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This defense-oriented manufacturer relied on outdated infrastructure and minimal IT staff, making it difficult to meet the Department of Defense’s CMMC Level 2 standards.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.
Overview
A Virginia-based manufacturing firm needed to comply with DFARS 7012 requirements while juggling outdated IT systems and cloud skepticism. Losing DoD contracts was a real possibility without urgent remediation.
InterSec applied a phased NIST 800-171 approach, combining technical fixes and staff education to transform the company’s security posture. The result was a fully compliant environment that instilled confidence in both leadership and federal stakeholders.
- Defense-oriented manufacturing with minimal cybersecurity staff
- Needed compliance to maintain crucial DoD partnerships
- Worried about adopting cloud technologies for critical operations
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
Our Approach
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
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