Avoiding Common CMMC Compliance Mistakes

However, many organizations face challenges during the compliance process, leading to costly mistakes. In this blog, we’ll explore common CMMC compliance mistakes and provide actionable solutions to help you avoid them.

5 Common CMMC Compliance Mistakes

Achieving CMMC compliance is no small feat, and many organizations encounter pitfalls along the way. Understanding these common mistakes is the first step in preventing them and ensuring a smoother path to certification. Below, we’ve outlined the most frequent missteps organizations make during the compliance process.

Underestimating CMMC Requirements

One of the biggest mistakes organizations make is underestimating the scope and depth of CMMC requirements. Many assume that their existing security measures are sufficient, only to discover significant gaps during an assessment.

Organizations often overlook the need for documented policies and practices.
They may also misunderstand which CMMC level applies to their contract.
A lack of awareness about Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling requirements is another common issue.

Where NIST 800-171 Factors In

NIST 800-171a test objectives are almost always overlooked, causing significant underestimations. For instance, you may have a written policy that says don’t print CUI at home. However, 800-171a does require that you have some method to monitor the effectiveness of that control. This would require some technical implementation to monitor the contents of print jobs on remote workers’ printers that they install without admin credentials at home.

Inadequate Documentation

Many organizations fail to adequately record their cybersecurity practices. Without proper documentation, even the most stringent security measures may not pass an audit.

Missing or incomplete System Security Plans (SSPs).
Failure to track and document incident response procedures.
Lack of evidence to support compliance with specific CMMC controls.

Lack of Internal Expertise

CMMC compliance requires specialized knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, regulatory requirements, and risk management practices. Unfortunately, many organizations lack the internal expertise needed to navigate these complexities.

Staff may not be familiar with NIST 800-171 controls.
There may be insufficient training on CMMC-specific requirements.
Overburdened IT teams might not have the bandwidth to focus on compliance.

Insufficient Budget Planning

Achieving CMMC compliance often involves costs that organizations fail to anticipate. From hiring consultants to upgrading security infrastructure, underestimating these expenses can derail your compliance efforts.

Costs for third-party assessments can be higher than expected.
Upgrading hardware or software to meet security requirements is often necessary.
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance expenses are frequently overlooked.

Delayed Timelines

Procrastination or poor planning can lead to missed deadlines, jeopardizing contracts with the DoD. Many organizations underestimate the time needed to prepare for and achieve CMMC certification.

Delays in performing a gap analysis.
Postponing remediation of identified vulnerabilities.
Scheduling bottlenecks with Certified Third-Party Assessor Organizations (C3PAOs).

How to Avoid CMMC Compliance Mistakes

Once you understand the common pitfalls of CMMC compliance, the next step is to take proactive measures to avoid them. By implementing the strategies below, you can set your organization on the path to success.

Thoroughly Understand CMMC Requirements

Organizations must invest time in understanding the certification framework and how it applies to their operations.

Conduct a comprehensive review of the CMMC model and its five levels.
Identify which level of certification is required for your contracts.
Familiarize yourself with the specific practices and processes needed for compliance.

Prioritize Comprehensive Documentation

Being sure your documentation is complete and accurate is essential for a successful CMMC assessment.

Develop detailed System Security Plans (SSPs) outlining your cybersecurity architecture.
Maintain an up-to-date Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to track progress.
Document all cybersecurity policies, procedures, and incident responses.

Leverage External Expertise

If your team lacks the necessary expertise, consider partnering with professionals who specialize in CMMC compliance.

Hire consultants or managed service providers (MSSPs) with experience in DoD contracts.
Provide CMMC-specific training for your internal staff.
Consider outsourcing your cybersecurity needs to a trusted third party.

Budget for Compliance Early

To prevent financial surprises, create a realistic budget that accounts for all aspects of CMMC compliance.

Include costs for initial assessments, remediation efforts, and ongoing monitoring.
Allocate funds for necessary technology upgrades and staff training.
Plan for periodic re-assessments to maintain certification.

BL King’s Pricing

The pricing for an 18-month CMMC approval build-up cycle is approximately $300 per endpoint per month, plus an additional $35 per user per month for Microsoft 365 or Google licenses. This comprehensive package covers all aspects of CMMC compliance, including policy and procedure development, implementation, training, project management, recurring audits (such as continuous monitoring, audit log reviews, and vulnerability assessments), required technical services, unlimited incident response with immediate action, and full IT help desk support for desktop, server, and cloud environments. Disaster recovery services are quoted separately.

Start Early and Stay on Track

Time is of the essence when it comes to achieving CMMC compliance. Begin the process as soon as possible and follow a structured timeline.

Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas needing improvement.
Create a roadmap with clear deadlines for remediation and assessment.
Regularly review your progress to ensure you’re on track.

Additional Tips To Avoid CMMC Compliance Mistakes

Achieving CMMC compliance goes beyond avoiding mistakes—it requires a comprehensive approach and a strong commitment to cybersecurity. Here are additional tips to help ensure success.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

A gap analysis is a crucial first step in achieving CMMC compliance. By comparing your current cybersecurity practices with CMMC requirements, you can identify and prioritize areas for improvement.

Build a Culture of Cybersecurity

Compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a security posture that protects your organization and its stakeholders. Everyday commitment from an executive is a must! The executives most often own it, be seen owning it, and be involved. It’s their revenue and their company’s stake.

Promote awareness and accountability across all levels of your organization.
Regularly update and enforce cybersecurity policies.
Encourage employees to report potential vulnerabilities or threats.

Stay Informed About Updates

The CMMC framework is continuously evolving, so staying informed about changes is critical for maintaining compliance.

Subscribe to updates from the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).
Attend webinars or training sessions on new developments.
Work with a trusted advisor who can keep you informed.

Signs It’s Time To Consult a Compliance Expert

Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance can be challenging. Recognizing when to consult a compliance expert can save your organization time, money, and stress. Here are signs for your team that indicate it’s time to seek professional assistance:

Your team lacks the technical knowledge needed to meet CMMC requirements effectively.
Internal resources are stretched too thin to prioritize compliance tasks adequately.
You’ve encountered unexpected delays in your compliance timeline and remediation efforts.
Your organization struggles to interpret or implement NIST 800-171 controls.
This article was the first time you even heard the terms “Nist 800-171a” or “Control Test Objectives.”
Documentation of cybersecurity policies and procedures is incomplete or inconsistent.
The costs of achieving compliance seem unpredictable or unmanageable.
You are uncertain about the CMMC level required for your contracts.
A recent self-assessment revealed significant gaps in your current security posture.
You need guidance on choosing and implementing appropriate cybersecurity tools.
Expect to spend anywhere from $35K—$65K for a very simplistic cloud-based company with no ITAR and upwards of $200K for large, complex systems/companies.
Scheduling a third-party audit feels overwhelming or impossible to coordinate effectively.
Vendors, colleagues, Reddit trolls, etc., are all telling you to buy and migrate to M365 GCC-High and get a G5 license with an annual commitment. That’s a fake requirement.
If you have many people pushing you to buy an enclave solution, you’ll waste your money and come up short.
If they tell you Google Workspace is inferior and can’t comply with CMMC, don’t walk; run away.
If you are staring down the barrel of a big tech upgrade, you might be getting your leg pulled. Investigate the true economic incentives and motives of those who are telling you that.

If these challenges resonate with your organization, consulting a compliance expert can provide the clarity and expertise needed to achieve certification success. Get back to your core operations and let us take care of the rest.

Partner with BL King Consulting for CMMC Success

Navigating the complexities of CMMC compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At BL King Consulting, we bring years of expertise, a disciplined approach, and a deep commitment to helping organizations achieve their compliance goals. From initial assessments to tailored remediation plans, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Take all the stress out of the compliance journey and make sure your organization is prepared to meet DoD requirements. Reach out to BL King Consulting today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward certification success.