Are DoD Contractors Prepared for Internet Threat Report Projections?
Although CMMC compliance should be good for three years, a recent internet threat report could cause the DoD to rethink its plan. Supply chain outfits may want to prepare.
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Expected 5G Growth May Prompt DoD To Increase Cybersecurity Rules
Although CMMC compliance should be good for three years, a recent internet threat report could cause the DoD to rethink its plan. Supply chain outfits may want to prepare.
Reliance on remote workforces and digital transformation is driving a networked economy. Organizations that work in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain are not exempt from wireless connectivity even though they house controlled unclassified information on private networks. When that sensitive data shifts into the Cloud and can be accessed remotely, DoD-associated businesses must be prepared to defend against breaches brought by rival nations and thieving hackers.
While contractors and peripheral supply chain outfits are scrambling to meet Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance, that does not necessarily mean every operation can withstand the projected internet threats. The looming question industry leaders may want to consider: Can your organization keep pace with digital transformation and defend national security?
Digital Transformation Expected To Accelerate
According to the Cisco Annual Internet Report, upwards of 10 percent of worldwide mobile connectivity will be supported by 5G wireless in less than three years. Decision-makers across sectors are expected to participate in transforming from 4G to 5G rapidly because the communication and download speed appears far superior. Wireless 5G reportedly averages 575 megabits per second. That puts the speed at approximately 13 times faster than its predecessor.
“What we are seeing from our research is a continuous rise in internet users, devices, connections, and more demand on the network than we could have imagined,” senior vice president and CTO at Cisco Roland Acra reportedly said.
Speed will not be the only business advantage to 5G transformation. Projections indicate that it will deliver advanced capabilities in areas of dynamic communication, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things (IoT) usages that underscore advanced supply chain logistics. These are key takeaways from the Cisco report that highlight exponential growth.
Given the recent industry disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of adversity in the future, expanded remote capabilities are expected to also surge within the 5G infrastructure. This holds true of the DoD supply chain.
Internet Threat Report Highlights Cybersecurity Risk Growth
The massive increases in global connectivity are expected to promote economic growth and prosperity. But like any advancement, nefarious individuals will use it to conduct criminal activities.
The speed and expanded 5G access will allow the current class of hackers, as well as upstarts, to reach DoD supply chain businesses from halfway around the world. The Cisco report projects that the frequency of DDoS attacks to surge by 39 percent, and size to uptick by 63 percent. Based on the Cisco 2019 incident data, these are the leading areas of concern.
Although the CMMC compliance model brings other cybersecurity protocols under one umbrella in a comprehensive fashion, the exponential growth in wireless connectivity may prompt DoD officials to rethink cybersecurity levels and controls. Although DoD official Katie Arrington has stated third-party certification will be “good” for three years, supply chain organizations are working on version 0.7. Things could easily change with a more volatile and determined class of cybercriminals.
It may be in decision-makers’ best interest to level up now. By exceeding your mandated compliance level now, your organization may gain a buffer as 5G and accelerated digital transformation play out. Keep in mind that by 2023, compliance will likely need to be renewed, if not sooner. And, the cybersecurity measures necessary to remain in the DoD supply chain can only become more rigorous. Proactive measures today can help prevent your organization from scrambling to meet CMMC 0.8 when it inevitably hits or suffers a damaging breach.