Introduction
Since 2021, our company has been diligently preparing for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). What began as an initiative driven by industry trends has now become a defining milestone in our business growth strategy. And now, with just one week left before our official CMMC assessment, we are approaching the end of this multi-year effort.
This article outlines the key moments of our journey toward CMMC compliance, the challenges we faced, and the lessons we learned along the way.
The Spark: Why We Pursued CMMC
Early Rumblings
Our first exposure to CMMC came in 2020 when we heard initial rumors about the Department of Defense (DoD) rolling out new cybersecurity requirements. By 2021, those rumors solidified into concrete plans, and it became clear that CMMC was not just another regulatory hurdle—it was a fundamental shift in how defense contractors and suppliers would be expected to manage cybersecurity.
Growing Importance of Cybersecurity
Cyber threats targeting manufacturers were increasing at an alarming rate. Ransomware attacks, intellectual property theft, and supply chain vulnerabilities underscored the urgent need for stronger security measures.
At the same time, cybersecurity was emerging as both a challenge and an opportunity. While some viewed it purely as a cost center, we saw it as a differentiator—one that could secure future contracts, build trust with key defense partners, and demonstrate our commitment to meeting stringent customer requirements. CMMC compliance wasn’t just about passing an audit; it was about positioning ourselves for long-term success in an evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Our Road to Implementation
Initial Steps (2021)
Our journey began with research. We quickly realized that CMMC was still evolving, and many consultants had limited hands-on experience at the time. Finding reliable guidance was a challenge, so we turned to our professional network to identify a knowledgeable consultant who could help us navigate the process.
Evaluating Providers (MSPs & CSPs)
As a small business, we relied heavily on Managed Services Providers (MSPs) for IT security. However, we discovered that not all MSPs truly understood the unique demands of CMMC compliance. Some treated it as just another security framework, failing to grasp its strict third-party certification requirements and zero-tolerance policy for “partial implementations.”
We conducted extensive due diligence on multiple MSPs and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), ensuring they met NIST 800-171 standards. This process reinforced the importance of selecting providers who were serious about compliance, rather than those simply offering cybersecurity services without a deep understanding of CMMC’s nuances.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Lesson 1 – Leverage Your Network
Finding the right consultants and experts was critical. Even though the CMMC rule is more established now, careful vetting remains crucial. Our advice? Evaluate multiple candidates, check their track record, and ensure they have real-world experience with CMMC compliance.
Lesson 2 – Do Your Due Diligence
Managed Services Providers (MSPs:)
- Request a Shared Responsibility Matrix (SRM) to clarify which NIST 800-171 controls they handle versus those you must manage internally.
- Ask whether the MSP plans to obtain its own CMMC Level 2 certification, as their security posture directly impacts your compliance. After all, a company guiding you toward CMMC Level 2 certification should demonstrate the same commitment by achieving it themselves.
- Have an expert review the SRM, and if possible, request the MSP’s System Security Plan (SSP) for deeper insight into their security framework.
- Include contract language that allows you to exit if the MSP fails to provide key compliance artifacts or does not deliver the services necessary to support your compliance efforts. The more specific you can be, the better.
Cloud Service Providers (CSPs):
- Look for FEDRAMP Moderate Authorized or FEDRAMP Moderate Equivalent CSPs to ensure compliance with DoD security standards.
- If using a FEDRAMP Moderate Equivalent CSP, ensure they can supply you with a Body of Evidence (BoE) to substantiate their claims of equivalency.
Lesson 3 – Don’t Be Cheap
Cost vs. Quality
CMMC compliance is a significant investment, and cutting corners can lead to poor service, compliance failures, or expensive rework—such as needing to terminate and replace an inadequate MSP.
Security vs. Usability
Highly secure environments can sometimes reduce usability, while more user-friendly solutions may introduce security gaps. Finding the right balance is crucial. Investing in well-established platforms like Microsoft 365 can enhance both security and operational efficiency, making the higher upfront cost worthwhile in the long run.
Conclusion
Our journey toward CMMC compliance has been a long and challenging process, requiring significant time, resources, and strategic decision-making. But it has also been an invaluable learning experience.
By leveraging our network, conducting thorough due diligence, and making smart investments in cybersecurity, we have not only strengthened our security posture but also positioned ourselves as a trusted partner for defense contracts.
If you’re starting your CMMC journey, our advice is simple: plan ahead, work with experts, and view cybersecurity as a long-term investment. Compliance isn’t just about passing an audit—it’s about building a strong, resilient foundation for the future.
Whether you’re navigating compliance yourself or seeking a CMMC-certified supplier you can trust, we’re here to help. Learn from our journey and connect with us today!