CMMC 2.0: What UK Cybersecurity Firms Need to Know for US Defence Contracts

As a UK-based cybersecurity professional, staying ahead of US defence requirements is crucial for maintaining and expanding our presence in the global market. Today, we're diving into a topic that's reshaping the landscape for defence contractors: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0.At Stack Digital, we specialise in helping firms navigate these requirements and achieve compliance, aiding in identifying the right cybersecurity professionals to ensure you are well-positioned for success in the US defence market.

What is CMMC 2.0?

CMMC 2.0 is the US Department of Defence's (DoD) latest framework designed to ensure robust cybersecurity practices across its supply chain. It's a significant evolution from its predecessor, streamlining the process while maintaining rigorous standards.

Why Should UK Firms Care?

If you're a UK-based firm looking to work with the US defence sector, compliance with CMMC 2.0 is not just recommended – it's mandatory. This certification is your ticket to lucrative contracts and partnerships within the US defence industry. Failing to achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance means being excluded from these opportunities, which could significantly impact your business growth and revenue potential.

Understanding the Levels of CMMC 2.0

CMMC 2.0 introduces three levels of certification, each with specific cybersecurity practices and processes:

1. Level 1 - "Foundational": This level includes 17 practices from FAR 52.204-21. It's the basic level of cyber hygiene required for handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).
2. Level 2 - "Advanced": This level encompasses 110 practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171. It's designed for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
3. Level 3 - "Expert": The highest level, including 110+ practices based on NIST SP 800-172. This is for the most critical defence programs.

Steps for UK Firms to Prepare

1. Assess Your Current Posture: Start by evaluating your existing cybersecurity measures against CMMC 2.0 requirements.
2. Identify Gaps: Determine where your current practices fall short of the required level.
3. Develop a Roadmap: Create a plan to address these gaps and implement necessary changes.
4. Implement Changes: Put your plan into action, focusing on key areas like access control, incident response, and security assessment.
5. Conduct Internal Audits: Regularly check your progress and make adjustments as needed.
6. Prepare for Assessment: Once ready, prepare for the official CMMC assessment by a C3PAO (CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization).

The Silver Lining for UK Firms

Here's some good news: Many UK firms already adhere to standards like ISO 27001. This gives us a head start in achieving CMMC 2.0 compliance. The key is to map your existing practices to CMMC 2.0 requirements and fill in any gaps.

How Stack Digital Can Help

At Stack Digital, we understand the challenges of navigating CMMC 2.0. Our expertise in cybersecurity staffing can be a game-changer for your compliance journey. We can help you:

1. Identify key roles needed for CMMC 2.0 compliance
2. Source and vet top cybersecurity talent
3. Build a team capable of implementing and maintaining CMMC 2.0 requirements

Remember, CMMC 2.0 is an ongoing process. It's not just about achieving certification; it's about continuously improving your cybersecurity practices to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information.

As UK firms, let's view CMMC 2.0 not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity. It's a chance to strengthen our cybersecurity posture, demonstrate our commitment to protecting sensitive information, and expand our presence in the US defence market.

Stay informed about updates to CMMC 2.0 and other tech developments affecting UK cybersecurity firms. Follow our page for the latest news and insights, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need support in building your CMMC 2.0-ready team.