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Making CMMC Simpler

KLKristian Locke (CISO & Head of Security)
••5 min read
CMMCCybersecurityCompliance

What is CMMC?

Cyber threats are a constant concern for the defense industry. Contractors working with the Department of Defense often handle sensitive technical information, intellectual property, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that, if compromised, could impact national security.

To strengthen the security of the defense supply chain, the DoD introduced the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC. It's a standardized framework designed to ensure that all contractors, regardless of their role in the supply chain, are implementing baseline cybersecurity practices to protect federal information.

For many contractors working in the defense space, preparing for CMMC can feel like navigating a maze without a map. The requirements are complex, the timelines are tight, and the guidance often assumes you have resources most teams simply do not.

Understanding the Compliance Challenge

CMMC is a layered framework that covers 17 domains and maps across multiple levels of maturity. At the core, it requires organizations to demonstrate they are following specific security practices and producing documentation that proves it.

  • Access control – making sure only authorized users have access to systems and data
  • Incident response – having a tested plan for detecting and reacting to security events
  • Audit and accountability – tracking who does what in your environment and being able to prove it
  • Configuration management – documenting and securing system settings and baselines
  • System and communications protection – controlling how data moves and ensuring it’s protected in transit and at rest

Each of these domains comes with a series of practices and processes that contractors must implement. And depending on the level of certification required (Level 1 through Level 3 under the updated model), the depth of implementation and documentation increases significantly.

For example, Level 2 includes 110 security requirements, mapped directly to NIST SP 800-171, and may require a formal third-party assessment. That means not just doing the work, but showing detailed, evidence-backed proof that you’re doing it right.

Embracing CMMC Compliance as a Strategic Advantage

For many organizations, CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be a burden; it’s an opportunity to strengthen their security posture and enhance trust with clients and partners. While many companies lack dedicated cybersecurity teams, and IT departments are often stretched thin with daily operations, CMMC compliance can still be successfully integrated without overwhelming teams.

Instead of seeing it as an additional obstacle, embracing CMMC as part of a broader strategy for long-term security can lead to more organized and streamlined operations. While hiring a consultant may seem like a quick fix, the cost can be often between $30,000 and $75,000. Which obviously can be a heavy investment for many teams, even then, consultants typically deliver a broad report rather than a practical, step-by-step plan.

CMMC was designed to safeguard the supply chain, but when implemented correctly, it can become a driver for greater security maturity. By treating it as an essential framework rather than just a requirement, organizations can integrate compliance in a way that supports long-term goals, rather than complicating already-busy schedules.

Making CMMC Compliance Intuitive, Collaborative, and Budget-Friendly

CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The most effective compliance platforms are built with real-world users in mind, focusing on usability, teamwork, and cost. Here’s what to look for:

  • Clear, Step-by-Step Guidance: Controls should be explained in plain language, not legal or technical jargon, so teams can understand what’s required without needing a specialist.
  • Team Collaboration: Good platforms let IT, security, leadership, and even vendors contribute and stay aligned—making compliance a shared effort, not a siloed task.
  • Progress Tracking Without the Extra Work: Built-in dashboards and automated reminders help keep tasks on track without adding to your daily workload.
  • Immediate Value: You shouldn’t have to wait on expensive consultants to get started. The right tool should let you begin making measurable progress right away.
  • Affordable Access: Compliance tools should be priced for small and mid-sized businesses, not just large enterprises, so every contractor has a fair shot at success.

With the right platform, CMMC becomes less about checking boxes and more about building a secure, well-run organization that’s ready to grow.

Conclusion: Clear, Affordable, and Collaborative Compliance Is Within Reach

CMMC compliance can be a serious challenge, especially for smaller contractors working with limited resources and complex requirements. But achieving compliance doesn’t have to be expensive, frustrating, or slow.

When you use tools that focus on clarity, teamwork, and affordability, your team can take control of the process and strengthen your position in the Defense Industrial Base.

Ready to simplify your path to compliance?
Sign up for the CMMC Dashboard and start making security achievable for your contracting team. Visit our sign-up page to get started.

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