Our Blog

Follow BL King's blog to stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity and IT industry news, developments, and best practices.

CMMC

Multi-Factor Authentication and CMMC: Why MFA Compliance Is Non-Negotiable for Level 2

MFA compliance is a hard requirement under CMMC Level 2. Learn what DoD contractors actually need in place and where most assessments surface gaps.

CMMC

Is Your IT Infrastructure CMMC-Ready?

Find out if your IT infrastructure meets CMMC readiness requirements before your assessment. Learn what assessors evaluate and how to close gaps fast.

CMMC

Cybersecurity Gaps That Most Often Fail DoD Contractors in CMMC Compliance Assessments

Discover the most common CMMC compliance gaps that cause DoD contractors to fail assessments, and learn how to close them before your next audit.

CMMC

CMMC Self-Assessment vs. Third-Party Assessment: Which Path Does Your Contract Require?

Not sure if you need a CMMC self-assessment or a third-party C3PAO? Learn which path your contract requires, what's at stake, and how to prepare.

CMMC

How CMMC and NIST 800-171 Work Together, and Where They Differ

CMMC and NIST 800-171 aren't the same thing, but one builds directly on the other. Learn the differences, what each requires, and what it means for your contract.

CMMC

The CMMC 2.0 Compliance Deadline Is November 2026—What You Need to Do Before Then

CMMC Phase 2 enforcement starts November 2026. Here's what defense contractors need to do now to meet the CMMC 2.0 compliance deadline.

Compliance

Which Compliance Frameworks Apply to Your Business?

Not sure which compliance frameworks apply to your business? Learn how CMMC, NIST, PCI DSS, SOC 2, and more are determined.

Compliance

Compliance-as-a-Service: What It Is and Why Your Business Needs It

Learn how compliance-as-a-service replaces point-in-time audits with continuous protection, and how BL King helps businesses stay audit-ready year-round.

Cybersecurity

The Hidden Costs of Poor SMB Cybersecurity: What Every Small Business Should Know

Learn the hidden costs of poor SMB cybersecurity and how cyber incidents impact operations, reputation, and compliance.

Fractional IT

Fractional IT vs. Traditional MSPs: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Compare fractional IT and traditional MSPs. Learn how BL King’s fractional solutions deliver stronger IT leadership, security, and compliance support.

CMMC

Why CMMC Compliance Matters: Avoiding Fines, Delays, and Lost Contracts

Learn why CMMC compliance is essential for DoD contractors. Avoid fines, audit failures, and lost contracts with expert support from BL King Consulting.

CMMC

How Hiring a CMMC Compliance Consultant Saves Time, Money, and Risk

Learn how working with a CMMC compliance consultant can help your organization save time, reduce costs, and avoid risk.

Fractional IT

Why Fractional IT Works for Growing Businesses

 Discover how fractional IT offers strategic leadership without the full-time cost. Learn how small to mid-sized businesses benefit from fractional IT services.

Managed Services

Why IT Strategy Fails Without the Boardroom

 Learn why IT strategy fails without boardroom involvement. Discover how strategic IT leadership bridges the gap between business goals and technology decisions.

Managed Services

Why Your IT Vendor Can’t Deliver What CTO Services Provide

Discover why IT vendors can’t replace CTO services. Learn how BL King’s fully managed solutions align IT with growth, compliance, and executive strategy.

Compliance

The Differences Between NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-53

 NIST 800-171 protects CUI in contractor systems, while NIST 800-53 secures full federal networks. Learn which fits your contract and avoid costly gaps.

Compliance

How to Conduct an Effective Compliance Risk Assessment

 Think you're compliant? A thorough compliance risk assessment reveals gaps before auditors do. Learn how to build a process that holds up.

CMMC

DFARS vs. CMMC 2.0: What’s the Difference and What Does Your Business Need to Follow?

 Confused about DFARS vs. CMMC 2.0? Learn the key differences, what applies to your business, and how to stay compliant with help from BL King Consulting.

CMMC

What Is CMMC 2.0? A Practical Guide for Defense Contractors and DoD Suppliers

The Department of Defense released the CMMC 2.0. How does the latest version of the CMMC differ from the original? Here’s what you need to know.

Compliance

CTO Services for Compliance: Staying Prepared With CMMC, DFARS, and NIST

CTO services are vital for achieving and maintaining compliance. Learn how to align your systems and infrastructure with CMMC, DFARS, and NIST standards.

Cybersecurity

A CTO’s Guide to Cybersecurity Roadmapping

A cybersecurity roadmap gives CTOs a clear path for managing growing security needs. Build a strategic plan beyond checklists and audits with this guide.

Managed Services

Bridging the Gap of Business Operations With IT Strategic Plans

An IT strategic plan should align with business goals to drive growth and agility. Discover how senior IT leadership transforms operations into value engines.

Fractional IT

How To Determine If You Need CIO, CISO, or Virtual CTO Services

Choosing CIO, CISO, or virtual CTO services can be confusing. This guide helps growing companies make smart, cost-effective tech leadership decisions.

Managed Services

Your Guide to vCISO Services

Discover what vCISO services are, what they do, and how virtual security leadership can protect your business and support compliance.

Cybersecurity

The Ultimate AI Cybersecurity Checklist for Vetting Solutions

 This comprehensive AI cybersecurity checklist outlines key steps in vetting AI solutions before choosing an AI vendor.

Email Security

Email Spoofing 101: How to Keep Your Business Safe from Fake Emails

Learn what email spoofing and email impersonation can harm businesses and simple steps to stop cybercriminals from tricking your employees and customers.

CMMC

CMMC Requirements for Certification: Key Industries and Provisions Explained

Understand the key industries and CMMC requirements for certification. Learn how compliance impacts defense contractors, IT services, and supply chains.

CMMC

CMMC Compliance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Avoid costly CMMC compliance mistakes with this guide. Learn common pitfalls, actionable solutions, and expert tips to achieve certification success.

NIST

NIST for Education: What You Need to Know About the New Mandate

 A new executive order is underway, and it’s mandating NIST for educational facilities. Learn more about this measure and what schools need to do.

CMMC

What Are the Consequences of CMMC Noncompliance?

 From fines to reputational damage and other legal consequences, CMMC noncompliance can be detrimental to your business. Learn why.

Compliance

The Complete NIST Compliance Checklist

Master NIST compliance checklist with this helpful guide. Learn the key steps to safeguard sensitive data and align with essential cybersecurity standards.

NIST

Avoiding Data Breaches and Leaks With Comprehensive NIST Security

 Protect your business from costly data breaches. Learn how NIST security guidelines build a strong cybersecurity defense for long-term safety and trust.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: How Hackers Get Data and How to Prevent It

Discover how professional cybersecurity for small businesses can help prevent hackers from accessing your critical information.

CMMC

CMMC 2.0: Key Considerations for IT Departments

Prepare your IT department for CMMC 2.0 compliance! Learn key considerations, priorities, and expert tips to ease the audit process.

CMMC

How To Prepare for a CMMC Audit? Everything You Need To Know About 2.0

Prepare your business for a 2.0 CMMC audit with practical tips on cybersecurity, compliance, and certification. Learn what to expect in this guide.

Managed Services

The 6 Benefits of Help Desk Solutions

Check out how the benefits of help desk solutions enhance customer support, boost efficiency, and reduce costs.

Cybersecurity

MDR vs. SOC: Exploring the Differences in Managed Detection and Response & Security Operations Centers

MDR vs. SOC: Discover key differences between Managed Detection Response services and Security Operations Centers in this guide for your security needs.

CMMC

CMMC Costs: Everything You Need To Know

Learn all about the real costs of CMMC compliance and what you need to know. From initial investments to ongoing expenses, get the breakdown of CMMC costs.

Disaster Recovery

The Different Types of Backups: Your Key To Business Continuity

Discover the essential types of backups—full, incremental, and differential—to guarantee your data is always safe! Backup smarter, not harder!

CMMC

Is Your Business Ready for CMMC Compliance Updates?

New updates regarding CMMC compliance standards will be released by the end of 2024. This guide covers everything you need to know before then.

Cybersecurity

Incident Response Plans: Your Complete Guide

Discover the importance of an incident response plan for cybersecurity. Learn how to create one and  integrate disaster recovery today.

Compliance

How to Implement the NIST Cybersecurity Framework: A Comprehensive Guide

Implementing NIST cybersecurity framework is key for any business. Learn how an MSSP can provide reliable protection and compliance.

CMMC

Who Needs CMMC Certification? The Complete Guide

Discover who needs CMMC certification and why it’s crucial for DoD contractors. Need assistance? An MSP can simplify the entire process.

Compliance

Government IT Solutions: The Ins and Outs of DFARS 252.204-7012

Discover the essentials of government IT solutions with our in-depth look at DFARS 252.204-7012. Navigate compliance with total peace of mind.

Cybersecurity

Security Operations Center Offerings

BL King’s security operations center service is powered by cybersecurity experts who are ready to help your business stay protected from cyberthreats.

Managed Services

Google Workspace Management

Is your disjointed technology holding your company back? Let BL King Management transform the way you work by implementing Google Workspace.

Managed Services

The Importance Of Managed Help Desk Services

Managed help desk services involve hiring an experienced third party to quickly and effectively resolve end-user issues.

Cybersecurity

How to Identify and Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Learn the ins and outs of detecting and preventing ransomware attacks from affecting your business and personal data in today’s complex cyber landscape.

Managed Services

The Difference Between an MSP vs. an MSSP

There are a few key differences between MSP vs. MSSP, and for a business in today’s world, understanding them can greatly improve your operations.

Compliance

Understanding the Compliance Assessment Process Through Third-Party Providers

Third-party providers can make a world of difference when it comes to compliance assessments. Learn more in this helpful guide today.

CMMC

Common Challenges and Considerations for CMMC Implementation

CMMC implementation has many challenges and considerations. Check out this extensive guide for everything you need to know today.

Managed Services

The Complete Guide to Google Workspace Support

Looking into implementing google workspace support and features for your business? Learn what you need to know in this helpful guide today.

Compliance

The Complete Guide to 252.204-7012 DFARS Requirements and Compliance

DFARS compliance 252.204-7012 is a crucial best practice for any organization involved in the sector. Read on to learn about DFARS requirements.

CMMC

A Guide to 2.0 CMMC Implementation

Staying up to date and applying the necessary amendments for 2.0 CMMC implementation is a great best practice for your business. Learn more today.

Cybersecurity

The Complete Guide to Help Desk Services

Help desk services and support from third-party IT providers efficiently streamline your operations. Learn more in this helpful guide today.

Cybersecurity

How to Avoid Attacks With Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions

Businesses everywhere, including the MGM Resort, have experienced major cyberattacks in recent years. Learn how cybersecurity solutions can help.

Cybersecurity

A Comprehensive Review of AI Cybersecurity

Is AI helping hackers? Learn everything you need to know in this guide to AI cybersecurity.

Managed Services

The Benefits of Purchasing Microsoft or Google Workspaces Through a Reseller

Looking to streamline your company’s data? Read this article today to see how a Microsoft or Google workspace reseller can help.

Compliance

Maintaining NIST 800-171 Compliance With Revision 3 Changes

Maintaining NIST 800-171 compliance with Revision 3 changes is essential for organizations that are contracted with the government.

Cybersecurity

A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Cybersecurity Audits

Cybersecurity audits ensure your business complies with any industry requirements. Learn all about comprehensive cybersecurity solutions today.

Compliance

Understanding the Value of a Regulatory Compliance Gap Analysis

Performing a regulatory compliance gap analysis is essential for businesses to ensure they are adhering to all applicable regulations and standards.

Compliance

Understanding Zero Trust Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide

The security challenges of the digital age require a new approach to cybersecurity. The zero trust model prioritizes continuous authentication and strict access.

CMMC

What Is CMMC as a Service and Why Is it Important?

CMMC as a service is an effective method for companies to guarantee they’re meeting necessary compliance requirements while saving time and money.

Cybersecurity

How AI Is Changing Cybersecurity: What You Need to Know

AI is changing cybersecurity. This article covers the emerging pros and cons and what you can do about them.

Cybersecurity

Incident Response Plans vs. Disaster Recovery Plans

Read about the key differences between incident response plans vs. disaster recovery plans and learn if you need both for cybersecurity success today.

Cybersecurity

Understanding the Gaps in Small Business’ Cybersecurity Posture: Is My Company at Risk?

Is your small business cybersecurity posture at risk? The answer isn't as cut and dry as you might expect. Here’s why.

Cybersecurity

Antivirus Software for Your Business: Is It Enough?

Cyberattacks are a serious threat to businesses. Is antivirus enough? Learn more in BL King's recent blog.

Cybersecurity

Understanding Data Breach Recovery

A single data breach has the power to ruin even long-established enterprises. Here’s what you need to know about data breach recovery.

Cybersecurity

How Often Should Penetration Testing Be Done?

Do you know how often penetration testing should be done for your infrastructure? Continue reading to find out.

Cybersecurity

Understanding the Impact of Cybersecurity Breaches

The impact of cybersecurity breaches can be damaging for businesses. Learn the effects of hacks and how to protect against them.

Cloud Migration

Tips and Tricks to Ensure a Seamless Cloud Migration

In today's business climate, cloud migration isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s what you need to know before making the switch.

Compliance

What’s the Difference Between Security and Compliance?

Here’s what you need to know about security and compliance so you can make educated, data-driven decisions about your business.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Questions All CEOs Must Ask

The best decisions can only be made when you have all the information you need. These are the cybersecurity questions you should ask your MSP.

CMMC

Everything You Need to Know About CMMC 2.0: Requirements, Launch Date, and Assessment Guide

As the CMMC 2.0 rollout date approaches, executives are increasingly asking, “When do I need to be CMMC 2.0 certified?” BL King has the answer.

Cybersecurity

How To Avoid Data Breaches: A Guide for Executives

Learn more about the role executives play in avoiding data breaches and protecting their company’s reputation, virtual assets, and critical data.

Cybersecurity

MSSP, MDR, and XDR: Three Cybersecurity Incident Response Options

Confused by your cybersecurity incident response options? Continue reading to learn about the differences between MSSPs, MDR, and XDR.

Cybersecurity

Why Penetration Testing Is Important

See how cybercriminals could exploit your business’s vulnerabilities and learn why penetration testing is important.

Managed Services

Signs You Need to Change Your Managed Service Provider

How do you know if your managed service provider is holding up their end of the bargain? Here are signs it’s time to change providers in the near future.

Cybersecurity

Everything You Need To Know About XDR Capabilities

A managed security provider that has XDR capabilities can provide holistic protection against cyberattacks, unauthorized access, and network misuse.

Managed Services

How IT Outsourcing Solves Staffing Shortages

The Great Resignation has left many IT positions vacant and ready to be filled. Solve those staffing shortages with information technology outsourcing.

Cybersecurity

What’s the Real Cost of IT Downtime?

When your IT infrastructure goes down, you can’t work. But waiting around for a fix is only a small part of the real cost of IT downtime.

Cybersecurity

6 End User Cybersecurity Tips To Protect Your Business

Countless cyberthreats try to invade your network every day. Fortunately, you can defend your network with these end user cybersecurity measures.

Compliance

What Is Cybersecurity Compliance and How Does It Apply to My Company?

What is cybersecurity compliance? What compliance regulations matter to your business? Read our blog to find the answers to these questions.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Insurance Requirements You Should Know

By following cybersecurity insurance requirements, your company can get the coverage it needs to avoid a data breach’s financial consequences.

Cybersecurity

Most Common Cyberattacks To Look Out For

Cyberthreats are as diverse as flavors of ice cream. Protect your network by learning about the most common cyberattacks with BL King.

Managed Services

The Difference Between Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Policy

Telling the difference between disaster recovery and business continuity policies can be difficult. Here’s what you need to know about these policies.

Cloud Migration

Cloud Network Security: How Safe Is the Cloud?

As a company that holds sensitive data, you may be cautious about trusting the cloud. But cloud network security is strong enough to protect your data.

Cybersecurity

IT Security for Remote Workers

Before implementing a remote or hybrid work model, make sure your employees are protected from cyberthreats with IT security for remote workers.

Managed Services

Do You Need Co-Managed IT Services If You Already Have an Internal IT Team?

To meet the growing IT needs of your organization, use co-managed IT services to boost the capabilities of your in-house IT department.

Cybersecurity

Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover

Identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover are the five pillars of NIST. This framework is vital to having a holistic cybersecurity program.

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