CMMC Compliance Made Simple

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If your business is part of the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain, or plans to be, you’ve likely heard about CMMC, or the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a government-backed cybersecurity framework designed to protect sensitive information shared with contractors.

Let’s break down what CMMC is, who it applies to, and how an IT MSP can help you meet these cybersecurity standards without the headache.

What is CMMC?

CMMC stands for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. It’s a set of cybersecurity standards developed by the U.S. Department of Defense to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) that is handled by contractors and subcontractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is sensitive government-related data that isn’t classified but still requires protection under federal regulations due to its potential impact on national security, privacy, or government operations.

🔐 Controlled Unclassified Information – Examples:

• Technical drawings or specifications for military equipment

• Export-controlled data (e.g., ITAR-regulated information)

• Personnel records of DoD employees

• Security protocols or vulnerability reports

• Medical records protected under HIPAA in government contracts

Federal Contract Information (FCI) is information provided by or generated for the government under a contract that is not intended for public release and requires basic safeguarding.

📄 Federal Contract Information – Examples:

• Project schedules or timelines provided by the DoD

• Contract performance reports

• Non-public pricing or billing data

• Internal communications related to a government contract

• Basic deliverables documentation without sensitive content

If your business wants to work on DoD contracts, either directly or indirectly, you must meet specific cybersecurity requirements under CMMC.

Who Needs to Be CMMC Compliant?

CMMC compliance is required for:

• Prime contractors and subcontractors that do business with the DoD

• Suppliers in the defense supply chain

• Manufacturers, engineering firms, technology providers, and other businesses that handle CUI or FCI

Even small businesses and niche service providers may be affected if they touch DoD-related data in any form.

CMMC Levels Explained

The CMMC framework is structured into three levels of cybersecurity maturity. Each level builds on the previous one, adding more rigorous security practices and documentation requirements.

Understanding where your organization fits is the first step toward achieving and maintaining compliance.

🔒 Level 1 – Foundational

Purpose:
To safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI)—data that’s not intended for public release but is shared by or generated for the government under a contract.

Who it’s for:
Most small businesses that do not handle sensitive DoD data but still provide goods or services to the DoD.

Requirements:

• 17 basic cybersecurity practices, largely based on NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2.

• These are considered “basic cyber hygiene” activities, such as:

  • Using strong passwords

  • Regularly updating software

  • Limiting system access to authorized users

  • Scanning for malware

• No documentation is required for Level 1, but you must perform these practices consistently.

Assessment Type:

• Self-assessment (with annual affirmation)

🔐 Level 2 – Advanced

Purpose:
To protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—sensitive data related to national security that isn’t classified but still requires safeguarding.

Who it’s for:
Organizations that handle, process, store, or transmit CUI in the course of working with the DoD.

Requirements:

• Implements all 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171.

• Includes more advanced practices such as:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

  • Incident response plans

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest

  • Security awareness training

  • Access control policies

• Requires formal documentation of security policies, procedures, and practices.

• Requires regular internal reviews and evidence of implementation.

Assessment Type:

• Third-party assessment for organizations handling CUI (by a certified CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization or C3PAO).

• Some Level 2 contractors handling only FCI (not CUI) may be allowed to self-assess, depending on DoD contract requirements.

🛡️ Level 3 – Expert

Purpose:
To protect the most sensitive CUI in environments that are at high risk of nation-state level threats.

Who it’s for:
Large or highly specialized defense contractors supporting top-tier national security projects.

Requirements:

• Builds on Levels 1 and 2 with additional cybersecurity practices.

• Based on NIST SP 800-172, which includes:

  • Advanced threat hunting

  • Cybersecurity situational awareness

  • Security architecture and system design strategies

• Focus is on reducing the risk of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)—long-term, targeted attacks by well-funded adversaries.

• Requires deep integration of cybersecurity into daily operations and proactive defense strategies.

Assessment Type:

• Government-led assessment (by the DoD)

How to Know Which Level You Need

Your required level of CMMC certification depends on:

• The type of data your company handles (FCI vs. CUI)

• The sensitivity of the information

• The contract terms with the DoD or a prime contractor

Most small and mid-sized businesses will likely need Level 1 or Level 2 compliance. Level 3 is rare and typically reserved for a select group of high-security contractors.

How an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) Can Help with CMMC Compliance

Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance can be overwhelming, especially for small to mid-sized businesses without a dedicated IT security team. That’s where an experienced IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) becomes a valuable partner.

Here’s how an MSP can support your journey:

1. Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessments

MSPs can perform a detailed assessment of your current cybersecurity posture compared to CMMC requirements, identifying where you're compliant - and where you're not.

2. Implementation of Security Controls

From multi-factor authentication to system access policies, MSPs can deploy and manage the tools and practices required by NIST SP 800-171 (for Level 2) or basic cyber hygiene measures (for Level 1).

3. Policy and Documentation Support

CMMC requires written security policies and procedures. MSPs help draft, maintain, and update documentation to satisfy audit requirements.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Management

MSPs provide continuous monitoring, patching, threat detection, and incident response - all essential for sustained compliance.

5. User Training and Awareness Programs

MSPs offer security training programs to ensure employees are aware of cyber threats and how to respond to suspicious activity, a key requirement for Level 2.

6. Audit Support and Remediation

If you're preparing for a third-party or DoD-led assessment, an MSP can assist with gathering documentation, correcting deficiencies, and walking you through the process confidently.

CMMC is a necessary standard to ensure the defense supply chain remains secure. But you don’t have to go at it alone.

An IT MSP can simplify the path to compliance by providing the expertise, tools, and support needed to meet the right CMMC level for your business. Whether you're starting at Level 1 or aiming for Level 2, the right partner can save time, reduce risk, and make compliance much more manageable.

Netranom is not currently certified to provide full CMMC Level 2 services. We support clients through partnerships with authorized C3PAOs and are actively working toward our own certification.

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