The murky world of compliance can be overwhelming for many small and medium-sized businesses, especially in strictly controlled industries with continual updates made to government controls. How do you really know that your current compliance practices are adequate to protect your business from a data breach and comprehensive enough to pass an audit? How can you make sure that the security controls in place are adequate and sustainable?
Many DoD contractors choose to work with an outside consultant to put specific compliance controls in place. Today, we’re sharing how to find a CMMC compliance consultant that can help you prepare for this rigorous standard.
What is CMMC and Why Is It Important?
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is the most recent cybersecurity standard released by the Department of Defense (DoD). This standard was designed to help military contractors ensure that their information systems are secure and compliant with Defense Cybersecurity Standards.
Cyber crime is responsible for billions of dollars of economic loss every year. The DoD recognizes this as a significant threat to the American economy and national intelligence, as cybersecurity attacks targeting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and the DoD supply chain may be designed to steal private information as well as disrupt operations.
To avoid the major impacts of intellectual property loss, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)) has established the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification to strengthen security standards and prevent data breaches.
Benefits of a CMMC Compliance Consultant
As a small or medium-sized business, you may not have the in-house expertise to answer all of your questions about compliance. This is where a security consultant can be extremely valuable. A good compliance consultant will have a wealth of experience and knowledge about various compliance frameworks and how to ensure your business is meeting all of its security requirements.
Some of the key services that a CMMC compliance consultant can provide include:
- Reviewing and assessing your current security practices to identify any areas where you may be falling short or missing important controls.
- Developing and implementing a System Security Plan (SSP) & Plan-of-Action & Milestones (PoAM) for addressing any gaps in your security posture.
- Working with you to create and implement policies and procedures that will ensure sustained compliance with CMMC requirements.
- Educating your staff on best practices for cybersecurity and data protection.
- Monitoring your compliance status on an ongoing basis and providing reports to help you track your progress.
Steps to Find a CMMC Compliance Consultant
The first step in finding a CMMC compliance consultant is to identify your specific needs. This will help you narrow down the field and find consultants who are best suited to help you meet your goals.
Next, you’ll want to do some research and compare the various options that are available. This may involve looking at online reviews, asking for referrals from other businesses in your industry, or engaging with a cybersecurity association or trade group.
Once you’ve gathered some preliminary information, it’s time to start reaching out to potential consultants and scheduling consultations. At this initial meeting, you should expect the consultant to ask questions about your business in order to get a better understanding of your specific needs.
If you’re happy with the consultation, the next step is to hire the consultant and begin working toward compliance.
Get Expert CMMC Consulting
A good CMMC compliance consultant can be an invaluable asset for your business, providing expert guidance and support as you work to meet the requirements of the CMMC framework. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right consultant for your needs.
If you’re looking for help meeting the CMMC requirements, contact Brightline today. Our Registered Practitioner (RP) consultants are at the forefront of successful compliance strategies and can help your company feel confident in its business practices.
