CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Combat Vehicle Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

As a key component of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), combat vehicle manufacturers play a vital role in national security, producing not just military vehicles like combat, tactical, and unmanned vehicles but also critical components for defense systems. With the Department of Defense’s (DoD) implementation of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, combat vehicle manufacturers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact their ability to maintain defense contracts.

The stakes are particularly high for combat vehicle manufacturers. From technical specifications for military vehicles to proprietary manufacturing processes and supply chain data, the industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). A single data breach could compromise not only sensitive defense information but also disrupt critical supply chains that support military readiness.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the CMMC regulation as it pertains to combat vehicle manufacturers, key CMMC 2.0 components that combat vehicle manufacturers must be especially aware of and, finally, best practices combat vehicle manufacturers should strongly consider to accelerate their CMMC compliance efforts.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications for Combat Vehicle Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0 represents a streamlined but rigorous approach to cybersecurity, reducing the previous five levels to three while maintaining strict requirements for organizations handling CUI. For combat vehicle manufacturers, these implications extend throughout their operations. Without proper CMMC certification, manufacturers cannot bid on DoD contracts, potentially losing millions in defense-related revenue. The impact reaches beyond individual facilities to encompass entire supply chains, requiring manufacturers to ensure compliance from their tier-one suppliers down to their smallest component manufacturers.

Most combat vehicle manufacturers will need to achieve Level 2 certification, requiring third-party assessment and demonstration of 110 security practices. This certification process demands a comprehensive evaluation of security protocols across all aspects of manufacturing operations, from design systems to production floors.

Special Considerations for Combat Vehicle Manufacturers

Manufacturing Systems Security presents unique challenges in the combat vehicle sector. The protection of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files containing sensitive military specifications must be seamlessly integrated with daily operations. This extends to securing Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and manufacturing execution systems while maintaining production efficiency. The integration of cybersecurity with operational technology (OT) environments requires careful balance to maintain both security and productivity.

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

Supply chain management in the combat vehicle sector requires particular attention under CMMC 2.0. Manufacturers must establish secure communication channels with multiple tiers of suppliers while protecting sensitive technical specifications. The complexity of combat vehicle supply chains demands robust systems for tracking and verifying component origins and specifications without compromising security or efficiency.

Technical data protection takes on added significance in defense-related combat vehicle manufacturing. Beyond standard vehicle specifications, manufacturers must safeguard military-specific modifications and capabilities. This includes protecting proprietary manufacturing processes and securing quality control data that could reveal sensitive information about military vehicle capabilities.

Connected vehicle security adds another layer of complexity to CMMC compliance. Modern military vehicles incorporate sophisticated electronics and connectivity features, requiring manufacturers to protect vehicle diagnostic data that could reveal military capabilities. This includes securing telematics systems and managing software update processes in a way that maintains both security and functionality.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Combat Vehicle Manufacturing

By following these best practices, combat vehicle manufacturers in the DIB can significantly accelerate their path to CMMC compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. These practices are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges of combat vehicle manufacturing environments, helping organizations protect sensitive defense information without disrupting critical production processes.

Implement Network Segmentation

Creating distinct operational zones within manufacturing networks serves as a foundational security measure for CMMC compliance. Combat vehicle manufacturers should establish clear boundaries between military project development, commercial manufacturing, and administrative functions. This segmentation not only contains potential security breaches but also simplifies compliance documentation and audit processes. Most importantly, it enables manufacturers to apply appropriate security controls based on the sensitivity of data handled in each zone.

Establish Secure Design Workflows

Modern combat vehicle manufacturing relies heavily on digital design tools and collaborative workflows. Manufacturers must develop comprehensive processes for managing CAD files, technical documentation, and prototype development records that incorporate security at every step. These workflows should account for the entire design lifecycle, from initial concept development through final production specifications, ensuring that sensitive military vehicle designs remain protected while enabling necessary collaboration among authorized team members.

Deploy Access Controls

Effective access management in manufacturing environments requires a sophisticated approach that accounts for diverse user types and varying security needs. This means implementing role-based access controls that consider both physical and digital access requirements, from production floor workers to design engineers and military liaisons. Access systems should incorporate multi-factor authentication for CUI access while maintaining efficient workflows that don’t impede production schedules.

Secure Supply Chain Communications

The complexity of combat vehicle supply chains demands robust security measures for partner communications. Manufacturers must establish secure channels for sharing technical specifications and design requirements with suppliers while maintaining strict control over sensitive information. This includes implementing encrypted communication systems, secure file transfer capabilities, and regular security assessments of supplier practices to ensure consistent protection of defense-related information throughout the supply network.

Protect Manufacturing Technologies

The integration of advanced manufacturing systems with traditional production processes requires comprehensive security measures. Manufacturers must protect everything from CNC programming data to quality control systems while maintaining operational efficiency. This protection should extend to manufacturing execution systems, production scheduling information, and real-time monitoring data, ensuring that sensitive production processes for military components remain secure.

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

Strengthen Data Transfer Protocols

Given the volume of technical data exchanged in combat vehicle manufacturing, robust transfer protocols are essential. Manufacturers should implement encrypted channels capable of handling large CAD files and technical specifications without creating operational bottlenecks. These protocols must support both internal transfers and secure external communications with suppliers and military stakeholders, ensuring data protection throughout its lifecycle.

Develop Incident Response Plans

Comprehensive incident response planning must account for the unique aspects of combat vehicle manufacturing environments. This includes developing specific procedures for addressing manufacturing system compromises, supply chain security incidents, and technical data breaches. Response plans should consider the potential impact on military vehicle production and include clear procedures for maintaining operational continuity while addressing security incidents.

Maintain Continuous Monitoring

Effective security requires ongoing vigilance through comprehensive monitoring systems. Manufacturers should implement monitoring solutions that cover everything from network traffic to manufacturing system access, providing real-time visibility into security status without impeding production processes. This monitoring should include automated alerts for suspicious activities and regular security assessments to ensure ongoing CMMC compliance.

Kiteworks Helps Combat Vehicle Manufacturers in the DIB Demonstrate CMMC Compliance with a Private Content Network

For combat vehicle manufacturers in the DIB, achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance requires a comprehensive approach to securing sensitive data across complex manufacturing environments. Kiteworks offers a robust solution specifically suited for combat vehicle manufacturers’ needs through its comprehensive platform for secure technical data exchange.

The platform enables manufacturers to protect CAD files and technical specifications with end-to-end encryption while maintaining the efficiency needed in modern combat vehicle production. Secure file sharing capabilities support the exchange of large manufacturing datasets, while protected supplier communication channels ensure security throughout the supply chain. These capabilities are particularly valuable for combat vehicle manufacturers handling sensitive military vehicle specifications.

Supply chain security, a critical concern for combat vehicle manufacturers, is enhanced through Kiteworks’ secure web forms and encrypted file transfer capabilities. The platform enables controlled access to manufacturing documentation while automatically enforcing security policies, ensuring that sensitive technical data remains protected throughout the supply chain.

Compliance documentation, often a significant challenge in manufacturing environments, is streamlined through Kiteworks’ centralized audit logging and comprehensive tracking capabilities. The platform maintains detailed records of all data transfers and access activities, simplifying the CMMC audit process while integrating seamlessly with existing manufacturing systems.

With FedRAMP Moderate Authorization and support for nearly 90% of Level 2 requirements, Kiteworks provides combat vehicle manufacturers with a proven platform for achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance while protecting sensitive defense-related information throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. This comprehensive approach to security enables manufacturers to maintain their competitive position in the defense market while ensuring the protection of critical military vehicle information.

For combat vehicle manufacturers looking to secure their position in the defense industrial base, implementing robust cybersecurity measures extends beyond mere compliance—it represents a strategic investment in long-term competitiveness. By adopting comprehensive security solutions like Kiteworks, manufacturers can confidently navigate CMMC requirements while maintaining efficient production processes and secure supply chain operations, ultimately supporting both their business objectives and national security interests.

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

Additional Resources

• Guide CMMC 2.0 Compliance Mapping for Sensitive Content Communications
• Blog Post Uncovering the Benefits of Working With a C3PAO Organization for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
• Blog Post CMMC Roadmap: Your Ultimate Guide for CMMC 2.0 Compliance
• Blog Post Email Security Solutions for CMMC Compliance
• Webinar Making the Journey to CMMC 2.0 by Protecting FCI and CUI