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: Managed CMMC CUI Enclave Support in Your AWS GovCloud Environment
Simplify Your Path to CMMC Compliance—Without Rebuilding Your Entire Network
CORE Vault is a managed CUI Enclave solution designed specifically for small and midsize defense contractors pursuing CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance. Delivered as a managed service (MSP): CORE Vault gives you a secure, pre-configured environment in your own AWS GovCloud account—meaning you retain full control of your data and documentation, even if you end your subscription.
* CORE Vault is a compliant CUI Enclave deployed in your AWS GovCloud Account that is setup for you.
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.
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.
