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If your organization handles controlled unclassified information (CUI) for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), you are likely aware of the importance of cybersecurity compliance. The DoD has implemented the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program to ensure that organizations handling CUI have appropriate cybersecurity controls to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Achieving CMMC compliance can be a complex and time-consuming process, and many organizations find it beneficial to work with a CMMC consultant to guide them through the process. In this article, we will explore the importance of CMMC consulting and how a CMMC consultant can help your organization achieve cybersecurity compliance.
A CMMC consulting service can help your organization get the certification needed to meet DoD standards. However, it is important to ensure that you work with a professional and experienced consulting firm. Many companies offer "one-size-fits-all" solutions, which can be misleading. Whether you're looking for an audit, readiness assessment or guidance, finding a firm that can provide a solution that fits your business's needs is essential.
As you're working with your consultant, be sure they're willing to invest the time to educate you about the CMMC process and provide you with references. Having references can be a helpful indicator that your consultant has the skills to help your organization get the certification it needs. You should look elsewhere if your consultant cannot give you at least two to three references.
A good CMMC consultant will understand your specific needs and will be able to deliver a solution that fits your budget and your company's goals. It's important to be clear and transparent about your requirements before starting the process to avoid common pitfalls.
You'll also want to avoid outliers, providers who have yet to work on CMMC projects. These providers may have little experience or have yet to conduct an IT audit. Using a third-party auditor can validate your organization's maturity level and identify any gaps in your controls. Here are some other factors that you should be actively checking:
Finally, ensure that your consultant is transparent about their fees and the scope of their services. Ideally, you'll be free to choose a CMMC consulting service provider with a competitive fee. While you can save money in the long run by getting the most for your dollar, you don't want to pay more than you need to. CMMC is expensive, and many organizations spend more than they should. So, shop around if you're in the market for a CMMC consulting service.
CMMC is a new program that will take a while to implement. Your consultant should be willing to discuss the timeline and costs involved so you can determine whether a CMMC consulting service is the right solution for you.
There are several CMMC consulting companies, each with different strengths. Some will help your business get the certification it needs, while others will try to take advantage of your limited CMMC knowledge and provide a solution that's not right for your company. Be wary of companies selling you tools that are operationally cumbersome, an unnecessary financial burden and have limited to no value in CMMC compliance. Choosing a CMMC consulting service from a company that is CyberAB accredited RPO or C3PAO vested in its people through ongoing CMMC certification, training, conferences and webinars can help your organization avoid the risks, frustration and costs associated with getting CMMC certified.
Do your research on CyberAB Marketplace, shortlist your CMMC service provider companies, discuss your needs with them, ask if they have CMMC-certified consultants, get quotes, and, more importantly, ask for references. This will help your organization avoid fly-by companies and consultants who have limited to no knowledge of CMMC but pitch themselves as such.
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