Understanding the Impact of CMMC on Small Businesses

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework designed to certify an organization’s cybersecurity capabilities in order to work with the United States Department of Defense (DoD). CMMC is essential for any business or organization that works with sensitive information as it creates a standardized set of cybersecurity practices. With CMMC, the certification model has been refined and expanded upon to provide a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. However, with this update comes certain implications for small businesses that may result in challenges when complying with and financing these regulations.

CMMC and Small Business

As CMMC becomes the new cybersecurity standard, there are a few items that any small business working with DoD contracts should be aware of.

• Compliance Costs: One of the more significant challenges for small businesses with CMMC is the cost associated with compliance. Achieving and maintaining certification can be financially burdensome, especially for those with limited resources. These expenses may include investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, conducting audits, and hiring specialized personnel or external consultants.
• Resource Constraints: Small businesses are often already operating with limited staff, making it difficult to allocate dedicated resources to manage cybersecurity. Implementing the controls and processes required by CMMC can stretch already limited resources even further.
• Technological Upgrades: CMMC introduces stronger enforcement of cybersecurity requirements that some small businesses may find challenging to meet. Upgrading systems, software, and hardware can be costly and time-consuming, posing a significant obstacle to reaching compliance.
• Training and Education: With an increased emphasis on the importance of workforce training and education in cybersecurity, small businesses may lack the internal expertise or training programs necessary to educate their employees effectively. Meeting the training requirements can also be demanding, leading to an increased reliance on external training providers or consultants.

How Small Businesses can Overcome the Challenges

Although these challenges can be significant for a small business, it is possible to take steps to better navigate the impact of CMMC effectively.

• Plan and Budget: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps required for CMMC compliance. Create a realistic budget that considers the costs associated with technology upgrades, training, and audits. Seek assistance from cybersecurity experts or consultants to gain insights and refine your approach.
• Prioritize Security Measures: Evaluate your existing cybersecurity measures and prioritize the areas that require immediate attention. Focus most of this attention on the core controls that are outlined in the CMMC framework and address any critical vulnerabilities first. Making gradual improvements can help manage costs and minimize disruption to your daily business operations.
• Leverage Collaboration: Join industry associations or consortiums to pool resources and knowledge together. Sharing experiences and best practices with peers and other small businesses can be invaluable in understanding CMMC requirements and in finding cost-effective solutions. Taking a collaborative approach can also reduce the individual burden of compliance.
• Seek Government Assistance: The government is not blind to the challenges faced by small businesses with the implementation of CMMC. They provide resources to support these cybersecurity efforts, such as available grants, programs, or guidance from agencies such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) or the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Utilizing these resources can provide your small business with necessary funding or valuable guidance toward compliance.

Ensure Your Small Business is Compliant with CMMC

Although CMMC is aimed at strengthening cybersecurity within organizations working with the DoD, it does present unique challenges for small businesses. From compliance costs and resource constraints to technological upgrades and training requirements, there are a number of hurdles that can make compliance feel unattainable. However, with careful planning, prioritization, collaboration, and leveraging available resources, small businesses can navigate the impact of CMMC successfully. Small businesses that invest in cybersecurity and adapt to the evolving threat landscape will be better able to protect sensitive information, build trust with the DoD, and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

As a small business, you can’t risk non-compliance with CMMC requirements or losing DoD contracts. Contact SSE today to schedule an initial consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of CMMC compliance for your businesses.