CMMC

CMMC compliance: A checklist

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standard is a framework established by the Department of Defense to enhance the cybersecurity posture of organizations in the defense industrial base. It consists of five maturity levels with specific practices and processes that contractors must implement to protect sensitive information and comply with cybersecurity requirements.

Organizations seeking to work with the Department of Defense must achieve a specific CMMC level depending on the sensitivity of the information they handle. Compliance with CMMC is mandatory for contractors bidding on DoD contracts to ensure the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI).

1. Understand the CMMC requirements for your organization
2. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas of non-compliance
3. Implement necessary security controls to meet CMMC standards
4. Document policies, procedures, and evidence of compliance
5. Conduct internal audits and assessments to ensure ongoing compliance
6. Prepare for a CMMC assessment by a certified third-party auditor
7. Address any findings from the assessment and maintain compliance

Challenges of complying with CMMC

An organization may face challenges in complying with CMMC due to the complexity of the framework, requiring a deep understanding of security requirements and controls.

Implementing the necessary security measures across different departments and systems can be a daunting task, especially for large organizations with diverse IT infrastructure.

Regularly maintaining and updating security practices to meet the evolving CMMC requirements can strain resources and require ongoing commitment from the organization.

Reducing audit cost and complexity for CMMC with an Enterprise Browser

For any size organization supporting DOD contracts and subcontracts, bid compliance is a must. With the Island Enterprise Browser, businesses can simplify achieving CMMC requirements and ensure bid compliance while maintaining security and productivity — directly through the browser. By creating secure application boundaries and embedding robust controls, Island ensures information stays within NIST 800-171 compliant storage and use, reducing audit scope and risk.