3 Reasons Why SMBs Struggle With the CMMC Approval Process
Small businesses face numerous hurdles when trying to secure federal contracts, including compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). While the CMMC approval process was recently updated to make it more cost effective for small businesses to compete, there are still areas where SMBs are put at a heavy disadvantage […]
How to Perform a Gap Analysis for CMMC and NIST SP 800-171
Performing a gap analysis on how well you protect and manage your data is an important part (and cost element) of your journey towards compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). It verifies which requirements you do and don’t meet under NIST SP 800-171, so that you can establish a roadmap for the changes […]
Understanding the Crucial Connection Between CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 Compliance
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 […]
Navigating the CMMC Journey: Insights From the White House
On March 15, 2024, Brenda Doles, President of HCRS, Inc., had the privilege of attending a gathering at the White House, convened by officials from the Biden-Harris Administration. The focus of the meeting was to delve into policy priorities that concern the economy, small business development, and local engagement. As a business owner who has […]
Should You Switch Managed Service Providers for CMMC Compliance?
While managed service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of information technology, there may come a time when it is necessary to find a new one. The factors that follow will help you determine whether your organization needs to make that switch, and how this may influence your compliance with […]
What Are the Essential Cost Drivers for CMMC 2.0?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) continues to shape the way that businesses approach and enhance their data practices. Meeting its requirements is no small feat, and involves understanding the various cost drivers for CMMC. Let’s explore each of them individually, along with the cost elements that are essential for compliance. Cost Drivers for CMMC […]
What You Can Do for CMMC Remediation Following a Failed Audit
You thought your IT checked off all of the requirements for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). But after an audit was performed by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization, you were told that your score wasn’t high enough. Now you’re wondering what that means for your business and your future DoD contracts. The good news: […]
Key Steps to Prepare for Your CMMC Mock Audit
One of the best things you can do to prepare for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is to perform a CMMC mock audit. This will give you an understanding of the areas where your IT needs to improve prior to being audited by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization). A mock audit is more than […]
What Is SPRS, and Does It Apply to My Business?
If you’re applying to the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), part of that process will require evaluating and submitting a SPRS score. What is SPRS, and what does it involve? Here’s a quick breakdown. What Is SPRS? The Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) is a web-enabled repository under the Department of Defense (DoD) that is […]
CUI or FCI: What’s the Difference, and How Do You Protect Each?
These days, how you manage your data matters. A lot. We’ve seen time and again how not having the appropriate cybersecurity measures in place can leave a company vulnerable to hacked systems, stolen information, and costly downtime. That’s why government organizations must comply with NIST SP 800-171, and why the federal government is becoming adamant […]
