We’ve talked a lot about the importance of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and there’s been no storage of information about how long the process has been to complete version 2.0. In fact, that’s why many organizations aren’t overly concerned about rushing to make any internal changes, because they think they still have a lot of time. For those that already contract with the federal government, though, the question isn’t whether they’re ready for CMMC’s changes — it’s whether they’re already compliant with NIST SP 800-171.
NIST SP 800-171 Is the Standard, CMMC Merely Enforces It
NIST SP 800-171 was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to outline specific requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information* (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations.
Here’s the kicker: CMMC is essentially the enforcement arm for NIST SP 800-171. Any organization that has been awarded a government contract since 2017 has already attested in that contract that they were compliant. This means that even though CMMC might seem like a new hurdle, the foundation has already been in place for years — one that many organizations have said that they meet.
*To learn about the difference between CUI and federal contract information, click here.
Why the Confusion?
All of this may prompt the question: why has CMMC had such an emphasis in the news if the real issue has always been compliance with NIST SP 800-171?
There are likely a couple of reasons. First, NIST has clearly been around longer, and has already undergone its own series of updates. What’s more likely, though, is that CMMC has seen more coverage because of how its initial framework was received.
Small businesses in particular have struggled with it since its inception. The costs for compliance can be high due to heavy investments in hardware, software, and training. Small businesses can only afford so many resources and upgrades within a given period of time, much less getting their employees up to speed on the right ways to use them to protect their data.
Following the release of CMMC’s first version, those same contractors may also have struggled to gain access to accredited CMMC professionals who could advise them. The available pool was far more limited then than it has become in recent months.
In short, SMBs saw CMMC as a gatekeeper that only allowed larger companies to bid on government contracts. Many of them are now hoping for leniency with version 2.0.
Get Compliant With Help From Brenda Doles
Whether you already contract with the government or you’re just now starting your journey toward the bidding process, Brenda Doles wants to help make sure you’re compliant. Her extensive knowledge and experience is invaluable for meeting the necessary requirements for NIST SP 800-171 and, by extension, CMMC.
With her guidance, navigating this transition becomes a manageable and strategic process. If you’d like to read more about what you can expect from that, check out this post about CMMC Level 1 Attestation — or contact Ms. Doles today to schedule an introductory consultation.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of NIST SP 800-171
While the buzz around CMMC 2.0 continues to grow, it’s essential for organizations, especially small businesses, to recognize the foundational connection between CMMC and NIST. By meeting NIST requirements and leveraging expert guidance, businesses can position themselves for success in securing government contracts while bolstering their cybersecurity posture. With Brenda Doles’ assistance, CMMC Level 1 Attestation becomes an opportunity for growth and resilience in a world of increasing digital threats.
