Is Your Budget CMMC Ready?
Many organizations are surprised to learn they fall within the CMMC’s scope or are still unsure of their status. Do you fall within this category? If so, the message below will help clear things up.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, is a program developed to align with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) requirements for their Defense Industrial Base (DIB) partners. CMMC also works in conjunction with the DFARS 252.204-7012 clause.
One of the main objectives of CMMC is to provide adequate protections against Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). You can reference the CUI Category List here.
CUI is only to be sent and received by the Department of Defense, as well as their contractors and subcontractors. Within these DoD contractors, only authorized individuals and business units are authorized to access CUI based on the specific requirements from the framework.
Understanding the Scope
CMMC is not just a set of guidelines. It’s a framework that’s becoming increasingly essential. With primes and customers pressing for certification, it’s vital to understand where your organization stands. The scope of CMMC encompasses various levels of cybersecurity maturity, each with its own set of requirements.
There’s been a fair share of uncertainty about the specifics of CMMC. Fortunately, most of this uncertainty has dissipated with the rules now up for final review. Drawing from the experience of the CMMC’s predecessor, the DIBCAC assessment, it’s clear that achieving full implementation for CMMC Level 2 can take around 18 months. The timeline varies depending on the level – less for Level 1 and more extensive for Level 3.
Budget Implications
Preparing for CMMC is not just about meeting compliance. It involves a holistic transformation encompassing technology stacks, headcount, and policies. Give the timeline for implementation, businesses are only one to two budget cycles away from needing everything in place. So, the critical question is – is your budget ready for CMMC?
Start with Scoping Your Environment
A strategic approach to CMMC readiness can significantly reduce costs. Begin by scoping your environment based on CMMC requirements. This step helps in understanding the extent of changes needed and in planning budget allocations effectively.
Project Technology and Policy Changes
Understanding the kind of technologies and policy changes required for CMMC readiness is crucial. Early projection allows for smoother integration and budgeting, ensuring that your organization can easily adapt.
Engagements to Consider
1. Scoping Assessments: Understand the specific requirements of CMMC for your organization.
2. Facilitated CMMC Technology Discussions: Engage in discussions focused on technology solutions that align with CMMC requirements.
3. Gap Assessments: Identify areas where your organization currently falls short and plan for necessary improvements.
Conclusion
The journey to CMMC readiness is intricate and demands thoughtful planning, especially concerning budget allocations. ivision has a litany of resources dedicated to the pre-assessment stages of preparing for a CMMC assessment and can provide solutions to organizations of any size and stature.
As credentialed cybersecurity consultants, we’re here to guide you through every step of this journey. By starting with a thorough scoping of your environment and understanding the technological and policy changes required, you can ensure that your organization is not just compliant but also secure and resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Remember, cybersecurity is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a vital component of your organization’s integrity and trustworthiness. Let’s make your next budget cycle a steppingstone towards a more secure future. Contact ivision today to get started.
