Common CMMC Mistakes: Overlooking the Value of External Expertise

Top 15 Most Common CMMC Compliance Mistakes Series #12

This article is part of our expert-led series: The Top 15 Most Common CMMC Compliance Mistakes (and How to Solve Them). Throughout this series, we're dissecting the frequent errors, misunderstandings, and misconceptions organizations encounter on their path to CMMC certification, drawing insights from seasoned CCPs, CISOs, and CCAs.

Today’s focus:  We examine the critical role external expertise plays in navigating the complexities of CMMC compliance.

What You’ll Learn

• The benefits of engaging external cybersecurity consultants
• How external experts can streamline the compliance process
• Strategies for selecting the right external partners
• The impact of external expertise on assessment readiness

Cybersecurity Expertise is Different Than Compliance Expertise

CMMC compliance involves intricate requirements that can be challenging to interpret and implement correctly. Relying solely on internal resources may lead to oversights or misapplications of controls. Engaging external experts provides specialized knowledge and experience, ensuring a more efficient and accurate compliance journey.

Benefits of External Expertise

External cybersecurity consultants bring a wealth of experience from working with various organizations, offering insights into best practices and common pitfalls. Their expertise can help:

• Accurately interpret CMMC requirements
  
  
• Develop tailored compliance strategies
  
  
• Identify and remediate security gaps
  
  
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for assessments
  
  

According to a recent survey, organizations that engaged external partners reported higher compliance readiness across multiple dimensions. 

Streamlining the Compliance Process

External experts can expedite the compliance process by:

• Conducting thorough gap analyses to identify deficiencies
  
  
• Developing actionable remediation plans
  
  
• Providing training and awareness programs
  
  
• Assisting in the creation of required documentation, such as System Security Plans (SSPs) and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms)
  

Their involvement ensures that compliance efforts are focused and effective, reducing the risk of delays or non-compliance.

Selecting the Right External Partners

When choosing external consultants, consider the following:

• Credentials: Look for Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs). The best C3PAOs will have highly trained specialists, referred to as CMMC Certified Professionals (CCP) and CMMC Certified Assessors (CCA).
  
  
• Experience: Assess their track record with organizations similar in size and industry.
  
  
• Approach: Ensure they offer customized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.
  
  
• References: Request testimonials or case studies demonstrating successful compliance engagements.

Impact on Assessment Readiness

Engaging external experts can significantly enhance assessment preparedness by:

• Ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate
  
  
• Conducting mock assessments to identify potential issues
  
  
• Providing guidance during the actual assessment process
  
  

This proactive approach increases the likelihood of a successful certification outcome.

In Summary: Knowing When to Rely on CMMC Experts

Navigating the complexities of CMMC compliance requires specialized knowledge and experience. Engaging external cybersecurity experts can provide the necessary guidance and support, streamlining the compliance process and enhancing assessment readiness. By leveraging external expertise, organizations can confidently achieve and maintain CMMC certification.

Key Takeaways

• External experts offer specialized knowledge that enhances compliance efforts.
• Their involvement streamlines the compliance process and reduces the risk of non-compliance.
• Selecting the right external partners is crucial for effective support.
• Engaging external consultants improves assessment preparedness and outcomes.
  
  

Up Next In Our Top 15 Most Common CMMC Mistakes Series:

In the next installment of our series, we'll explore the importance of conducting thorough internal security risk assessments with the assistance of experienced consultants.