The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is transforming how businesses within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) manage cybersecurity threats. With increasing cyberattacks and stricter government regulations, companies working with the Department of Defense (DoD) must ensure they meet the latest CMMC standards to remain compliant.
But what does the future of CMMC hold? How will it affect your business, and how can you stay ahead of its evolving requirements? This guide will unpack what’s next for CMMC, its impact on your organization, and how Unanet can help you manage compliance effectively.
What’s Next in CMMC?
A Quick Recap of CMMC
The CMMC framework was designed by the DoD to enforce better cybersecurity practices across contractors and subcontractors in the DIB. The initial version, CMMC 1.0, had a broad structure consisting of five certification levels ranging from basic cyber hygiene to advanced practices.
However, in November 2021, the DoD revamped this framework into CMMC 2.0, simplifying it into three certification levels to improve implementation and reduce complexity for small and medium-sized businesses. The three levels are:
- Level 1 – Basic Cyber Hygiene
- Level 2 – Advanced Practices (aligned with NIST SP 800-171)
- Level 3 – Expert Practices (aligned with NIST SP 800-172)
CMMC 2.0 also introduced self-assessment options for Level 1 and certain Level 2 contracts, making compliance more attainable for smaller organizations.
The Road Ahead
The CMMC program is expected to continue evolving as the cybersecurity landscape becomes more complex. Here’s what businesses can anticipate in the near future:
1. Mandatory Compliance Enforcement
CMMC 2.0 certification will soon become a mandatory requirement for all contractors and subcontractors bidding on DoD contracts. The DoD plans to finalize the rulemaking process by mid-2024, after which certifications will officially be required.
2. Stronger Supply Chain Security
The DoD is increasingly focused on securing its supply chain. Future updates to the CMMC framework may impose stricter requirements for subcontractors, ensuring that the entire supply chain adheres to robust cybersecurity standards.
3. Collaboration with Other Standards
As cybersecurity regulations expand globally, there’s a possibility that future versions of CMMC could harmonize with other frameworks like ISO 27001 or GDPR. This would make it easier for businesses to meet multiple compliance requirements at once.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Upgrades
Instead of a one-time certification, businesses may face periodic audits or continuous monitoring requirements to prove that their cybersecurity practices remain effective over time.
By being proactive about these changes, your business can ensure smooth transitions while safeguarding its eligibility for lucrative DoD contracts.
How Does CMMC Impact Your Business?
Failing to meet CMMC requirements could mean being locked out of DoD contracts, providing a direct hit to your revenue stream. However, beyond compliance, adopting CMMC standards can strengthen your cybersecurity posture, offering additional benefits.
1. Protecting Sensitive Data
If your organization handles controlled unclassified information (CUI), implementing CMMC guidelines helps protect this data from cyber threats. With cyberattacks costing businesses over $4 million on average per breach, these safeguards are crucial to mitigating financial and reputational damage.
2. Winning and Maintaining DoD Contracts
CMMC certification will soon be a baseline requirement for many DoD requests for proposals (RFPs). Having the right level of certification positions your business as a trusted partner, giving you a competitive edge in securing contracts.
3. Building Trust in the Supply Chain
Contractors and subcontractors that meet CMMC standards signal their commitment to security, fostering trust throughout the DIB supply chain. This can open the door to new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships.
4. Streamlining Internal Processes
Adopting CMMC often involves formalizing and improving internal cybersecurity procedures. For example, creating incident response plans, documenting system configurations, or conducting regular training for employees can make your organization more resilient to cyber threats.
5. Future-Proofing Your Business
CMMC compliance isn’t just about meeting today’s requirements—it’s about preparing for a future where rigorous cybersecurity measures will be a standard expectation, not just from the DoD but from private sector clients as well.
While CMMC compliance may seem like a significant undertaking, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial challenges.
How Can Unanet Support You?
Navigating CMMC compliance can be complex, but Unanet provides the tools and expertise your business needs to simplify the process.
1. Tailored Solutions for the DIB
Unanet’s purpose-built solutions are specifically designed to cater to the needs of government contractors. From data tracking to reporting, our platform ensures you have everything you need to demonstrate compliance with CMMC standards.
2. Streamlined Risk Management
Our comprehensive risk management tools allow you to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within your IT systems. With Unanet, you can proactively address gaps before they become risks during a CMMC audit.
3. Training and Support
Navigating new frameworks is easier with expert guidance. Unanet offers training sessions and support to help your team understand and implement the requirements of CMMC effectively.
4. Track Compliance Progress Seamlessly
Unanet’s platform lets you monitor your organization’s compliance progress in real-time. With intuitive dashboards and automated reminders, nothing gets overlooked—or delayed.
5. Trusted by Industry Leaders
Over 4000 of government contractors trust Unanet to manage their projects and compliance requirements. Join an ecosystem of organizations that understand the value of a strong cybersecurity posture.
Whether you’re new to CMMC or looking to level up your compliance strategy, Unanet and Arrative is here to help you every step of the way.
Strengthen Your Cybersecurity—and Your Business
The future of CMMC will be shaped by heightened enforcement and evolving standards aimed at safeguarding sensitive data within the DIB. While these changes may seem daunting, businesses that approach CMMC as an investment in their cybersecurity and growth will emerge stronger and more competitive.
By understanding the impact of CMMC on your organization and leveraging platforms like Unanet to simplify compliance, you can protect your data, secure more contracts, and future-proof your business against the growing threat of cyberattacks. Why wait? Explore how Unanet and Arrative can help you achieve your compliance goals today.
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