In January of 2020, The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC 1.0, was released by the Department of Defense (DoD) in an effort to properly secure the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). In the simplest of terms, this was the DoD's first pass at creating a cybersecurity assessment model and certification program. Read more about CMMC Version 1.0 here.

As with previous updates to DFARS cybersecurity regulations, CMMC 2.0 requirements will be conveyed through contract clauses. As a result of some of the specific changes, the DoD will go through the rulemaking process in both Title 32 and Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Currently, the government-wide Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Program is codified at 32 CFR 2002, whereas 48 CFR contains the more familiar DFARS clauses 252.204-7012, 252.204-7019, 252.204-7020, and 252.204-7021.

The following categories are focus areas that the DoD is strategically using for the enhancement of the CMMC program. The revision and enhancement of CMMC fall within eight categories of strategic intent:

• Focus
• Clarity
• Alignment
• Cost
• Assessments
• Trust
• Flexibility
• Speed

These eight categories are detailed in a two-part blog that can be found here: Part 1 and Part 2.

The release of CMMC 2.0 affects the following groups: 

• Organizations supporting the Department of Defense or higher education research institutions handling the following types of data:
  • Federal Contract Information (FCI)
  • Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) / Covered Defense Information (CDI)
  • Controlled Technical Information (CTI)
  • Internation Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Data

"Everything is going to revolve around rulemaking for CMMC 2.0"

-Jacob Horne (Chief Security Evangelist at Summit 7 and industry thought leader).

The Key For Contractors

• The DoD is claiming that costs, burdens, and barriers to entry are significantly reduced as a result of the changes in CMMC 2.0. However, accounting for these savings and reductions is done for the overall CMMC program, not for individual companies.
• The allowance of POAMs, the removal of the "Delta 20" controls, and the removal of process maturity requirements are the basis for significant cost reductions. However, if an OSC's costs and burdens was a result of NIST SP 800-171, then these changes are not as helpful as the government is indicating.

Rulemaking is often triggered by direction from Congress. For example, much of the impetus for the CMMC interim rule was a result of the FY 2020 NDAA. Based on the statement that DoD will pursue rulemaking, here's what we know will be codified for CMMC 2.0 based on the two CFRS. The DoD has stated that they will pursue rulemaking in Title 48 and Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

What are the two CFRs that drive rulemaking?

• 32 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
• 48 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)
  
  • DFARS 252.204-7021 exists to indicate when CMMC certification is required.

3) CMMC 2.0 Level 3: Contractors Handling CUI / ITAR Data / Secret / Top Secret Data

• Since the CMMC 2.0 Levels are in aggregate you will need to implement the requirements for L1, L2, and L3
• Implement the practices based on NIST SP 800-172
• Prepare for Triannual government-led assessments of your environment(s)

The short answer: No

The long answer: You likely need to choose GCC High for your overall compliance strategy.

GCC High is not required to meet CMMC 2.0 at any Level. However, Microsoft's official recommendation is for organizations planning or required to meet CMMC 2.0 Level 2 (formerly CMMC 1.0 Level 3) should deploy to Microsoft 365 GCC High. The Commercial and GCC versions of the platform can be configured to meet NIST 800-171, and the vast majority of CMMC's requirements with native security products/capabilities. CMMC 2.0 Level 2, for example, can be met in Commercial and GCC per the standards written to date.

What Is Microsoft 365 GCC High? Start here.

The graphic below represents the Microsoft Platform as it relates to relevant compliance frameworks such as CMMC, DFARS 7012, ITAR regulations.

There are several long-term concerns and considerations to assess, and these are highlighted in this guide to GCC vs GCC High.

What Is CS2?

CS2, or The Cloud Security and Compliance Series, is an ongoing informational series for contractors in the Defense Industrial Base looking to meet federal compliance mandates. These hybrid events are specifically curated towards aerospace and defense contractors and those in higher education institutions looking for practical approaches to address security threats, invest in the culture of cybersecurity for their organization, and glean best practices for their cloud investments.