Proper storage of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) is at the core of a healthy and satisfactory compliance program. The issue? There seems to be ample confusion on what CUI and FCI are, the difference between the two, and where they officially can be stored.
As a security compliance professional, your daily work leads to one goal: passing a C3PAO assessment and maintaining a CMMC-compliant status. This of course is much easier said than done. So, throughout this process, it’s difficult to account for every nuance in publications—especially as they come out.
Creating a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) is a foundational step in achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. DFDs offer a visual representation of how Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) traverses through an organization’s systems.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process has become a critical component for organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD). As we approach 2025, many Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) are gearing up for upcoming assessments. Ensuring readiness is crucial to achieving certification and maintaining compliance. Here are our top five tips to help you prepare for your C3PAO assessment in 2025.
As the CMMC Final Ruling and Implementation progresses, many organizations are left wondering what to expect in the coming months, and 2025. Recently, it was confirmed that the CMMC Final Rule is near completion and was submitted for final review. In the waiting period for publication, we wanted to provide a quick guide on what organizations need to know and how to prepare for the upcoming developments!
Conducting a NIST 800-171 self-assessment — also known as a CMMC self-assessment or SPRS assessment — is a critical component of DFARS 252.204-7019 compliance. As a contractor, you’ll need to evaluate your organization against all 320 objectives and upload your score to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).
While gap, readiness, and business-process-mapping assessments are crucial in preparing organizations for CMMC compliance, another type of assessment — the risk assessment — is critical to a holistic security strategy.
Achieving CMMC / DFARS compliance is no easy feat. With 110 controls and 320 objectives, the NIST 800-171 standard can be challenging to even the most experienced security professional.