CMMC Gap Analysis: Don’t Get Left in the Dust
We’ll take a comprehensive look at your existing security controls against the requirements outlined in the CMMC framework. Our team will identify any gaps in your security controls and provide you with a detailed plan of action to address these gaps and achieve CMMC compliance.
Let Winsor worry about IT.
How Does CMMC 2.0 Affect Your Business?
It has been more than two years since the Defense Department first rolled out the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. The basic premise of CMMC is that all contractors and subcontractors in DoD’s supply chain, with the exception of commercial-off-the-shelf product providers, would have to obtain a third-party certification of their cybersecurity proficiency before performing an awarded contract.
From the time of the rollout, a lot of significant work has been accomplished by DoD and its industry partners: a detailed cybersecurity hygiene model was rolled out, the accreditation body (AB) was established, training was created and, seven contracts were identified as the first DoD contracts that would require CMMC. Further, numerous providers have undergone the time and expense to become registered providers or certified assessors in the AB ecosystem. Contractors have also spent significant funds to review their systems against the CMMC model to prepare for certification. Winsor Consulting is one of them.
Achieve Your CMMC Certification
The Department of Defense has made it very clear they want their contractors to prepare now for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. How organizations prepare and achieve DOD cybersecurity maturity model certification can be a difficult, intimidating, complex process for a lot of people.
But it’s not for us.
The Winsor Consulting process for CMMC compliance and certification will include the following steps:
- Determine your maturity level requirement
- Perform a gap analysis
- Remediate identified gaps
- Engage with an assessor
- Apply for CMMC certification
Our comprehensive CMMC assessment improves cybersecurity and drives incredible success.
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Lead the Change In Your Industry with CMMC Certification
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) FAQ
How long does CMMC certification take?
The length of time it takes to achieve certification for CMMC or other compliance frameworks can vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the organization, the level of certification being pursued, and the readiness of the organization to meet the requirements of the standard.
In general, the process of achieving CMMC certification can take several months to a year or more. This is because achieving CMMC certification requires a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s security posture, identification of any gaps, and development and implementation of a tailored compliance plan.
The length of time it takes to achieve NIST compliance can also vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization and the level of compliance being pursued. Implementing and achieving compliance with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the organization’s readiness and the scope of the implementation.
It’s important to note that achieving compliance is an ongoing process, and organizations must continuously monitor and maintain their compliance to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest standards and requirements.
Are NIST & CMMC the same?
No, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) are not the same things.
NIST is a set of cybersecurity standards and best practices developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides guidelines for managing and reducing cybersecurity risk for organizations of all types and sizes.
CMMC, on the other hand, is a framework designed specifically for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to ensure that they have adequate cybersecurity controls in place to protect sensitive information. It was developed by the DoD to standardize and strengthen the cybersecurity practices of contractors and suppliers who work with the DoD.
While both NIST and CMMC focus on cybersecurity, they have different scopes and purposes. NIST provides a more general cybersecurity framework that can be applied to any organization, while CMMC is focused specifically on DoD contractors and the protection of sensitive DoD information.
What's the difference between CMMC & CMMC 2.0?
It’s important to note that the CMMC 2.0 framework had not been finalized. However, it’s expected that CMMC 2.0 will include additional updates and changes to the existing CMMC framework to provide additional guidance and clarification on compliance requirements.
One of the main goals of CMMC 2.0 is to streamline the certification process and make it more efficient and cost-effective for organizations seeking certification. It’s expected that the new framework will include improvements to the assessment process and more guidance on the use of tools and technologies to help organizations achieve compliance.
CMMC 2.0 is also expected to provide more flexibility in the certification process, including the ability for organizations to obtain provisional certification while they work on achieving full compliance. Additionally, the new framework is expected to provide more guidance on the use of third-party assessors, who play a key role in the certification process.
It’s important to note that the final framework may differ, organizations seeking CMMC certification should consult with the CMMC Accreditation Body and other relevant sources to stay up-to-date on the latest guidance and requirements for CMMC compliance.
How is CMMC scored?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is not scored in the same way as some other compliance frameworks, such as the SOC (Service Organization Control) framework. Instead of a numeric score, CMMC certification is awarded based on the level of cybersecurity maturity demonstrated by the organization.
The CMMC framework includes five levels of certification, ranging from basic cybersecurity hygiene (Level 1) to advanced cybersecurity practices (Level 5). To achieve certification at a particular level, an organization must demonstrate that it has implemented all of the security controls associated with that level, as well as any controls associated with lower levels.
Assessments for CMMC certification are conducted by certified third-party assessors who evaluate an organization’s compliance with the CMMC standards. The assessment includes a review of the organization’s security controls, policies, and procedures, as well as an evaluation of its ability to detect and respond to cyber threats. The assessor then makes a determination as to whether the organization has met the requirements for certification at the desired level.
It’s important to note that CMMC certification is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that requires organizations to continuously monitor and maintain their compliance with the CMMC standards. Organizations must be able to demonstrate their continued compliance in order to maintain their certification.
Overall, the CMMC certification process focuses on demonstrating an organization’s overall cybersecurity maturity, rather than assigning a numeric score. By achieving certification at a particular level, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and their ability to protect sensitive information, which is especially important for those working with the Department of Defense.
Why is CMMC needed?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to address growing concerns about cybersecurity threats to the defense industrial base (DIB). The DIB includes the vast network of organizations and contractors that work with the DoD, including those that provide products and services related to national security. The DoD has identified the DIB as a prime target for cyberattacks due to the sensitive nature of the information and technologies that these organizations handle.
CMMC was created to help protect the DIB against cyber threats by establishing a set of cybersecurity standards that all organizations working with the DoD must adhere to. CMMC requires all DIB contractors to achieve a certain level of cybersecurity maturity based on their risk profile and the sensitivity of the information they handle. By implementing these cybersecurity standards, the DoD aims to reduce the risk of cyberattacks on the DIB and to ensure that sensitive information is protected from cyber threats.
CMMC is needed to ensure that the DIB is secure and resilient against cyber threats. It provides a standardized approach to cybersecurity that can be applied across the DIB, regardless of the size or complexity of the organization. By requiring all DIB contractors to achieve a certain level of cybersecurity maturity, CMMC helps to create a more secure environment for the exchange of sensitive information and technologies between the DoD and its contractors.
Overall, CMMC is a critical component of the DoD’s cybersecurity strategy, and is essential for protecting the national security interests of the United States.
How does Winsor (a MSP) help with CMMC?
Winsor Consulting can provide a wide range of services to help organizations achieve and maintain compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
- Compliance Readiness Assessment: Winsor can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s current security posture against CMMC standards to identify gaps and risks that need to be addressed. This includes reviewing security policies and procedures, technical controls, and employee training programs. We can work with the organization to develop a roadmap for achieving compliance and address any gaps that were identified during the assessment.
- Compliance Gap Analysis: We can perform an in-depth review of an organization’s current security controls and processes against the CMMC requirements to identify gaps and deficiencies that need to be remediated. Winsor can provide detailed recommendations for addressing these gaps, including technical controls, policies and procedures, and employee training programs. The MSP can work with the organization to implement these recommendations and ensure that all CMMC requirements are being met.
- Technical Controls Implementation: We are able to provide expert guidance on the installation, configuration, and testing of technical security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, to ensure that an organization’s systems meet the requirements of the CMMC standards. Winsor Consulting can work with the organization to implement these controls in a way that is tailored to their specific needs and helps them achieve and maintain compliance.
- Ongoing Compliance Management: We have the ability to provide ongoing monitoring, testing, and reporting to ensure that an organization’s systems remain compliant with the CMMC standards and that any changes to the standards are addressed in a timely manner. We can provide regular updates and recommendations to help the organization stay up-to-date with the latest requirements and ensure that its compliance efforts are effective and sustainable.
Overall, Winsor Consulting (an MSP) can help organizations navigate the complex and evolving landscape of CMMC compliance, providing expert guidance and support to help them achieve and maintain compliance with the standards. Additionally, we can help organizations manage the costs and resources associated with CMMC compliance, allowing them to focus on their core business activities and mission.
Don't wait until it's too late!
The DoD has stated that CMMC requirements will be included in all new DoD contracts starting in 2021 and that all DoD contractors will eventually be required to achieve CMMC certification in order to continue doing business with the DoD. The phased implementation plan will allow organizations to gradually transition to the new certification requirements, giving them time to prepare and adjust their cybersecurity practices to meet the standards. The deadline for certification has been pushed a couple of times now, however, 2025 seems to be a promising year for a complete rollout.