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 Compliance

#1. Compliance Is Fundamental to Your Business Operations

It’s easy to look at the cost of CMMC 2.0 as a simple financial expense, when it should be treated as an investment for the future. As cyber threats continue to grow in both complexity and frequency, organizations must adapt to a higher standard of cybersecurity. Not only does this put them in the best position to protect sensitive information, but it also strengthens the trust they’ve established with their stakeholders.

#2. Compliance Is Affected by Supply and Demand

Demand for Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs) is increasing, which can drive up the price for this expertise in a competitive market.

#3. The Number of Certified CMMC Resources Is Limited (Right Now)

With a finite pool of resources certified by The Cyber AB (the official accreditation body for CMMC), organizations may experience difficulty securing them, as well as higher prices and a longer journey to compliance.

#4. Compliance Can Be a Time-Consuming Process

The timeframe for achieving CMMC compliance can range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the maturity of existing systems. This duration directly correlates with the costs incurred, as organizations invest time and resources to ensure a robust and comprehensive implementation of requirements under NIST SP 800-171.

#5. Noncompliance Puts Your Contracts at Risk

Failure to achieve CMMC compliance could lead to the loss of existing contracts, and could bar you from bidding on new ones.

Cost Elements

Now that we’ve covered why cost drivers for CMMC are so important, let’s delve into the specific cost elements that organizations must evaluate.

Firewalls

A robust firewall is a foundational element of cybersecurity, preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data. Costs associated with firewall implementation and maintenance are integral to securing an organization’s digital perimeter.

Hardware Upgrades

Upgrading laptops, PCs, printers, and associated engineering costs are necessary to ensure that an organization’s hardware meets the security requirements outlined in the CMMC framework.

Document Management Systems

Implementing a secure Document Management System is crucial for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) effectively.

CUI Software

CUI software solutions play a vital role in securing communications with all appropriate parties that will oversee files containing sensitive information.

Enclaves

Establishing secure enclaves (isolated environments for sensitive data processing) will involve investing in network segmentation and infrastructure.

Awareness and Training Campaigns

Educating employees on cybersecurity best practices is essential. Awareness and training campaigns create an organization-wide culture of cyber excellence.

Employee Background Checks

An organization must verify the backgrounds and security clearances for its employees who will handle sensitive information.

Gap Analyses

Conducting a comprehensive gap analysis and mock audit will help an organization identify areas where it falls short of vital CMMC requirements. This will be used to guide subsequent hardware, software, and training updates.

A Full-Time, In-House, Dedicated Resource for CMMC

Employing a dedicated in-house resource for CMMC compliance ensures continuous focus on meeting and maintaining certification standards. An organization may also choose a more cost-effective solution by outsourcing this service to a Certified CMMC Provider who is available — more on that below!

Migrating to the Cloud

Cloud migration may be necessary to enhance data storage and secure data processing, which will incur additional costs for planning, migration, and execution.

Cost Drivers for CMMC: A Strategic Imperative

Addressing the cost drivers for CMMC 2.0 is a strategic imperative for organizations seeking contracts with the federal government — not to mention those in a broader sense that simply want better online security. Understanding the drivers and elements involved will help those organizations perform better gap assessments, make more informed decisions, navigate the complexities of compliance, and fortify their cybersecurity postures. As the digital-threat landscape continues to evolve, investing in CMMC now will safeguard the future of business data.

CCP Outsourcing Is Available

Rather than hiring a CMMC compliance specialist, consider external consulting with Brenda Doles. She is CMMC certified by The Cyber AB, and has over 20 years of expertise helping organizations like yours improve their data management and security. Outsourcing this service with her will give you immediate access to a full knowledge base of CMMC resources, and save you revenue over the long term.

When you’re ready, she can review the cost components that you can expect for achieving the appropriate level of CMMC compliance, walk you through the proper means of performing a gap analysis, and explain how to use that information to establish plans of action that will adhere to all Department of Defense (DoD) standards.

Click here to schedule time with Ms. Doles and take the next step in your CMMC journey.