Helping a Manufacturing Company Achieve CMMC Level 2 Compliance

A Virginia-based manufacturing company was struggling with CMMC Level 2 compliance due to limited IT resources, legacy technology, and hesitancy around using cloud services. InterSec applied its NIST 800-171/CMMC readiness methodology to close compliance gaps and enable secure operations.

Background

This defense-oriented manufacturer relied on outdated infrastructure and minimal IT staff, making it difficult to meet the Department of Defense’s CMMC Level 2 standards. Their concerns over cloud security further complicated modernization efforts necessary for contract retention.
The Client
A Defense Contracting Company
Industry
Defense

Overview

The firm lacked the resources to revamp its security infrastructure and was uncertain about securely managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Missing CMMC deadlines could lead to severe revenue loss.

  • Limited IT Resources: No dedicated cybersecurity oversight or strategy
  • Complex Controls: Unclear how to manage and protect CUI
  • Looming Contract Loss: Risked losing DoD business if not quickly CMMC-ready

The Challenge

The firm lacked the resources to revamp its security infrastructure and was uncertain about securely managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Missing CMMC deadlines could lead to severe revenue loss.

  • Limited IT Resources: No dedicated cybersecurity oversight or strategy
  • Complex Controls: Unclear how to manage and protect CUI
  • Looming Contract Loss: Risked losing DoD business if not quickly CMMC-ready

Approach and Strategy

InterSec fostered executive backing and deployed a proven readiness framework, ensuring top-to-bottom alignment on CMMC standards while removing roadblocks tied to cloud adoption hesitancy.

  • Leadership Engagement: Clarified responsibilities for cybersecurity investment and governance
  • Field-Tested CMMC Framework: Executed a prioritized plan addressing immediate and long-term gaps
  • Gap Analysis & Roadmap: Focused on practical quick wins like MFA, encryption, and secure VPNs

Solution & Implementation

We created new policies, modernized critical systems, and implemented staff training to solidify compliance measures, all while keeping resource demands realistic.

  • CUI Scoping: Identified sensitive data across on-prem and partial cloud setups
  • Policy & Procedure Overhaul: Established asset management, vulnerability scanning, and encryption protocols
  • Staff Training & Monitoring: Deployed scanning tools and taught practical security awareness sessions

Results / Outcomes

Upgrading IT systems and instilling a culture of cybersecurity readiness safeguarded essential contracts and set a foundation for long-term risk management.

  • Met CMMC Level 2 requirements within 9 months
  • Quick fixes to high-risk areas minimized threats
  • Employees embraced new processes, ensuring sustainability

Results / Outcomes

Upgrading IT systems and instilling a culture of cybersecurity readiness safeguarded essential contracts and set a foundation for long-term risk management.

  • Met CMMC Level 2 requirements within 9 months
  • Quick fixes to high-risk areas minimized threats
  • Employees embraced new processes, ensuring sustainability

Capabilities Demonstrated

CMMC-Level 2 Compliance Roadmap (NIST 800-171), Modernizing Outdated IT Systems, Secure Cloud Adoption for Critical Operations, Staff Training & Cybersecurity Awareness, CUI Scoping & Protection

Need help achieving or sustaining CMMC compliance without straining limited IT resources?

Contact InterSec to see how a phased NIST 800-171 approach can transform your security operations.