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The Relationship Between CMMC and Other Cybersecurity Standards

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has become a critical framework for organizations aiming to work with the Department of Defense (DoD). It is designed to ensure that companies within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) adhere to stringent cybersecurity practices. Understanding how CMMC relates to other established cybersecurity standards is essential for organizations to streamline their compliance efforts and bolster their security posture. This blog explores the relationship between CMMC and other major cybersecurity standards, highlighting their connections and differences.

Integration with NIST SP 800-171

One of the primary influences on the CMMC framework is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-171. This standard provides guidelines for protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI) in non-federal systems and organizations. Many of the CMMC requirements are directly derived from NIST SP 800-171, particularly in the lower maturity levels.

Organizations already compliant with NIST SP 800-171 will find that they have a head start in meeting the CMMC requirements. The overlap between these standards simplifies the transition, as many of the controls and practices are similar. However, CMMC introduces additional practices and processes, especially at the higher maturity levels, to enhance cybersecurity further. CMMC professionals can help organizations bridge any gaps between these standards, ensuring comprehensive compliance.

Alignment with ISO/IEC 27001

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) developed ISO/IEC 27001 as an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). This standard outlines a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure.

CMMC shares several core principles with ISO/IEC 27001, such as risk management, continuous improvement, and the importance of a well-defined ISMS. Organizations that have implemented ISO/IEC 27001 will recognize similar processes within the CMMC framework. However, CMMC is more prescriptive in certain areas, providing specific practices and procedures that organizations must follow to achieve certification.

CMMC assessments often examine how well an organization’s ISMS aligns with both ISO/IEC 27001 and CMMC requirements. By leveraging the strengths of ISO/IEC 27001, companies can streamline their efforts to meet CMMC standards and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Relationship with the GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law enacted by the European Union (EU). While GDPR primarily focuses on protecting personal data and privacy, it shares some common goals with the CMMC framework, such as ensuring data security and implementing robust access controls.

Organizations that handle both CUI and personal data must navigate the compliance landscape of both CMMC and GDPR. Although the two standards have different scopes and requirements, there is a significant overlap in their focus on data protection and cybersecurity. Implementing controls that satisfy GDPR can often contribute to meeting CMMC requirements, particularly in areas related to data encryption, access management, and incident response.

CMMC professionals can assist organizations in integrating GDPR compliance efforts with CMMC requirements, ensuring a cohesive approach to data protection and cybersecurity.

Incorporation of COBIT Principles

Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) is a framework for managing and governing enterprise IT environments. Developed by ISACA, COBIT provides guidelines for aligning IT goals with business objectives, ensuring effective governance and management of information systems.

CMMC incorporates several COBIT principles, particularly in the higher maturity levels, which emphasize process optimization and continuous improvement. COBIT’s focus on governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) complements the CMMC framework’s emphasis on cybersecurity maturity and resilience.

Organizations familiar with COBIT will find that its principles can enhance their approach to meeting CMMC requirements. By leveraging COBIT’s governance and management practices, companies can improve their overall cybersecurity framework and readiness for CMMC assessments.

Complementing the PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data. While PCI DSS is specific to the payment card industry, its rigorous approach to data protection and cybersecurity provides valuable insights for organizations pursuing CMMC certification.

Both CMMC and PCI DSS require organizations to implement robust access controls, regular security testing, and comprehensive incident response plans. Companies that have achieved PCI DSS compliance can leverage their existing security measures to meet similar CMMC requirements. However, CMMC encompasses a broader range of cybersecurity practices beyond payment card data protection, requiring a more extensive approach.

CMMC professionals can guide organizations in integrating PCI DSS controls with CMMC requirements, ensuring a holistic cybersecurity strategy that addresses multiple compliance obligations.

Enhancing Cybersecurity with CIS Controls

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls is a set of best practices for securing IT systems and data against cyber threats. These controls are designed to provide specific and actionable steps to improve cybersecurity, making them highly relevant to the CMMC framework.

Many CMMC requirements align closely with CIS Controls, particularly in areas such as asset management, access control, and continuous monitoring. Implementing CIS Controls can help organizations build a strong foundation for meeting CMMC requirements. The prescriptive nature of CIS Controls makes them an excellent resource for organizations seeking to enhance their cybersecurity posture in line with CMMC standards.

CMMC assessments will often evaluate how well an organization has implemented these controls, providing a clear path to achieving certification.

Bridging Compliance with Multiple Standards

The relationship between CMMC and other cybersecurity standards underscores the importance of an integrated approach to compliance. By understanding the connections and overlaps between CMMC and standards such as NIST SP 800-171, ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, COBIT, PCI DSS, and CIS Controls, organizations can streamline their efforts and enhance their overall cybersecurity framework.

CMMC professionals play a crucial role in helping organizations bridge compliance across multiple standards. Their expertise ensures that companies can meet the rigorous demands of CMMC assessments while maintaining alignment with other important cybersecurity frameworks. This integrated approach not only facilitates compliance but also strengthens the organization’s resilience against cyber threats, ensuring long-term security and success in the defense sector.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

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