CMMC is a standardized structure for regulating and enforcing data security requirements throughout the defense distribution chain. Self-assessments are no longer sufficient, unlike the prior DFARS provision established on the NIST 800-171 framework. Instead, you must work with a CMMC inspector who has been authorized by the CMMC accreditation board (CMMC-AB).
What is the role of a CMMC auditor?
You are undoubtedly already acquainted with inspectors if your company operates in a regulated field. Many companies employ their own examiners to evaluate their technical and administrative structures, while others hire a third-party CMMC consulting VA Beach for a fresh viewpoint.
CMMC compliance is unusual because it necessitates collaboration with a certified inspector who will assess your security stance on account of the Department of Defense. You can collaborate with other accountants to educate your company for the exam, but only a CMMC inspector can provide you with a certificate.
#1. Uncertainty over which CMMC degree to pursue
There are five levels of CMMC, each with its own set of security requirements and procedures. Acquiring one level necessitates obedience to all prior levels’ regulations as well. Before hiring a certified CMMC auditor, the most crucial choice to make is which level to strive for.
While every business owner seeks the best protection for their company, achieving Level 5, the ultimate point, right away may not be feasible. Most firms should strive for Level 3 or above, as this is the minimum need for any entity that manages controlled unclassified data. Managing high-value assets (HVAs) may necessitate Level 4 or 5 certification.
#2. Inability to track down and identify CUI
Because you can’t secure what you don’t understand, the very first step in improving your institution’s cybersecurity is to be able to monitor, classify, and categorize all assets under your control. Any highly confidential material about the Department of Defense, including employment records, individually identifiable information, and proprietary information, are classified as CUI.
You must guarantee that CUI is controlled, separated, monitored, and managed before approaching a CMMC auditor certified by the CMMC-AB. It’s critical to demonstrate to any CMMC inspector that your business follows acceptable security standards by guaranteeing that you have comprehensive transparency overall data under your control.
#3. A lack of awareness of a C3PAO’s job
CMMC third-party assessor organizations (C3PAOs) and authorized vendor organizations are likely to interact with you along your CMMC cybersecurity journey (RPOs). The CMMC certification organization offers both of these credentials, which may be obtained in the CMMC AB Industry. Nevertheless, it’s critical to grasp the differences between the two before committing to either.
Most significantly, C3PAOs are the only organizations that can provide you with a certification. To that aim, a C3PAO serves as a CMMC inspector, but owing to the requirement to prevent any apparent problems of interest, they are unable to conduct consultations on the subject. In other regards, C3PAOs are third-party assessors whose primary responsibility is to assess your compliance audits and provide a maturity level.