CybersecurityManagement

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) framework designed to assess and enhance the cybersecurity maturity of the United States defense industrial base, especially contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

It combines practices drawn from established security standards (notably NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172) into a tiered model. The goal is to ensure contractors implement appropriate protections commensurate with the type of information they handle and their development environment.

Structure: The framework comprises three maturity levels, each with increasing security controls and process discipline. Level 1 covers basic cyber hygiene, Level 2 expands to intermediate controls and policy implementation, and Level 3 adds advanced cybersecurity practices and formalized processes; higher levels require independent assessments.

Certification process: Contractors seeking DoD work submit evidence and undergo an assessment by an authorized third-party assessment organization (C3PAO). The resulting certification is specific to the contract or contract type and must be maintained to bid on or perform work on covered programs.

Impact and status: Since its inception, CMMC has influenced DoD procurement and supplier risk management. Implementation costs and timing have been debated; supporters argue it strengthens defense networks by reducing CUI risk. The framework continues to evolve under DoD oversight.

Related topics include NIST SP 800-171 and DoD cyber policy.