Defense contractors are experiencing frequent cyberattacks, with each breach carrying serious consequences.  

Analysis of data from Cyble has revealed that ransomware cases in the U.S. rose by 149% in the first five weeks of 2025 when compared to the same time in 2024.  

This proves that attacks like these affect not only large entities but even small organizations in the defense supply chain. Since these types of organizations do not have enough resources to identify and respond to advanced threats, attackers can easily target them to access private government information.  

Even smaller organizations feel the major impact of data breaches. Latest figures show that it costs, on average, $4.88 million to deal with a cyber incident, and this sum is challenging for many small businesses to weather alone.  

Since cyber threats are evolving, so is the need for an integrated solution to cybersecurity. Without a defined standard, organizations are left patching gaps reactively.  

As a way to address these gaps, the Department of Defense introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The framework clearly outlines what is expected regarding security from anyone who manages Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

CMMC goes beyond requiring you to meet compliance requirements. It raises the security threshold for everyone on board. If you’re a contractor aiming to work with the DoD, understanding CMMC is vital. 

Here are the crucial facts and points you should remember.  

What Is CMMC?

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) established CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) to improve cybersecurity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), which has more than 300,000 contractors and subcontractors in charge of government information.  

Due to the constant risks of leaking important information, cyber espionage, and intellectual property theft, the DoD created CMMC.  

While previous requirements, such as NIST SP 800-171, relied on self-attestation, which can represent a myriad of issues, CMMC introduced a tiered certification model to verify whether organizations are meeting appropriate security standards.   

CMMC 1.0 was released by DoD in 2020, introducing five maturity levels, each of which represents more practices. Based on industry-provided feedback, CMMC 2.0 was rolled out in 2021 to reduce the complexity of the framework. 

It cut down the number of levels from five to three while aligning closely with existing NIST guidelines. The DoD keeps improving CMMC as part of its commitment to maintaining cybersecurity in the supply chain.  

Why Does CMMC Compliance Matter?

CMMC compliance is necessary not only for government reasons but also for your company’s growth. Cyberattacks are growing and persisting each day, which makes being safe with data and systems even more necessary.  

As of 2024, it takes an average of 194 days to spot data breaches, proving just how long attackers stay undetected in case of weak defenses. For that reason, being a contractor for the Department of Defense means compliance is valuable not just to meet regulations; it offers essential benefits in many ways.  

• National Security

CMMC exists to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) using strict cybersecurity requirements against breaches and attacks that jeopardize national defense.  

The report also showed that nation-state cyber-espionage campaigns primarily focus on defense contractors, indicating the high stakes involved.    

• Mandatory for DoD Contracts 

Contractors must meet CMMC standards in order to be eligible for and maintain Department of Defense contracts. Without getting certified, companies might lose out on major government projects. 

• Supply Chain Security 

Some studies show that data breaches due to supply chain-based cyberattacks increased overwhelmingly by 78% in 2023. This significant increase indicates attackers are now taking advantage of vulnerabilities that go beyond the primary contractors.  

Suppliers and vendors must follow CMMC’s security requirements since doing so helps lower risk in the defense supply chain.   

• Business Reputation 

To achieve CMMC compliance, it is prudent to show a strong determination to keep data secure. It separates a business from competition that fails to meet standards and helps earn government clients’ and industry partners’ trust. 

Who Is Required to Comply with CMMC? 

CMMC must be implemented by contractors and subcontractors in the defense industry supply chain.  

Here’s a breakdown of entities subjected to CMMC standards.   

• Prime Contractors: Large defense contractors that partner directly with the DoD must comply with CMMC to secure critical information. 
• Subcontractors and Suppliers: Companies in the supply chain that handle CUI or FCI are required to comply, regardless of size. 
• Organizations Handling Federal Contract Information (FCI): Those just managing FCI typically need to meet CMMC Level 1, which covers basic cybersecurity hygiene. 
• Organizations Handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI):  Companies processing CUI have to follow higher-level regulations (Level 2 or 3), which call for stronger cybersecurity controls. 
• Businesses Seeking DoD Contracts: Starting soon, DoD will require all organizations entering or renewing contracts to obtain CMMC certification. 

The CMMC Framework Explained 

The newer CMMC 2.0 introduces a streamlined, three-tiered approach that matches cybersecurity needs with the sensitivity of information handled by contractors. 

Maturity Levels 

• Level 1 – Foundational: The focus of this level is on using cyber hygiene practices such as password protection and device security. It consists of 17 controls drawn from FAR 52.204-21. 

• Level 2 – Advanced: It is modeled after NIST SP 800-171 and covers 110 practices required to secure Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 

• Level 3 – Expert: The final stage introduces more best practices drawn from NIST SP 800-172 to support defenses against advanced persistent threats (APTs). This standard applies to the most sensitive projects. 

Domains and Practices 

The framework addresses various cybersecurity domains, such as Access Control, Incident Response, Audit and Accountability, Risk Management, and more. Every domain outlines particular actions that contractors are required to implement and maintain.  

Steps to Prepare for CMMC Compliance 

To ensure your company meets cybersecurity standards for CMMC, you need a detailed plan to guide your preparation. Anticipating the challenge and sticking to a structured approach can make the process easier and ensure you avoid problems that might arise with compliance. 

Here are the key steps every contractor should take:

1. Identify CUI in Your Organization

Begin by mapping out where CUI exists in your digital and physical infrastructures. This consists of files, emails, databases, and communication tools.   

Finding out where CUI is located is necessary since it guides your cybersecurity plan and makes sure sensitive data receives adequate protection.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Go over all your cybersecurity measures and compare them to what you’ll need for the required CMMC level. It helps you identify areas within your security that are weak points or missing controls. 

The results of gap analysis allow a company to address issues and plan the steps needed for compliance. 

3. Implement Required Controls

Data from the gap analysis should lead to the use of firewalls, encryption, appropriate access control, proper staff training, and incident response plans.  

The way you implement should match the set of practices and processes at the CMMC level you are aiming to achieve certification. 

4. Document Policies and Procedures

Every document should describe how cybersecurity controls are implemented and managed. This includes access management, data practices, risk review, and incident handling policies.  

It is important to have clear records of assessment activities to confirm that safety measures are followed.

5. Engage a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) or C3PAO

Work only with a Registered Provider Organization (RPO) or Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). They guide you on compliance preparation, help fix issues you encounter, and conduct the appropriate assessments.  

Their input plays a key role in ensuring your readiness and achieving certification.

6. Undergo Assessment and Certification

Complete the official CMMC evaluation done by an approved assessor. The process helps confirm that your company follows all the requirements for its targeted maturity level. 

After you fulfill the standards, you get CMMC certification that allows you to handle DoD contracts.  

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them 

Many challenges stand in the way of companies achieving CMMC standards.  

• Complex Documentation

Making and keeping cybersecurity policies and procedures up to date is no easy job. To deal with this, divide your documentation into smaller, manageable portions and use ready-made templates or frameworks created for CMMC. Adapt your documents to reflect evolving practices. 

• Legacy Systems

Older hardware and software often don’t have modern safety features, which makes it hard to meet compliance. Consider upgrading bit by bit or applying compensating controls, like segregating networks or enhancing monitoring, to keep these systems safe at the time of transition. 

• Resource Constraints

A tight budget and a small staff can slow down the implementation. Focus on key controls first and use a step-by-step plan to spread costs and workload over time. Bringing in external consultants can also provide cost-effective expertise. 

• Lack of Internal Expertise

Many companies lack employees skilled in cybersecurity and familiar with CMMC requirements. To bridge this gap, you must either invest in training your in-house team or partner up with RPOs to gain the guidance you require.  

Benefits Beyond Compliance 

Meeting CMMC standards has perks that go way beyond meeting government requirements: 

• Improved Security Posture

Keep in mind that CMMC security controls strengthen your cybersecurity posture, lowering your risk of having data breached or daily operations interrupted.   

• Enhanced Customer Trust

Demonstrating compliance with the cybersecurity process helps your customers, partners, and government agencies trust your company as a reliable and secure vendor. 

• Better Risk Management

CMMC encourages a proactive way to identify risks early and take steps to prevent incidents, which protects your business and keeps it operating smoothly.  

Make Cybersecurity Your Competitive Edge 

With the risk of cyber threats increasing, implementing CMMC secures your spot in the defense supply chain and the nation’s critical information. It goes beyond ticking items off a list; it supports your company’s stability and reputation.  

By embedding robust cybersecurity controls, CMMC ensures that sensitive defense data is protected against increasingly sophisticated attacks. This framework not only helps prevent costly breaches but also demonstrates your commitment to national security and regulatory compliance.  

Organizations that adopt CMMC gain a competitive advantage by fostering trust with government partners and reducing operational risks, ultimately strengthening their long-term viability in a highly regulated industry.