As a company in the defense industrial base (DIB), you and your subcontractors are required to understand the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This is the major new security standard that the US Department of Defense (DoD) has rolled out and requires all defense contractors to meet at least one level of CMMC compliance before taking on contracts involving controlled unclassified information (CUI).
The CMM security framework has three tiers of cybersecurity maturity, ascending from level 1 to 3 in order of increasing security. However, you may struggle to meet the CMM certification level needed to win or keep working on government contracts.
To overcome this, you might want to turn to professional CMMC certification service providers. These managed security service providers (MSSPs) are registered, trained, and equipped with tools to help you meet all CMMC compliance requirements.
But you may ask, what are professional CMMC certification services? Why do you need to hire them? This article unpacks all you need to know before working with a CMMC-registered professional. Read on to find answers to the questions you might have.
What are Professional CMMC Certification Services?
A CMMC certification professional is an individual or organization that helps businesses fulfill what the CMMC security framework requires. They are accredited by the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB) to deliver a non-certified advisory service after foundational training on the CMMC standard.
Having base training does not mean these practitioners are deficient in CMMC knowledge. Rather, it means they are the implementers and consultants who help businesses like yours comply with CMMC provisions. Any references to being “non-certified” only imply that they are not authorized to conduct a certified CMMC assessment.
Before hiring CMMC Certification Services, make sure your provider has registered on the CMMC-AB website and passed the body’s requirements. Your CMMC-registered professional must:
Have completed training in basic CMMC framework
Have agreed to be bound by a professional code of conduct
Pass a commercial background check from the CMMC-AB
Understand how CMMC fits into your firm’s service delivery process
Reasons to Choose Professional Certification Services
If your company works in the defense industry or is looking to get started, CMMC compliance is a must. And there is no better way to ensure all the requirements are met than by working with a CMMC-registered professional. Whether you work directly with the DoD or are a subcontractor to other defense contractors, professional CMMC certification services will assist your business in CMMC cybersecurity maturity.
Here are the seven reasons why working with a CMMC-registered professional is your best bet for being CMMC-certified:
1. Knowledge About CMMC Requirements
When looking to boost your DoD compliance efforts, a CMMC-registered service provider comes with an arsenal of knowledge about what CMMC entails and what your business must do to achieve complete compliance. They will have the skills to help you better point out any security or compliance gaps in your company that must be addressed.
Moreover, the professional will help you mainly address the 17 domains of CMMC certification so you can reach the desired certification level efficiently. They will also take the burden off you and explain to your company’s management, investors, and key stakeholders why it is imperative to implement certain security measures and how they will help grow the firm.
2. Make the CMMC Process Easy
Admittedly, the whole CMMC framework can be challenging to comprehend. You’ll find it more confusing as you ascend to higher security levels, where more complex tools and procedures are involved.
Professional CMMC certification services bring simplicity without bypassing anything. The consultant will evaluate your present cybersecurity posture, teach you along the way, and help you with the requisite preparations and documentation. They will supplement your existing IT team.
3. Help Identify Gaps
After a conclusive assessment of your current security efforts, your CMMC expert will help you identify the vital areas that must be addressed and come up with an action plan. They will scrutinize your security measures, tools, and policies and see if they are up to speed, exceed, or are shy of the required cybersecurity maturity level.
Moreover, your consultant can suggest cost-efficient ways to address any gaps mapped out without compromising the quality of cybersecurity desired.
4. Enrich Your IT Team for Long-term Compliance
Cyber threats are a dynamic phenomenon, hence the need for your security standards and protocols to evolve as cybercriminals change tactics. As such, your CMMC compliance does not stop at the certification. It is a continuous, long-term journey that your team should adapt to.
A professional CMMC certification service will put your IT team on top of all the updates and changes. As your partnership grows, it will help your team maintain your current CMMC level, move up to higher tiers, implement scalable technologies, and acquire essential cybersecurity knowledge.
5. Reduce Financial Risk and Potential Penalties
Professional CMMC certification services can help you avoid costly mistakes that could result in contract termination or significant financial penalties.
By ensuring comprehensive compliance, these experts minimize the risk of non-compliance, which can cause significant monetary losses and damage your firm’s reputation in the defense industry.
6. Provide Comprehensive Documentation and Audit Preparation
CMMC certification requires extensive documentation and preparation for potential audits. Professional CMMC certification services offer comprehensive support in creating, organizing, and maintaining the necessary documentation.
They will help you develop a robust documentation strategy that meets CMMC requirements and prepares your organization for potential future audits, reducing stress and uncertainty.
7. Achieve CMMC Compliance Ethically
With a registered provider, you’re assured that they will adhere to a professional code of ethics. Besides, the CMMC-AB mandates every CMMC Ro to sign and bind themselves to an ethics agreement to ensure they can be held accountable for any complaint on their services.
You can rest assured that the accreditation body has the right to revoke any provider’s approval if they conduct themselves unethically. However, before proceeding, contact the CMMC accreditation body and verify a potential vendor’s qualifications.
Conclusion
Navigating the complex landscape of CMMC certification can be challenging, but professional CMMC certification services provide a strategic approach to achieving and maintaining compliance.
By leveraging their expertise, ethical standards, and comprehensive support, these professionals can help your organization meet the required cybersecurity standards and enhance your overall security posture and competitive advantage in the defense industry.
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