Cybersecurity compliance is like getting a good night’s sleep: you know it’s important, but it can be hard to do consistently. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework that aims to standardize cybersecurity across the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain. And part of being CMMC compliant is undergoing regular audits to ensure that your security practices are up to par.
But what if you’re trying to break into the defense industry or you’d just like to be CMMC compliant? Does your business need a CMMC audit? Since CMMC was only released in 2020, there are lots of businesses vying for the distinction of CMMC compliance, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of the curve. Here’s what you need to know about CMMC audits and whether your business needs one.
What is a CMMC Audit?
A CMMC audit is an assessment of your organization’s cybersecurity practices. The audit is conducted by a certified third-party assessor (C3PAO) and it covers everything from how you handle data to what security measures you have in place.
The purpose of the CMMC audit is to ensure that your organization is following the best practices for cybersecurity. This includes things like data handling, access control, and incident response. The audit is also designed to give you a roadmap for improving your cybersecurity posture.
Who Needs a CMMC Audit?
The CMMC framework is required for all organizations that want to do business with the Department of Defense (DoD). This includes contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
If your organization falls into one of these categories, then you will need to get a CMMC audit. The good news is that you can choose to get the audit before you bid on a contract. This way, you can show potential clients that you’re serious about cybersecurity and that you’re already compliant with CMMC.
Benefits of CMMC Compliance
There are lots of benefits to being CMMC compliant that go beyond your ability to bid on government contracts. For one, it shows your clients that you’re serious about cybersecurity. Even if you don’t partner with the DoD, your customers will appreciate that you’ve taken the extra step to protect their data.
Additionally, CMMC compliance can help you attract and retain top talent. In today’s job market, cybersecurity is a hot topic. Employees want to work for organizations that are serious about security, and CMMC compliance is a great way to show that you’re one of those organizations.
CMMC compliance can help you avoid fines and penalties. The DoD is required to audit contractors who are not compliant with CMMC. Before the creation of CMMC, the DoD used a cybersecurity self-assessment process known as DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations System). However, too many businesses were not taking this process seriously, resulting in lax security practices and data breaches.
With CMMC, the DoD is taking a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. If you’re not compliant, you could face hefty fines and even be banned from doing business with the government. In short, compliance is not optional if you want to stay in the defense industry.
Should My Business Get A CMMC Audit?
Now that you know what a CMMC audit is and who needs one, you might be wondering if your organization should get one.
As we mentioned, the CMMC framework is required for all businesses that want to do business with the Department of Defense. So, if you’re in the defense industry, then you will need to get a CMMC audit.
But what if you’re not in the defense industry? Is CMMC compliance still a good idea?
The answer is yes! While CMMC compliance is not required for businesses that don’t work with the DoD, there are still lots of benefits to being compliant, as we mentioned earlier.
So, if you’re looking to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture, we recommend getting a CMMC audit. It’s a great way to show that you’re committed to protecting your data and keeping your customers’ information safe.
Prepare for Your CMMC Audit with Simple Systems
Although we didn’t mention how to pass a CMMC audit in this blog, it’s a lengthy process that takes a lot of skill and expertise. If you want to get started on the right foot, we recommend using our CMMC consultants at Simple Systems.
Our team can help you prepare for your CMMC audit and ensure that your organization is hitting all the requirements set by the DoD. We’ll also walk you through each of the deadlines and how to be fully compliant before your audit.
To learn more about our services, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about CMMC and get you started on the path to compliance.
