensive Security

Advanced practices including zero-trust architecture.

Government Assessment

Formal assessment by U.S. government or accredited assessor.

Continuous Monitoring

Ongoing monitoring and proactive threat mitigation.

Compliance Process

Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance involves several key steps that guide organizations from initial discovery through ongoing cybersecurity assurance.

Discover & Assess

Identify Systems: Pinpoint systems that store, process, or transmit FCI or CUI.
Classify Data: Determine the types of sensitive data handled to establish the required CMMC level.
Conduct Gap Analysis: Analyze current controls against CMMC requirements to identify vulnerabilities.

Plan & Strategize

Create a Roadmap: Develop a step-by-step plan including timeline and resource allocation.
Prioritize Actions: Focus on high-risk areas and critical data protections first.
Involve Stakeholders: Include executives, IT, compliance teams, and business leaders in planning.

Implement & Remediate

Deploy Cybersecurity Practices: Apply required technical and administrative controls for your CMMC level.
Update Policies & Procedures: Align internal documentation with new security measures.
Remediate Vulnerabilities: Fix any gaps identified during assessments to reduce risk.

Sustain & Prepare

Ongoing Monitoring: Set up continuous monitoring to verify control effectiveness.
Employee Training: Conduct regular training on emerging threats and best practices.
Prepare for Audits: Run internal mock assessments and documentation reviews to stay audit-ready.

Deadlines for Compliance

Implementation Deadline:
Contractors must begin meeting CMMC requirements by October 2025. Full compliance is expected by this date.
Contract Requirements:
From 2026, all new DoD contracts will require proof of CMMC compliance during the bidding process.
Transitional Period:
Leading up to October 2025, contractors are encouraged to conduct self-assessments and prepare for mandatory compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Loss of DoD Contracts
Contractors that fail to meet the required CMMC level will be ineligible for future DoD contract awards.
Fines and Legal Penalties
Non-compliance may lead to penalties under federal laws, especially in the event of data breaches or failure to safeguard sensitive information.
Reputation Damage
Contractors seen as unreliable or insecure may lose trust from both the DoD and private-sector partners.

Who Needs CMMC Compliance?

Prime Contractors

Companies that directly contract with the DoD and handle sensitive data.

Subcontractors

Companies that supply products or services to prime contractors.

Technology Providers

IT service providers, cloud vendors, and software developers.

Small and Medium Contractors

Businesses handling FCI or CUI for DoD work.

What to Expect When Partnering with Us

Comprehensive Packages

Creation of a System Security Plan (SSP)
Development of a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
Calculation of SPRS scoring
Detailed IT department documentation and SOPs
Formulation of compliance policies (physical & logical)
Migration to Microsoft GCC High
Implementation of security features: 2FA, FIPS 140-2 encryption, SIEM, etc.
Cybersecurity awareness training
Regular risk management meetings and internal audits
Ongoing compliance support (new assets, staff, locations, tech, customers, projects)

Included in Our Fixed-Price Package

CUI data flow diagrams
CUI media access logs
CUI physical and logical access controls
CUI marking education
Encrypted password management
Mobile device management
Advanced firewalls
Inventory asset management
Application control
Compliance and cybersecurity policy creation
Compliant Wi-Fi security
Comprehensive data encryption methods
Full-image backups for endpoints and cloud services
IoT device management
Log management (SIEM)
Data loss prevention (DLP)
Data destruction policies
Vulnerability management
Malware, virus, and ransomware protection

Custom and Complex Projects Welcome

In-house or proprietary software development platforms
Large database compliance requirements
Creative application compliance solutions
ITAR and EAR projects
International export projects involving non-U.S. persons
Expertise with Microsoft GCC High & Azure for Government
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Purview Compliance modules

Your Dedicated Compliance Team

Flexible operations tailored to unique compliance challenges.
Unlimited compliance support services.
CMMC Level 3 readiness with a fully compliant toolset.
In-house, U.S.-based software development team capable of creating custom compliant solutions.

We will assign your organization a dedicated compliance team including a Registered Practitioner (RP), Compliance Project Manager (PM), Certified Security Engineer, and access to our compliance lawyers (at no additional cost). Apart from your working session meetings that happen throughout your project phases, we schedule a cadence series to make sure there’s always progress

Let’s Lock In Your Compliance Advantage

Your mission deserves airtight cybersecurity. Reach out now—our CMMC specialists are ready to guide you every step of the way.

CMMC Compliance Checklist

Identify your required CMMC level (1-3)

Conduct a gap analysis against CMMC practices

Implement security controls and document policies

Establish a System Security Plan (SSP)

Maintain a Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M)

Conduct a readiness assessment before certification

Work with a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) for guidance

Ensure continuous monitoring and compliance updates

Note: We offer fixed-fee costs for the Compliance Programs as well as interest-free payment plans to help your organization achieve compliance with confidence and clarity.

CMMC Compliance Services

Ongoing compliance management and continuous monitoring solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure cybersecurity standards are met by contractors and subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance is essential for businesses seeking to work with the DoD, as it helps safeguard sensitive government data from cyber threats.

Preparation involves conducting a gap analysis, implementing security controls based on NIST 800-171, maintaining documentation, and ensuring employees are trained on cybersecurity best practices. CMMC-ITAR provides end-to-end support, guiding businesses through each step to ensure successful certification.

CMMC assessments are performed by CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB). These organizations evaluate your cybersecurity posture and determine your compliance level.

The timeline depends on your organization’s current cybersecurity maturity. Some businesses may require months of preparation to implement necessary controls, while others may be closer to readiness. A proper gap assessment helps determine an accurate timeline.

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