Global Solutions Group, Inc.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

Origin

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was created by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in 2020 in response to increasing cybersecurity threats targeting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The framework was developed to ensure that defense contractors and subcontractors adequately protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) in their systems. The DoD recognized that existing self-attestation methods were insufficient to safeguard sensitive defense-related data from sophisticated cyber attacks, particularly from nation-state adversaries, prompting the need for a more rigorous, third-party verification system.

Industry Value and Importance

CMMC certification has become essential for companies seeking to do business with the Department of Defense, as it is now a contractual requirement for defense contractors. The certification demonstrates that an organization has implemented appropriate cybersecurity practices and processes to protect sensitive government information, making it a competitive differentiator in the defense contracting marketplace. Beyond compliance, CMMC helps organizations improve their overall cybersecurity posture, reduce breach risks, and build trust with government clients and partners. The tiered certification structure allows companies to align their security investments with the sensitivity of the information they handle, making it both practical and scalable across the diverse defense supply chain.

ISO 27001 Cybersecurity Certification

ISO/IEC 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), first published in 2005 and revised in 2013 and 2022. It evolved from the British Standard BS 7799, which was created in the 1990s by the UK government and industry to address growing concerns about information security management. The standard was developed to provide organizations with a systematic framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

ISO 27001 is highly valued in the industry because it demonstrates an organization's commitment to protecting sensitive information through internationally recognized best practices. The certification provides a competitive advantage, often serving as a requirement for doing business with government agencies and large corporations, particularly in sectors handling sensitive data. It helps organizations systematically identify security risks, implement appropriate controls, and prove due diligence in managing information security—which is increasingly important for regulatory compliance, customer trust, and reducing the likelihood of costly data breaches.