SSE CEO Shares Tips For CMMC Compliance

Security Management recently published an article by SSE CEO Elizabeth Niedringhaus detailing a 4-step guide for companies planning for CMMC compliance.

Ever since the DFARS Interim Final Rule that went into effect in November 2020, DoD contractors have been on the clock to get started. Do you have a plan in place for your organization?

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our CEO Elizabeth Niedringhaus’ recent article published by Security Management, which details the four steps organizations like yours to need to take.

4 Steps To Getting Started With CMMC Compliance

1. Identify Readiness: You need to start your CMMC compliance efforts with a plan. That means performing a readiness assessment to determine the current state of your environment and cybersecurity standards.
2. Determine CMMC Maturity Level and Assess Gaps: Next, you need to know which of the 5 levels of CMMC compliance your organization is subject to. By understanding what level of CMMC compliance you need to reach and documenting the current state of your cybersecurity processes and controls, you can then determine what needs to be improved.
3. Remediate Gaps: The next step is to start addressing what is currently non-compliant.  It’s important to fully understand and deal with these issues prior to an audit, so you aren’t scrambling following a failed audit.  Remediation can be handled internally or by an outside partner or both.  Many small and medium-sized businesses find it easier to use outside support, but make sure to do your homework in choosing the right partner.
4. Continuous Monitoring: It’s important that you understand that CMMC compliance is not a one-time thing. While you may be confidently compliant after completing these first three steps, you will also need to manage or have someone manage it on an ongoing basis to ensure you sustain compliance on an ongoing basis.

Need Expert Assistance With Your CMMC Compliance?

CMMC compliance will not be a one-time cost, as it is not a one-time snapshot. It is an ongoing state and requires ongoing practices, policies, and support to maintain compliance.

SSE has been recognized as a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) by the CMMC- Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB), and our team is available to help you analyze your current compliance with NIST 800-171 and identify what is needed to meet the new standards required for CMMC certification.

Here’s how to get started:

• Contact our team and book your initial Readiness Assessment at a time that fits your schedule
• Our team will assess your environment and IT tools to determine your current state and challenges
• Our team will lay out the necessary steps for your company to meet NIST 800-171 and CMMC requirements