Karhu Cyber
Speciality: Web Application Security and Network Penetration Testing
Cybersecurity company specializing in computer and network security; provides penetration testing, cybersecurity training, risk management, and threat detection services. Founded in 2021, based in Brighton, Michigan, with 9 employees and 18.2% YoY growth; offers tailored cybersecurity solutions to reduce risk and improve compliance.
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.
FISMA Cybersecurity Certification
Origin
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) was enacted by the United States Congress in 2002 as part of the E-Government Act. It was created in response to growing concerns about the security of federal information systems and the need for a comprehensive framework to protect government data. FISMA was updated and modernized in 2014 through the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, which maintained the same acronym while strengthening oversight and incorporating evolving cybersecurity threats.
Industry Value and Importance
FISMA certification is highly valued because it demonstrates an organization's ability to meet rigorous federal security standards for protecting sensitive government information. Organizations that achieve FISMA compliance prove they have implemented comprehensive security controls covering everything from access management to incident response, making them trusted partners for federal contracts. Beyond government work, FISMA certification is respected throughout the cybersecurity industry as evidence of mature security practices and robust risk management capabilities, often giving certified organizations a competitive advantage when bidding on projects that require proven security frameworks.
PCI DSS Certification
Origin
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) was created in 2004 by the major credit card companies: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB International. These companies formed the PCI Security Standards Council in 2006 to manage and evolve the standard. PCI DSS was developed in response to increasing credit card fraud and data breaches, establishing a unified set of security requirements for all organizations that store, process, or transmit cardholder data. The goal was to create consistent security measures across the payment card industry to protect sensitive payment information.
Industry Value and Importance
PCI DSS compliance is mandatory for any business that handles credit card transactions, making it one of the most critical security standards in commerce today. The certification demonstrates that an organization has implemented robust security controls, including network protection, access management, encryption, and regular security testing. Non-compliance can result in severe consequences, including substantial fines (up to $100,000 per month), increased transaction fees, loss of payment processing privileges, and reputational damage following a breach. For IT professionals, PCI DSS expertise is highly valued as organizations across all industries need qualified personnel to implement, maintain, and audit these security controls.
- Michigan County
- K-12 School District