You already know that the work to become CMMC compliant feels like an unwelcome burden. We get it. But a CMMC Readiness Review ensures that your organization is prepared for a formal assessment. Think of it as a practice-run by a C3PAO that simulates a formal assessment. It identifies CUI scoping errors and CMMC compliance gaps. Companies are undertaking a CMMC Readiness Review to ensure a successful certification – the first time through.
Understanding the Process
What is a CMMC Readiness Review? In the simplest terms: a thorough evaluation of your SSP against the 320 assessment objectives of CMMC level 2. It is designed to identify areas of non-compliance to address these gaps before the formal assessment.
Why is a Readiness Review Important? Conducting a Readiness Review helps organizations:
- Identify CUI Scoping Errors and Gaps: Pinpoint specific areas that do not meet CMMC standards.
- Mitigate Risks: Address vulnerabilities that lead to non-compliance or cybersecurity breaches.
- Save Time and Resources: Streamline the compliance process, eliminate the need for re-assessments that delay DoD contract opportunities.
- Enhance Preparedness: Ensure that all necessary controls and documentation are in place for the formal assessment.
Key Components of a CMMC Readiness Review
1. CUI Scoping
- Identify the CUI you handle and create, and where it touches your people, processes, and technology.
2. SSP Policy and Procedure Evaluation
- Review existing SSP cybersecurity policies, procedures, and supporting artifacts.
- Ensure adequacy and alignment with CMMC requirements.
3. Technical Controls Assessment
- Evaluate the effectiveness of technical controls such as access control, incident response, and data protection.
4. Determine NIST 800-171 Practices Met / Not Met
- And “why”, when Not Met
5. Employee Training and Awareness
- Evaluate training meets DoD requirements according to roles and responsibilities.
The Review Steps
Initial Consultation
- Discuss the scope of the readiness review and gather relevant information about the organization’s current cybersecurity posture.
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Conduct a thorough evaluation of policies, procedures, technical controls, and documentation.
- Identify gaps and areas of non-compliance.
Reporting and Recommendations
- Provide a detailed report outlining findings and recommendations.
- Develop a remediation plan to address identified gaps.
Follow-Up and Support
- Offer ongoing support to implement recommendations and ensure readiness for the formal CMMC assessment.
- Conduct follow-up evaluations as needed to monitor progress and address any new issues.
Benefits of a CMMC Readiness Review
Increased Likelihood of Successful Certification: Pass your formal CMMC assessment on the first attempt.
Reduced Compliance Costs: KLC Consulting offers a discount on the cost of your formal assessment because we’re already familiar with your business and SSP after we complete a CMMC Readiness Review.
Improved Trust and Credibility: Demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity and compliance to clients, partners, and regulators.
A CMMC Readiness Review is a critical step in achieving CMMC compliance. By conducting a thorough evaluation of your organization’s cybersecurity practices, identifying gaps, and providing actionable recommendations, a readiness review sets the stage for a successful CMMC assessment. Investing in a readiness review not only enhances your cybersecurity posture but also ensures that your organization is well-prepared to meet the rigorous standards of the CMMC framework. For more information on CMMC readiness reviews, contact us today.
