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Recent DOD Audit on Controlled Unclassified Information Finds Contractors Not Secure

Have contractors implemented the NIST 800-171 controls? DOD Inspector General (IG) audit suggests not, recommends third-party audits. Are you ready?

A recent audit conducted in response to a request from the Secretary of Defense determined that DOD contractors did not consistently implement DOD‑mandated system security controls for safeguarding Defense information. Specifically, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clause 252.204-7012 requires contractors that maintain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to implement security controls specified in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, which lists security requirements for safeguarding sensitive information on non-Federal information systems. The requirements include controls for user authentication, user access, media protection, incident response, vulnerability management, and confidentiality of information.

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Everything You Should Do to Effectively Prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

CyberSheath has attended multiple listening sessions and events with DOD leadership revealing more information regarding the DOD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).  I want to expand on our previous blog with the additional details and actionable plans on what DOD contractors need to do to prepare for the changes.

What We Understand about CMMC so Far

CMMC stands for “Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification” and will encompass multiple maturity levels that range from “Basic Cybersecurity Hygiene” to “Advanced”. The intent is to identify the required CMMC level in Request for Proposals (RFP) sections L and M to be used as a “go / no go decision.” This means that instead of the ability to bid and win a contract and then comply post-award with cybersecurity requirements, DOD contractors will have to be certified to the CMMC level required in advance, pre-bid, to even be eligible to bid.

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