When handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and the CMMC framework mandates strict data protection measures—including the use of FIPS-validated encryption in specific scenarios. But one requirement that consistently generates questions is exactly what “FIPS-validated” means in practice, where it applies, and how it differs from the looser “FIPS-compliant” language that […]
2025 was the year CMMC stopped being theoretical and started impacting contracts, costs, and careers. For defense contractors, certification is no longer just compliance; it’s a competitive edge, a risk mitigation strategy, and an operational imperative in an era of elevated requirements for organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). But it didn’t start that way. January 2025 was still a time of uncertainty and what felt like […]
2025 was a year of undeniable progress when it came to the establishment and enforcement of CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). As we left 2025 and CMMC moved from anticipated requirement to full-on enforcement, one thing became clear: the companies that made the most CMMC progress weren’t just guessing—they were informed. Over the past year, our most-read and most-shared CMMC guides reflected the real questions […]
Compliance is a massive lift, there’s no understating it. As an Organization Seeking Compliance (OSC), you invest critical resources and time into your compliance program. You wouldn’t want an inexperienced or careless consultant in your environment. There has to be trust. So, let our team of Certified CMMC Assessors and Lead Assessors make your acquaintance. […]
Proper storage of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) is at the core of a healthy and satisfactory compliance program. The issue? There seems to be ample confusion on what CUI and FCI are, the difference between the two, and where they officially can be stored. Improper storage of both CUI […]
We recently attended one of the most anticipated cybersecurity conferences of the year—ISC2 Security Congress 2025. Held at the Gaylord Opryland Nashville, thousands gathered to learn the latest in cybersecurity. While it wasn’t a Defense Industrial Base-focused show, the overlap between cybersecurity and compliance was clear. Our exhibitor booth welcomed several compliance professionals, all of […]
It’s official, 48CFR has been published and the CMMC Phase 1 rollout is just 60 days away. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors are understandably beginning to search for information regarding the recently finalized DFARS rule (Case 2019-D041), formally integrating the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements into the DoD acquisition process. This is a big deal—especially […]
In CMMC, continuous monitoring stands as a pivotal component in safeguarding sensitive information. For organizations aiming to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance, a thorough understanding and implementation of ‘continuous monitoring’ and its role in Risk Management is essential. It is easy to conflate three closely related topics, Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM), […]
You’re more than aware of CMMC’s ever-changing nature—we sure are! From publication dates, commentary periods, and everything between, it’s hard to keep up. That’s why we wanted to give you a heads up on the latest in DoD Land. On top of CMMC-specific changes, certain updates in the Department of Defense (DoD) can understandably […]
As a security compliance professional, your daily work leads to one goal: passing a C3PAO assessment and maintaining a CMMC-compliant status. This of course is much easier said than done. So, throughout this process, it’s difficult to account for every nuance in publications—especially as they come out. That’s why we’re here for a little “just so […]