How to Prepare for CMMC 2.0 Assessments

Once the rulemaking process is complete, CMMC compliance will be critical requirement for companies seeking to secure contracts with the DoD. The Cyber AB is the entity which issues certification to OSCs, and it has only a single client, the DoD. To be ready for CMMC certification, preparing for an assessment is critical and involves several key steps including:

Conduct a Gap Analysis

The first step in preparing for a CMMC assessment is conducting a gap analysis. It involves a thorough review of your company’s existing cybersecurity controls to identify any areas that don’t meet the CMMC compliance requirements. Gap analysis helps you understand where your company stands in terms of compliance and what must be done to achieve full compliance.

Review and Update Your Policies and Procedures

Once the gap analysis is complete, the next step is to review and update your company’s policies and procedures. This involves ensuring that your existing policies and procedures align with the requirements of the CMMC framework. Any gaps identified during the gap analysis should be addressed at this stage by updating existing policies, creating new ones, or even overhauling your entire cybersecurity policy framework.

Implement the Required Security Controls

After updating your policies and procedures, the next step is to institute measures to protect your company’s information systems and data. Such measures may include network segmentation, access controls, encryption, and other measures. The specific controls required will depend on the level of CMMC certification an organization is seeking. However, implementing these controls is not a one-time task but requires ongoing effort and monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.

Conduct Regular Testing and Monitoring

Regular testing and monitoring of your organization’s security controls are essential to ensure they are functioning as intended and providing adequate protection. This includes vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and other testing methods. It helps identify any vulnerabilities in your security controls and provides an opportunity to address them before they can be exploited.

Prepare Documentation

Documentation is a critical part of the CMMC assessment process. To pass the assessment, you must have properly documented the policies, procedures, and evidence of security controls in place. You also will need to have a comprehensive SSP and POA&Ms in place to demonstrate compliance with the CMMC framework. The documentation will also serve as proof of your organization’s compliance efforts.

Engage with a CMMC Assessment Provider

The final step in preparing for a CMMC assessment is to engage with an assessor. These providers are authorized by the DoD to conduct CMMC assessments and determine a company’s compliance with the CMMC framework. They’ll review your documentation, assess your company’s cybersecurity posture, and ultimately determine whether it meets the requirements for CMMC certification.