How to Simplify CMMC Compliance for Small Business
The Department of Defense (DoD) is stepping up its cybersecurity game, and it’s putting pressure on all its suppliers to do the same. If you’re a small business involved in defense contracts, you’ve probably heard about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
If it sounds complicated, that’s because it is! But don’t worry—we’re going to break down what it means for you, why it matters, and most importantly, how you can handle it with an easy solution called CORE Vault.
What You Need to Know About CMMC
So, let’s start with the fundamentals: CMMC is basically a set of rules about how you need to protect sensitive information—called CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information). The DoD has set up three levels of certification:
Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene
There are 17 security practices here to protect what they call FCI (Federal Contract Information). If this sounds pretty simple, that’s because it is—mostly basic cybersecurity stuff that a business should already be doing. And the best part? You can self-assess!
Level 2: Advanced Cyber Hygiene
Now, this is where it gets real. There are 110 practices to protect CUI based on NIST SP 800-171. And you can’t self-assess here—you need a third-party assessor (known as a C3PAO) to check things out every three years.
Level 3: Expert Level
Think of this as the top-tier security level. Only a few businesses need this one, but it’s tough—134 practices to protect against serious cybersecurity threats. And a government audit is required for this.
Breaking Down the Tech Stuff
Here’s where it gets a little geeky: Out of those 110 practices for Level 2, about 60% are really technical. We’re talking firewalls, antivirus software, system logs, backups—the kind of stuff your IT team (or IT person) might lose sleep over.
The remaining 40%? Not so bad. It’s things like training your team, setting up the right policies, and running some meetings. It’s still important but definitely not as technical.
The catch? You can’t just be “mostly” compliant—you need to be 100% compliant when you go for your CMMC assessment. So, it’s a good idea to get all your ducks in a row before diving into that assessment.
What are the Options for Handling CUI for CMMC Compliance?
If you’re a small business, meeting these CMMC requirements can seem like a mountain to climb. You might be working with old computers, using basic security, and possibly relying on an outside company (Managed Service Provider or MSP) to handle your IT. But don’t panic! There are different ways to approach CMMC compliance:
1. Full Network Compliance
This means including all your systems, people, and devices. It’s thorough but can be really expensive and complex.
2. Internal Enclave
Here’s a less daunting option. You could carve out a separate section of your network just for handling CUI. This saves some money and makes things simpler but requires some solid IT skills.
3. External Enclave with CORE Vault
And finally, you can go for an external cloud-based option like CORE Vault. Basically, you keep all your CUI in a secure, separate cloud system, so you don’t have to overhaul your entire network.
CORE Vault: Your CMMC Compliance Solution for Small Businesses
So what is CORE Vault? It’s a cloud-based solution designed specifically to make CMMC compliance easier. Think of it as a virtual, secure workspace for all your CUI. With CORE Vault, 82 out of those 110 requirements are covered automatically. You don’t have to stress over all the technical stuff, like antivirus, firewalls, and encrypted storage.
CORE Vault Comes With:
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- Encrypted Virtual Desktops (VDI): You get 100 GB of storage that’s encrypted and safe.
- Secure Communication & Access: Secure email, multifactor authentication (MFA), and file-sharing.
- Round-the-Clock Security: Firewalls, antivirus protection, and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC).
With CORE Vault, you can store, manage, and access all your sensitive information safely, without going through a complete network overhaul.
Why You Should Choose CORE Vault
1. Quick & Easy Deployment
No waiting around for months. You can get set up within days, not weeks or months.
2. It Won’t Break the Bank
Starting at under $10,000, it’s way more affordable than trying to upgrade your whole network for compliance.
3. All-Inclusive Support
CORE Vault is a full-service package. You get consulting, regular reviews, and help with all the steps for getting (and staying) compliant.
If CORE Vault Isn’t the Right Fit
CORE Vault is awesome, but it may not be perfect for everyone. If you can’t use a cloud solution for whatever reason, CORE Business Solutions also offers Plan B.
Plan B:
Coaching & Gap Assessments: We’ll work with your IT team to figure out where the gaps are in your compliance and coach you through the fixes.
Customized Support: We’ll help you tailor a compliance strategy that works for your specific needs.
So What’s the Next Step?
If you think CMMC compliance is still far away, think again! Now is the time to:
Check Your Contracts: Look for any CMMC-related clauses, like DFARS 252.204-7012.
Self-Assess: See where you stand using the NIST SP 800-171 as a guide and submit your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score.
Make a Plan: Develop a strategy to secure your network or consider an easy option like CORE Vault to handle your CUI.
CORE Vault Makes CMMC Compliance Easy
CMMC compliance may seem like a huge headache, but with the right tools and support, you can turn it into an easy win for your business. CORE Vault makes compliance simple, affordable, and effective. If you need help navigating CMMC or are curious about how CORE Vault can work for your business, get in touch—we’re here to help!
Whether you’re looking to get started on CMMC compliance or just want to know more about how to protect your sensitive info, don’t hesitate to reach out. Compliance can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be painful!
Consulting Support for CMMC Compliance
All DoD contractors must submit a self-assessment score to the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). The optimal SPRS score shows compliance with all 110 requirements of NIST SP 800-171. However achieving these requirements and producing a SPRS score poses a frustrating, technically-challenging task for most small businesses. Out of the box, CORE Vault makes you compliant with 82 of 110 NIST/CMMC requirements. We provide resources and support to cover the rest.
That’s why CORE Vault comes with the CORE Security Suite, including customizable policy templates, automated forms, and a SPRS score calculator.
An expert consultant will work hands-on to help you meet any remaining requirements and achieve the maximum SPRS score.
Core Business Solutions, established in 2000, is a Registered Practitioner Organization through the Cyber AB and has been providing consulting and technical solutions for NIST/CMMC for over 5 years. Rick Krick is the Director of Security Solutions for Core Business Solutions and directs our Cybersecurity Services solutions including CMMC. Rick has over 25 years of experience in Management System implementations, software development, IT services, and certifications.
