Defense Cybersecurity Compliance
What CMMC Really Takes—and How to Get There Without Consultants
If your manufacturing company handles sensitive information from the Department of Defense (DoD), you've probably heard about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). It’s a new standard aiming to secure the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). While it sounds complicated, understanding what it really takes to meet CMMC requirements can make the process manageable—without always relying on pricey consultants.
Understanding CMMC: What’s Required?
The core goal of CMMC is to ensure your company has the necessary cybersecurity measures to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI). Depending on your contract and the level of cybersecurity maturity needed, the requirements vary from basic practices to advanced controls.
The CMMC levels range from Level 1 (basic cybersecurity) to Level 5 (advanced). Most small and mid-sized manufacturers will focus on Level 1 or 2, but some may need to reach higher levels based on the contracts they pursue.
What It Takes to Achieve CMMC Compliance
1. Understanding and Documenting Your Current Security Posture
Review your existing practices—are your files backed up? Do you have password controls?
Identify gaps between what you have and what CMMC requires.
2. Developing and Implementing Security Practices
Start with basic controls such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and secure network configurations.
Implement regular updates and patches to your software and systems.
Limit access to sensitive information to only necessary staff.
3. Creating Policies and Evidence
Document your cybersecurity policies—how you handle data, updates, and incident responses.
Maintain records of training, audits, and system configurations to prove compliance.
4. Conducting Internal Assessments
Before your formal assessment, conduct internal checks to verify your controls are in place and working. This validation helps uncover issues early and reduces last-minute surprises.
How to Achieve CMMC Without Consultants
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to hire costly consultants to reach CMMC compliance. Here are practical steps to get there on your own:
1. Use Trusted Resources
Download official CMMC documentation from the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body.
Review the NIST framework standards that underpin CMMC.
2. Break the Process Into Manageable Steps
Assess your current state: Use checklists aligned with CMMC practices.
Prioritize remediation: Focus on the biggest gaps that could prevent certification.
Document everything: Keep records of policies, procedures, and corrective actions.
3. Leverage Free and Low-Cost Tools
Use free vulnerability scanning tools like Tenable.io or similar.
Use password managers (like Bitwarden or LastPass) to enforce strong passwords.
Implement basic network security measures with free guides available online.
4. Staff Training and Awareness
Make cybersecurity a routine part of your team’s work. Train employees on phishing, password security, and handling sensitive data. Use free resources from the National Cyber Security Alliance.
5. Conduct Internal Mock Audits
Regularly review your controls and policies. Create a simple checklist based on CMMC requirements. Mock audits help you identify weak spots before the official assessment.
Real-life Example: A Small Manufacturer Goes Solo
Jane owns a small metal fabrication shop that contracts with the DoD. She started by downloading the CMMC guidelines and NIST standards. She conducted a basic assessment, identified weak password practices, and implemented multi-factor authentication for her systems. She documented her procedures and trained her staff. Over a few months, she fixed critical gaps, kept detailed records, and prepared for a self-assessment. When the certified third-party assessor arrived, Jane was ready—and passed without extra help.
Final Tips for Success
Start early—don’t wait until a contract deadline approaches.
Be honest about your current cybersecurity practices—overestimating can lead to surprises during assessment.
Keep thorough documentation; it’s your proof of compliance.
Engage your team—cybersecurity is a company-wide effort.
Remember, achieving CMMC isn’t about being perfect overnight. It’s about making steady improvements and maintaining good cybersecurity habits. With careful planning and simple steps, your company can meet the standards required—without costly consultants.
For more details, visit the official CMMC learning portal and stay updated on regulation changes.