The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is crucial for organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly those handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Achieving CMMC compliance requires developing and maintaining a System Security Plan (SSP) and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms). These documents form the backbone of your cybersecurity program, helping to demonstrate your organization's commitment to protecting sensitive information.
An SSP is a comprehensive document that outlines how an organization implements security controls to protect its information systems. It details the architecture, security requirements, and controls used to secure systems that process, store, or transmit CUI. The SSP should include:
A well-crafted SSP is essential not only for internal use but also for third-party assessments required by CMMC.
POA&Ms are documents that outline the steps your organization will take to address any security weaknesses or deficiencies identified during assessments. A POA&M typically includes:
POA&Ms ensure that your organization has a clear and actionable plan to address any gaps in compliance, making them a critical component of CMMC readiness.
Risk Cognizance offers a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) as a Service platform specifically designed to simplify the creation and management of SSPs and POA&Ms. Here’s how our platform can help:
Our platform provides templates and guides to help you quickly develop a comprehensive SSP. These resources ensure that all necessary components are covered, from system descriptions to security controls, reducing the risk of omissions or errors.
Risk Cognizance’s platform automates the tracking of compliance requirements, helping you stay on top of updates and changes in regulations. This feature is particularly useful for managing the continuous monitoring aspect of your SSP.
With our platform, you can easily create, assign, and track POA&Ms. The system allows for real-time updates and notifications, ensuring that everyone involved is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines.
Vendor relationships can introduce risks to your security posture. Our platform includes continuous vendor monitoring, allowing you to assess and manage third-party risks that could impact your SSP and POA&Ms.
Understanding and managing your organization’s attack surface is crucial for CMMC compliance. Risk Cognizance’s platform provides tools to identify vulnerabilities, enabling you to address potential threats before they can be exploited.
The platform generates audit-ready reports that can be shared with assessors during CMMC evaluations. These reports provide clear evidence of your organization’s compliance efforts, including detailed SSPs and active POA&Ms.
Achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance is a complex and ongoing process that requires diligent planning and execution. By developing a robust System Security Plan and well-organized POA&Ms, your organization can confidently navigate the CMMC requirements. Risk Cognizance’s GRC platform is designed to simplify this process, providing the tools and support needed to ensure your SSPs and POA&Ms are comprehensive, up-to-date, and effective.
With our platform, your organization can not only achieve CMMC compliance but also maintain a strong cybersecurity posture that safeguards sensitive information against evolving threats.