Enhance Defense Security: CMMC 2.0 Level 3 Essentials

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a framework developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It aims to protect sensitive unclassified information, specifically Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI), within the defense. CMMC 2.0 establishes a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across all DoD contractors and subcontractors, ensuring that companies can adequately safeguard sensitive DoD information from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The CMMC certification process is arduous but our CMMC 2.0 compliance roadmap can help.

Key Features of CMMC 2.0 Level 3

CMMC Level 3 certification represents the highest level of cybersecurity maturity within the CMMC 2.0 framework. It is designed for companies handling the most sensitive unclassified information and those working on critical DoD programs.

Key features of Level 3 include:

Comprehensive Protection of CUI

The need for CMMC 2.0 Level 3 underscores the importance of comprehensive protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This level implements rigorous controls to safeguard CUI from unauthorized access and cyber threats, ensuring that contractors and subcontractors within the defense supply chain achieve the necessary security standards to protect sensitive data.

Advanced Threat Detection and Response Capabilities

Achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 involves implementing advanced threat detection and response capabilities. These measures are vital for contractors and subcontractors to promptly identify and mitigate potential security breaches. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategies, organizations can proactively address emerging threats and maintain robust security postures within the Department of Defense (DoD) framework.

Robust Access Control Measures

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 requirements emphasize robust access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems and data. These controls include strict authentication processes and user permissions management, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information. This approach is crucial for contractors aiming to meet the stringent criteria set by the DoD for cybersecurity compliance.

Enhanced System and Communications Protection

Level 3 of CMMC 2.0 focuses on enhanced system and communications protection. It ensures that all communication channels and systems are secure and resilient against potential cyber threats. By implementing these controls, contractors and subcontractors can safeguard their infrastructure, enhance data integrity, and ensure the continuity of operations within the defense sector.

Stringent Risk Assessment and Management Practices

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 controls require stringent risk assessment and management practices to identify, evaluate, and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Contractors and subcontractors must conduct thorough risk assessments to understand the cybersecurity landscape, implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies, and continuously monitor for potential threats, ensuring compliance with DoD standards and safeguarding sensitive information.

How Level 3 Compliance Enhances Security

Achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 compliance significantly improves an organization’s security posture by implementing advanced security controls and practices. It helps organizations detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats, including Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and exfiltration, maintain the integrity and availability of critical systems and data, demonstrate a high level of cybersecurity maturity to the DoD and other stakeholders, and implement a comprehensive approach to supply chain risk management.

CMMC Non-Compliance Risks and Repercussions

Failure to achieve CMMC certification can result in significant consequences. Organizations may lose eligibility for DoD contracts, face potential legal liabilities for data breaches, suffer reputational damage within the defense industry, experience financial losses due to missed business opportunities, and become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. These risks underscore the importance of achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance for organizations working within the defense sector.

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 Requirements

Achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 certification involves a process that is conducted exclusively by the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DCMA DIBCAC). Organizations must first achieve a CMMC Status of Final Level 2 (through a C3PAO) for all applicable information systems within the CMMC Assessment Scope. Once this prerequisite is met, the organization must implement the Level 3 requirements specified in 32 CFR § 170.14(c)(4).

The organization can then request a Level 3 assessment from DCMA DIBCAC. This assessment is comprehensive and includes evaluating the implementation of all Level 3 security requirements. While organizations may use the CMMC Assessment Guide to perform self-assessments in preparation for the official assessment, these self-assessment results cannot be submitted for Level 3 certification. Only assessments conducted by DCMA DIBCAC are considered for awarding CMMC Statuses of Conditional Level 3 (DIBCAC) or Final Level 3 (DIBCAC). The entire process ensures a rigorous evaluation of an organization’s cybersecurity maturity at the highest level of the CMMC 2.0 framework.

CMMC Level 3 builds upon the foundation established by Level 2, which focuses on the protection of CUI using the 110 security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171. Level 2 requires organizations to establish and document standard cybersecurity practices, develop required policies and strategic plans, and implement good cyber hygiene practices. While Level 2 provides a solid baseline for protecting CUI, Level 3 introduces 24 additional controls derived from NIST SP 800-172 to address more APTs.

These enhanced requirements in Level 3 provide increased assurance to the DoD that an organization can adequately protect CUI at a level commensurate with higher adversarial risks, including protecting information flow within the organization and throughout its multi-tier supply chain. To achieve Level 3 certification, organizations must implement the following 24 security requirements:

1. AC.L3-3.1.2e: Organizationally Controlled Assets This control restricts access to systems and components to only organization-owned or -issued resources. It helps prevent unauthorized access from personal or non-organizational devices.
2. AC.L3-3.1.3e: Secured Information Transfer This control employs secure information transfer solutions to control information flows between security domains on connected systems. It ensures that sensitive data is protected during transmission between different security environments.
3. AT.L3-3.2.1e: Advanced Threat Awareness This control provides regular training focused on recognizing and responding to advanced threats. It enhances the organization’s ability to detect and mitigate sophisticated cyberattacks.
4. AT.L3-3.2.2e: Practical Training Exercises This control includes practical exercises in awareness training tailored to different roles within the organization. It ensures that employees can apply their cybersecurity knowledge in real-world scenarios.
5. CM.L3-3.4.1e: Authoritative Repository This control establishes and maintains an authoritative source for approved and implemented system components. It provides a trusted reference for configuration management and system integrity.
6. CM.L3-3.4.2e: Automated Detection & Remediation This control uses automated mechanisms to detect and address misconfigured or unauthorized system components. It enhances the organization’s ability to quickly identify and resolve security issues.
7. CM.L3-3.4.3e: Automated Inventory This control employs automated tools to maintain an up-to-date inventory of system components. It ensures accurate tracking of all assets within the organization’s IT environment.
8. IA.L3-3.5.1e: Bidirectional Authentication This control implements cryptographically-based, replay-resistant authentication between systems and components. It enhances security by ensuring mutual authentication in system communications.
9. IA.L3-3.5.3e: Block Untrusted Assets This control uses mechanisms to prohibit untrusted system components from connecting to organizational systems. It helps prevent potential security breaches from unauthorized or compromised devices.
10. IR.L3-3.6.1e: Security Operations Center This control establishes and maintains a 24/7 security operations center capability. It ensures continuous monitoring and rapid response to security incidents.
11. IR.L3-3.6.2e: Cyber Incident Response Team This control creates and maintains a cyber incident response team that can be deployed within 24 hours. It enables quick and effective response to cybersecurity incidents.
12. PS.L3-3.9.2e: Adverse Information This control protects organizational systems when adverse information about individuals with CUI access is obtained. It helps mitigate insider threats and potential security risks from personnel.
13. RA.L3-3.11.1e: Threat-Informed Risk Assessment This control uses threat intelligence to guide risk assessments and inform security decisions. It ensures that risk management processes are aligned with current threat landscapes.
14. RA.L3-3.11.2e: Threat Hunting This control conducts proactive threat hunting activities to search for indicators of compromise. It helps identify and mitigate threats that may have evaded traditional security measures.
15. RA.L3-3.11.3e: Advanced Risk Identification This control employs advanced automation and analytics to predict and identify risks. It enhances the organization’s ability to anticipate and prepare for potential security threats.
16. RA.L3-3.11.4e: Security Solution Rationale This control documents the rationale for security solutions in the system security plan. It ensures that security decisions are well-justified and aligned with organizational needs.
17. RA.L3-3.11.5e: Security Solution Effectiveness This control regularly assesses the effectiveness of security solutions based on threat intelligence. It helps ensure that implemented security measures remain effective against evolving threats.
18. RA.L3-3.11.6e: Supply Chain Risk Response This control assesses, responds to, and monitors supply chain risks associated with organizational systems. It helps mitigate risks from third-party vendors and suppliers.
19. RA.L3-3.11.7e: Supply Chain Risk Plan This control develops and maintains a plan for managing supply chain risks. It ensures a structured approach to addressing security concerns in the supply chain.
20. CA.L3-3.12.1e: Penetration Testing This control conducts regular penetration testing using automated tools and subject matter experts. It helps identify and address vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems and networks.
21. SC.L3-3.13.4e: Isolation This control employs physical or logical isolation techniques in organizational systems and components. It helps contain potential security breaches and protect critical assets.
22. SI.L3-3.14.1e: Integrity Verification This control verifies the integrity of critical software using root of trust mechanisms or cryptographic signatures. It ensures that software has not been tampered with or compromised.
23. SI.L3-3.14.3e: Specialized Asset Security This control ensures specialized assets are included in security requirements or segregated in purpose-specific networks. It addresses the unique security needs of IoT, OT, and other specialized systems.
24. SI.L3-3.14.6e: Threat-Guided Intrusion Detection This control uses threat intelligence to guide and inform intrusion detection and threat hunting activities. It enhances the organization’s ability to detect and respond to sophisticated cyber threats.

Need to comply with CMMC? Here is your complete CMMC compliance checklist.

Best Practices for Implementing and Maintaining Level 3 Compliance

Implementing and maintaining Level 3 compliance under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is crucial for organizations involved with the Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, particularly contractors and subcontractors. Achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 involves robust understanding and implementation of advanced cybersecurity practices. Below, we explore best practices that can assist organizations in meeting and sustaining these requirements.

1. Conduct a Thorough Gap Analysis

This initial step entails evaluating current security measures against CMMC 2.0 Level 3 requirements. By identifying deficiencies, organizations can prioritize areas for improvement, providing a roadmap for achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 compliance. A detailed gap analysis not only ensures focus on critical areas but also helps in resource allocation.

2. Develop a Robust Cybersecurity Policy Framework

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 controls require well-documented policies that cover all areas of cybersecurity, ranging from incident response to user access management. Clear and comprehensive policies establish baseline standards and expectations, ensuring that all stakeholders understand their responsibilities in maintaining cybersecurity.

3. Implement Training and Awareness Programs

Training and awareness programs are vital for all employees and stakeholders within an organization. Given the advanced requirements of CMMC 2.0 Level 3, comprehensive training ensures that personnel are aware of their roles in cybersecurity, including recognizing and responding to threats. Regularly updated training programs contribute to a culture of security and vigilance.

4. Implement Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA is a critical requirement under CMMC 2.0 Level 3. It adds an extra layer of security beyond traditional passwords, making unauthorized access more difficult. This control is crucial for protecting sensitive DoD-related information and should be applied wherever possible within an organization’s IT infrastructure.

5. Conduct Regular System Audits and Vulnerability Assessments

Regular system audits and vulnerability assessments help organizations stay ahead of potential security threats. By frequently assessing systems, organizations can identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited and address them proactively. Regular audits also ensure that systems remain in compliance with CMMC 2.0 Level 3 criteria as technology and threats evolve.

6. Develop an Incident Response Plan

Incident response planning is another cornerstone of achieving and maintaining CMMC 2.0 Level 3 compliance. Organizations need a well-developed incident response plan that outlines procedures for detecting, managing, and recovering from security breaches. A tested and effective incident response plan minimizes damage and ensures a swift return to normal operations.

7. Collaborate with Cybersecurity Experts or Consultants

Collaboration with cybersecurity experts or consultants can provide valuable insights and assistance in meeting CMMC 2.0 Level 3 requirements. Experts can offer guidance on best practices, emerging threats, and advanced cybersecurity technologies. They can also assist with demonstrating compliance through rigorous documentation and testing.

8. Establish a Continuous Monitoring Strategy

Continuous monitoring involves real-time tracking and analysis of network activities to detect abnormal activities and potential breaches. This proactive approach is vital for maintaining an ongoing state of compliance and quickly addressing any issues that arise.

By adopting these best practices, organizations can improve their cybersecurity posture, meet CMMC 2.0 Level 3 standards, and ensure the protection of sensitive information critical to national security. This systematic approach not only facilitates achieving CMMC 2.0 Level 3 compliance but also enhances overall organizational resilience against cyber threats.

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 Certification: the Gold Standard

CMMC 2.0 Level 3 certification represents the gold standard in cybersecurity for DoD contractors and subcontractors handling sensitive information. It provides a comprehensive framework for implementing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect Controlled Unclassified Information, demonstrating an organization’s commitment to robust security practices. Achieving Level 3 compliance requires significant effort and resources, involving the implementation of stringent controls across various domains such as access control, incident response, and risk management. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Beyond ensuring eligibility for DoD contracts, Level 3 certification enhances overall security posture, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and frequency, maintaining CMMC compliance through ongoing assessment and improvement is essential for long-term success in the defense industry. Organizations that embrace this challenge and make cybersecurity a core part of their operations will be well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly threat-laden environment, contributing to the overall security of the nation’s defense industrial base.

Kiteworks Helps Defense Contractors Achieve CMMC 2.0 Level3 Compliance with a Private Content Network

For defense contractors aiming at CMMC 2.0 Level 3 compliance, Kiteworks can provide a huge head start.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a FIPS 140-2 Level validated secure file sharing and file transfer platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP, managed file transfer, and next-generation digital rights management solution so organizations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organization.

Kiteworks supports nearly 90% of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements out of the box. As a result, DoD contractors and subcontractors can accelerate their CMMC 2.0 Level 2 accreditation process by ensuring they have the right sensitive content communications platform in place.

With Kiteworks, DoD contractors and subcontractors unify their sensitive content communications into a dedicated Private Content Network, leveraging automated policy controls and tracking and cybersecurity protocols that align with CMMC 2.0 practices.

Kiteworks enables rapid CMMC 2.0 compliance with core capabilities and features including:

• Certification with key U.S. government compliance standards and requirements, including SSAE-16/SOC 2, NIST SP 800-171, and NIST SP 800-172
• FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation
• FedRAMP Authorized for Moderate Impact Level CUI
• AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest, TLS 1.2 for data in transit, and sole encryption key ownership

Kiteworks deployment options include on-premises, hosted, private, hybrid, and FedRAMP virtual private cloud. With Kiteworks: control access to sensitive content; protect it when it’s shared externally using automated end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and security infrastructure integrations; see, track, and report all file activity, namely who sends what to whom, when, and how. Finally demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards like GDPR, HIPAA, CMMC, Cyber Essentials Plus, IRAP, and many more.

To learn more about Kiteworks, schedule a custom demo today.

Additional Resources

• Blog Post CMMC Compliance for Small Businesses: Challenges and Solutions
• Blog Post If You Need to Comply With CMMC 2.0, Here Is Your Complete CMMC Compliance Checklist
• Blog Post CMMC Audit Requirements: What Assessors Need to See When Gauging Your CMMC Readiness
• Guide  CMMC 2.0 Compliance Mapping for Sensitive Content Communications
• Blog Post 12 Things Defense Industrial Base Suppliers Need to Know When Preparing for CMMC 2.0 Compliance