In today's evolving cybersecurity landscape, businesses that work with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must adhere to strict cybersecurity standards. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework is the DoD’s approach to ensuring that contractors and subcontractors implement appropriate cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive government information. Whether your organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), achieving the right level of CMMC certification is essential for continuing to do business with the DoD.
This article will guide you through the path to CMMC certification, explain the different levels of CMMC, and discuss how following NIST 800-171A helps meet these critical requirements. Additionally, we’ll explain how Hire A Cyber Pro can help your business become fully prepared for CMMC certification.

Understanding CMMC and Its Levels
The CMMC framework is designed to protect sensitive information by requiring businesses to implement specific cybersecurity controls. It consists of three maturity levels, each building upon the previous one. Depending on the type of work your organization performs, you’ll need to achieve a certain level of certification to maintain your contracts with the DoD.
Here’s a breakdown of the three CMMC levels:
CMMC Level 1: Foundational
CMMC Level 1 is the entry-level certification that focuses on basic cybersecurity practices. These practices include basic security controls that businesses should already have in place to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). To achieve Level 1, businesses must demonstrate that they perform the 17 basic practices outlined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-21. This includes safeguarding information, restricting physical access, and controlling who can view sensitive data.
Who needs it? Contractors that only handle FCI and do not work with CUI.
CMMC Level 2: Advanced
CMMC Level 2 is designed for organizations that work with both FCI and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This level bridges the gap between basic security and the higher standards required to protect CUI. To achieve Level 2 certification, businesses must implement the 110 security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171, which includes more advanced security protocols to ensure proper handling and protection of sensitive information.
Who needs it? Contractors handling CUI as well as FCI.
CMMC Level 3: Expert
CMMC Level 3 requires businesses to implement the most stringent cybersecurity controls to protect sensitive government information. At this level, contractors must follow NIST 800-171 and a number of NIST SP 800-172 controls to safeguard CUI from advanced persistent threats (APTs) by implementing advanced security controls. Level 3 is reserved for companies working with highly sensitive DoD information and requires the completion of more than 110 practices.
Who needs it? Contractors handling high-value CUI and performing advanced tasks for the DoD.
NIST SP 800-171A: The Roadmap to CMMC Compliance
To achieve CMMC certification, organizations must align their cybersecurity controls with the practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171A. This standard provides the assessment procedures for evaluating whether your organization meets the security requirements found in NIST SP 800-171, which is the foundation of CMMC.
Here’s why NIST 800-171A is crucial in your CMMC preparation:
Assessment Framework: NIST 800-171A outlines specific assessment criteria for each control, helping organizations evaluate their existing security posture and determine where gaps exist.
Detailed Guidance: The document provides comprehensive guidance on the implementation and testing of security requirements, which is essential for meeting the rigorous demands of CMMC certification.
Benchmark for Audits: NIST 800-171A acts as a benchmark during CMMC audits to verify that your systems and processes meet the necessary cybersecurity standards.
By using NIST 800-171A as a roadmap, you can ensure that your security measures align with the required CMMC level and that your organization is fully prepared for the certification process.
Steps to Achieving CMMC Certification
The process of achieving CMMC certification involves several steps, which must be completed before an authorized third-party assessment organization (C3PAO) can evaluate your compliance.
Here’s a general outline of the path to CMMC certification:
Conduct a Pre-Assessment: The first step is to perform a thorough pre-assessment of your organization’s cybersecurity posture. This involves reviewing your current policies, procedures, and controls to identify any gaps relative to the CMMC requirements.
Implement Controls: After identifying the gaps, you’ll need to implement the necessary controls based on your target CMMC level. This may involve updating policies, investing in new technologies, or refining existing processes.
Document Procedures: For CMMC certification, having well-documented cybersecurity policies and procedures is critical. Ensure that all practices and security controls are properly documented and in line with NIST 800-171A assessment guidelines.
Internal Testing: Once controls are implemented, conduct internal testing and assessments to ensure that they are functioning as intended. This step helps identify any lingering weaknesses and allows for remediation before the official assessment.
Undergo a CMMC Assessment: The final step is to undergo a formal assessment by a C3PAO. The assessment will determine whether your organization meets the necessary CMMC level, and if successful, you will be awarded certification.
How Hire A Cyber Pro Can Help You Achieve CMMC Certification
Navigating the CMMC certification process can be daunting, especially for businesses unfamiliar with complex cybersecurity frameworks. Hire A Cyber Pro specializes in helping companies prepare for CMMC certification by offering the following services:
Gap Assessments: We conduct a thorough analysis of your current cybersecurity practices and compare them to the requirements of NIST 800-171A and the appropriate CMMC level. This assessment helps identify any gaps or areas that need improvement.
Implementation Support: Our team helps you implement the necessary controls to ensure that you meet the requirements of your target CMMC level. We provide guidance on security technologies, policy development, and system configurations.
Documentation Assistance: CMMC certification requires comprehensive documentation of your cybersecurity practices. We help you create and maintain the required policies and procedures to ensure you’re fully compliant.
Pre-Audit Testing: Before undergoing a formal assessment, Hire A Cyber Pro will perform internal testing and mock audits to ensure you are fully prepared for your official CMMC audit.
By working with Hire A Cyber Pro, your business can navigate the complexities of CMMC certification confidently, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements to continue working with the DoD.
Conclusion
Achieving CMMC certification is essential for businesses that work with the DoD or handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Understanding the different CMMC levels and using NIST 800-171A as a guide for cybersecurity controls will ensure your organization is prepared for certification.
If your business needs expert guidance to achieve CMMC compliance, Hire A Cyber Pro is here to help. From gap assessments to full implementation support, we’ll ensure your cybersecurity posture is strong and compliant with all DoD requirements.
Contact Brent Gallo at Hire A Cyber Pro today for a consultation. Visit our website at www.hireacyberpro.com or reach out directly at brentgallo@hireacyberpro.com or 865-500-3885.
Comentarios