DoD Security Compliance, CUI, CMMC
Understanding the CMMC acronyms is important for businesses that want to meet the cybersecurity requirements of the Department of Defense. This article will give an overview of the most important acronyms to know when using the CMMC framework.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) created the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) framework to make sure that businesses that collaborate with the DoD follow cybersecurity best practices. The CMMC makes companies go through a certification process to make sure their cybersecurity practices are up to par. To better understand the CMMC certification process, it is important to know the acronyms used in the framework. This article will provide a guide to the most important acronyms used in the CMMC framework.
The CMMC model has 3 levels of cybersecurity maturity. The security practices at each level build on those at the previous level. Companies must achieve a specific level of maturity in cybersecurity to be eligible to work on DoD contracts.
CMMC Acronyms to Know
To get through the CMMC certification process, it is important to know what the acronyms mean. Below are the most important acronyms to know when working with the CMMC.
Cyber AB: The Cybersecurity Accreditation Body
The Cybersecurity Accreditation Body (Cyber AB) is a non-profit organization that oversees the training and accreditation of CMMC third-party assessors (3 PAOs) and certified professionals. The Cyber Assessment Board is responsible for ensuring the integrity and consistency of the CMMC assessment process.
C3PAO: The CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization
The CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) is a company that has been accredited by the Cyber AB to conduct CMMC assessments. C3PAOs are in charge of making sure that companies have the level of maturity in cybersecurity needed to work on contracts with the DoD.
POAM: The Plan of Actions and Milestones
The Plan of Actions and Milestones (POAM) is a document that outlines the steps a company must take to address any deficiencies or weaknesses in their cybersecurity practices. A POAM is required as part of the CMMC assessment process.
DIB CAC: The Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center
The Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) is in charge of making sure that third-party assessors' CMMC assessments are correct. The DIBCAC oversees and checks the quality of assessments to make sure they are done correctly and consistently.
CUI: Controlled Unclassified Information
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is information that is sensitive but not classified, such as financial information, personally identifiable information (PII), and export-controlled information. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the Privacy Act are two laws that protect CUI. Companies that work with CUI must follow strict security rules to keep information from getting into the wrong hands.
FCI: Federal Contract Information
Federal Contract Information (FCI) is information that is not intended for public release but is provided by or generated for the government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the government. FCI may include sensitive financial or business information, technical data, and intellectual property. Companies that handle FCI must comply with DFARS regulations.
DFARS: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) is a set of rules that adds to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and tells DoD contractors how to buy things. DFARS includes specific requirements for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI).
NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency that creates and promotes cybersecurity standards and guidelines. NIST was responsible for creating the Cybersecurity Framework. It is a set of guidelines and best practices that organizations can follow if they want to manage and reduce cybersecurity risk.
DIB: Defense Industrial Base
The Defense Industrial Base (DIB) is a network of companies that provide products and services to the DoD. The DIB is made up of companies that make weapons systems, vehicles, and other equipment, as well as companies that provide logistics, software development, and other services. All companies in the DIB are required to comply with CMMC regulations.
OSBP: Office of Small Business Programs
The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) is a part of the DoD that works to promote small business participation in government contracts. The OSBP gives small businesses resources and help to get through the CMMC certification process.
Companies can better navigate the CMMC certification process and make sure their cybersecurity practices meet the required level of security if they know what these acronyms mean.
CMMC: Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to comply with CMMC regulations?
Any company that wants to work with the DoD and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) must comply with CMMC regulations.
How is CMMC different from other cybersecurity frameworks?
Unlike other cybersecurity frameworks, CMMC is a mandatory certification process that is required for all companies that want to work with the DoD. CMMC also includes specific requirements for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI).
What are the different levels of CMMC certification?
CMMC has 3 levels of cybersecurity maturity. Each level builds on the security practices of the previous level.
Level 1 is the most basic level and involves the implementation of basic cybersecurity practices, such as antivirus software and strong passwords. Companies at this level can demonstrate their compliance through self-assessment.
Level 2 is the intermediate level and requires demonstrating adherence to a specific set of practices and policies. The assessment can be carried out by certified third-party assessors or self-assessments, depending on the specified practices and policies.
Level 3 is the most comprehensive level and requires demonstrating compliance with all NIST requirements. This level mandates a full assessment by a certified third-party assessor.
How can companies prepare for CMMC certification?
Companies can get ready for CMMC certification by looking over the CMMC requirements, figuring out where their current cybersecurity practices are lacking, and putting in place the security controls they need to meet the required level of security.
Complying with CMMC regulations is essential for any company that wants to work with the DoD and handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI). To navigate the CMMC certification process, it is important to understand the acronyms used in the framework. This article provided a guide to the most important acronyms used in the CMMC framework, including CUI, FCI, DFARS, NIST, DIB, and OSBP. Companies can better prepare for CMMC certification and make sure their cybersecurity practices meet the required level of security if they understand these acronyms.
For more information about CMMC compliance, be sure to schedule a consultation with On Call Compliance Solutions.
