Last week, I had the privilege of attending the CEIC East 2024 conference, an event that brought together experts and professionals passionate about strengthening the cybersecurity landscape. As someone deeply involved in helping organizations navigate the complexities of compliance, I was inspired by the wealth of knowledge shared about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
In this blog, I’ll share some key takeaways from the conference, provide a breakdown of the latest updates to CMMC, and explain how we at Virtual GRC are uniquely positioned to help you adapt to these changes.
The CEIC Experience: Collaboration and Learning
The conference kicked off with powerful insights from Matthew Travis, CEO of The Cyber AB. His keynote set the tone, highlighting the critical role CMMC plays in securing our defense supply chain. From thought-provoking sessions to the networking opportunities at "Express Connect," I was struck by how committed this community is to safeguarding sensitive data.
One key theme resonated throughout the event: the time to act is now. Waiting to address compliance gaps or adapt to new requirements can jeopardize contracts and relationships. Whether it was a contracting officer detailing the DoD’s latest expectations or an auditor discussing common pitfalls, the message was clear—proactive engagement with CMMC is essential.
The New CMMC Rules Explained
For those who haven’t had time to dive into the new CMMC regulations, here’s what’s important:
1. Three Levels of Certification
Level 1 (Foundational): Basic cyber hygiene practices protect Federal Contract Information (FCI).
Level 2 (Advanced): Aligned with NIST SP 800-171, safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
Level 3 (Expert): Protects CUI against advanced threats using NIST SP 800-172 controls.
2. New Annual Affirmation Requirements
Companies must now annually affirm their cybersecurity posture to maintain compliance.
3. Conditional Certification
Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) offer a 180-day window for organizations to address specific compliance gaps.
4. Phased Rollout
The program is being phased in over three years, with contracting officers determining when to include CMMC in contracts.
These updates bring both challenges and opportunities. Companies must move quickly to understand their posture, address gaps, and maintain readiness.
Why Virtual GRC Stands Out
At Virtual GRC, we understand these challenges. Unlike some tools that only address a single framework, our platform is built for flexibility and scalability. Here’s why we’re the right partner for your compliance journey:
Multi-Framework Support: CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, ISO 27001, GDPR—we cover it all with one tool, eliminating the need for multiple systems.
Efficient Solutions: We streamline compliance processes, reducing the time and energy you spend without disrupting existing workflows.
Actionable Guidance: Our assessments provide clear next steps, helping you achieve compliance quickly and confidently.
As I listened to other companies at CEIC, it became clear: many competitors are limited in scope. They focus on one framework or require additional tools to complete the job. Virtual GRC’s all-in-one platform is designed to handle the complexities of modern compliance, ensuring you’re prepared for the future.
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