CMMC Managed Services

August 6, 2024
CKSS CMMC DFARS Compliance Consultants Create CMMC L2 Enclave In Azure

With the latest Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC) Certification expected to begin appearing in U.S. Department of Defense contracts in early 2025, contractors will be spending the remaining months of 2024 ensuring their cybersecurity practices are in compliance.  According to the DoD, approximately 220,000 companies are affected by the rollout of CMMC v2.0. Some organizations are committing internal resources to tackle this complex task, which requires substantial effort and investment. Other contractors are hiring external help from a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP). 

A CMMC Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) is a specialized service provider that helps organizations, particularly those in the defense industry, comply with the CMMC framework. An MSSP’s management goes beyond that of a standard Managed Services Provider: 

Key Differences

MSP: Managed Services Provider MSSP: Managed Security Services Provider
General IT Management Specialize in Cybersecurity
Broad IT Expertise Skills in Cybersecurity
Managing, Monitoring, and Maintenance Threat Detection, Analysis and Response
Maintain and Optimize IT Operations Protect IT Infrastructure and Data 

Think of an MSP as an infrastructure management provider and MSSP as a subject matter expert in Cybersecurity Operations and Compliance.  For DoD contractors who must maintain CMMC compliance, an MSSP can help provide cybersecurity expertise that will ensure your organization stays protected and eligible for government contracts. 

Maybe you’re on the fence about whether your organization requires an external provider. The main advantage of enlisting external help is the expert knowledge of CMMC framework that may be currently lacking. CMMC MSSPs possess deep knowledge of the CMMC framework and can guide organizations through the specific requirements and practices needed to achieve various CMMC maturity levels. 

Benefits of a CMMC Managed Services Provider:

  1. Implementation of Security Controls: MSSPs assist in implementing the necessary security controls and practices required in CMMC 2.0.
  2. Continuous Monitoring and Management: MSSPs provide ongoing monitoring and management of cybersecurity measures to ensure continuous compliance with CMMC standards. They use advanced tools and technologies to detect and respond to potential threats in real time.
  3. Policy and Procedure Development: MSSPs help develop and document the required policies and procedures to meet CMMC requirements. This includes creating security plans, incident response plans, and other necessary documentation.
  4. Training and Awareness: MSSPs often offer training programs to ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining CMMC compliance. This includes educating staff on best practices and how to recognize and respond to security incidents.

Outside of CMMC compliance specifically, working with an MSSP can have advantages across your broader IT practices. Not only do these improvements facilitate your CMMC compliance, they ensure uniform practices across your organization to shore up security and safety:

  1. Accelerated Compliance: Saving you time and headaches, an MSSP can improve your understanding of requirements and implementations across your IT setup.
  2. Regaining Resources: As an MSSP takes over your cybersecurity, it will free up time for key company resources so that they can concentrate on running the business.
  3. Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment: MSSPs conduct thorough assessments to identify gaps between current cybersecurity practices and CMMC requirements. They help organizations understand where they stand and what improvements are needed to achieve compliance.
  4. Audit Preparation and Support: CMMC MSSPs assist organizations in preparing for CMMC assessments by providing guidance on what to expect during the audit and ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence are in place.
  5. Risk Management: MSSPs help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks in alignment with CMMC requirements. They provide strategies to manage and reduce risks effectively.
  6. Scalable Solutions: CMMC MSSPs offer scalable solutions tailored to the size and complexity of the organization, ensuring that cybersecurity measures grow and adapt with the business.
  7. Cost-Effective: Outsourcing cybersecurity to an MSSP can be more cost-effective than building an in-house team. It reduces the need for significant upfront investment in technology and personnel.

While cybersecurity and CMMC compliance are important parts of being a DoD contractor, the work to remain compliant should not take away from your primary business functions. Partnering with an MSSP can make the difference between a few hectic months just trying to get the CMMC framework implemented or an improving cybersecurity process that has lasting benefits to your organization as a whole. 

CKSS: Your Partner for the Journey

By partnering with CKSS, organizations can ensure they meet the stringent cybersecurity requirements set forth by the DoD, protecting sensitive information and maintaining eligibility for defense contracts.

Our seasoned cybersecurity consultants strive to exceed customer expectations on every level, to help ensure our clients surpass any cybersecurity and compliance hurdles they face. We believe our clients deserve and should expect the most practical advice, quality audits, and actionable deliverables for DFARS 252.204-7012/NIST SP 800-171/CMMC engagements.

You probably have questions, and our team is here to provide you with the answers you need.

Call us anytime at (443) 459-1589 or contact our team online today.