CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Communications Equipment Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

Communications equipment manufacturers represent a vital segment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), producing crucial systems for military communications, including tactical radios, satellite communications equipment, secure networking devices, and battlefield communications systems. As the Department of Defense (DoD) implements the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, these manufacturers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact military command and control capabilities.

The stakes for communications equipment manufacturers are particularly high. Their operations involve highly sensitive technical data, from encryption algorithms and secure protocol specifications to anti-jamming technologies and classified communication methods. The industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across complex development and manufacturing processes. A security breach could compromise not only current military communications capabilities but also expose vulnerabilities in critical command and control systems.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications for Communications Equipment Manufacturers

CMMC 2.0’s streamlined approach to cybersecurity presents specific challenges for the communications equipment sector. While the framework has been simplified from five levels to three, the requirements remain rigorous, particularly for organizations developing sophisticated military communications systems. For communications equipment manufacturers, noncompliance means more than lost contracts – it risks compromising the integrity and security of military communications networks.

The certification process impacts every aspect of communications equipment manufacturing operations. Companies must ensure compliance across research and development facilities, testing laboratories, and production environments, while protecting sensitive data throughout the equipment lifecycle. Most communications equipment manufacturers will require CMMC Level 2 certification, demanding third-party assessment and implementation of 110 security practices across their operations.

CMMC 2.0 Framework: Domains and Requirements

The CMMC 2.0 framework is structured around 14 domains, each with specific requirements that defense contractors must meet in order to demonstrate CMMC compliance.

DIB contractors would be well advised to explore each domain in detail, understand their requirements, and consider our best practice strategies for compliance: Access Control, Awareness and Training, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification & Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System & Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity.

Special Considerations for Communications Equipment Manufacturers

The communications equipment industry’s unique environment demands special attention to several key areas under CMMC 2.0. Cryptographic systems and secure protocol development require extraordinary protection, as they contain sophisticated algorithms and critical security features. These systems must remain secure while enabling necessary testing and integration with existing military communications networks.

Supply chainsecurity presents unique challenges in communications equipment manufacturing. Companies must verify the integrity of all hardware components while protecting proprietary software and firmware. This includes managing security across global supply chains while preventing the introduction of compromised components or unauthorized code that could create backdoors in military communications systems.

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

Testing and validation processes create additional security considerations. Manufacturers must protect not only the equipment itself but also the sophisticated test environments that simulate military communications networks. This includes securing test data that could reveal capabilities or vulnerabilities in military communication systems.

The integration of equipment into existing military networks adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must secure development and testing environments while enabling necessary interoperability testing. This includes protecting network architecture information, communication protocols, and system integration data that could expose military communication capabilities.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Communications Equipment Manufacturing

For communications equipment manufacturers in the DIB, achieving CMMC compliance requires a precise approach that addresses both hardware and software security requirements. The following best practices provide a framework for protecting sensitive communications technologies while maintaining efficient development and production processes. These practices are specifically designed to help manufacturers secure their intellectual property, protect development environments, and ensure the integrity of military communications equipment throughout its lifecycle.

Secure Cryptographic Development

Establish comprehensive security controls for all cryptographic development activities. This includes establishing isolated development environments with strict access controls for encryption algorithms and key management systems. The system should implement separate development networks for classified projects, with continuous monitoring of all code changes and access attempts. Maintain detailed audit logs of all cryptographic development activities, with specific controls for protecting key generation systems and security protocol specifications.

Protect Testing Environments

Implement dedicated security measures for all testing and validation processes. This includes establishing secure test laboratories that simulate military communications networks, implementing strict access controls for test equipment, and maintaining comprehensive logs of all testing activities. The system must include specific controls for protecting test results that could reveal system capabilities or vulnerabilities. Organizations need to also implement secure procedures for interoperability testing, with controlled access to test configurations and systematic protection of performance data.

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

Manage Supply Chain Security

Emplace comprehensive security measures for component sourcing and verification. This includes establishing secure systems for supplier validation, implementing automated testing for detecting counterfeit components, and maintaining detailed tracking of all components through the supply chain. The system should include specific controls for verifying the integrity of both hardware and software components. Use implement secure communication channels with suppliers, maintaining strict control over technical specifications and design requirements.

Control Production Environments

Integrate security controls across all production facilities. This includes deploying strict access controls for production areas handling sensitive communication equipment, maintaining secure configurations for all manufacturing systems, and establishing detailed audit trails of production activities. The system must include specific controls for protecting proprietary manufacturing processes, with separate security zones for classified production. Continuously monitor all production systems, with automated alerts for unauthorized access attempts or unusual patterns in manufacturing operations.

Secure Software Development Operations

Establish security measures for all software and firmware development. This includes establishing secure code repositories with strict version control, implementing automated security scanning tools for code analysis, and maintaining detailed logs of all software changes. The system should include specific controls for protecting source code and build environments, with separate development zones for different security classifications. Enforce secure code review processes and maintain comprehensive documentation of all software development activities.

Protect Integration Testing

Implement specific security controls for system integration activities. This includes establishing secure environments for testing equipment with existing military networks, implementing strict protocols for handling interface specifications, and maintaining detailed logs of all integration testing. The system must include specific controls for protecting network configuration data and test results. Establish secure procedures for coordinating with military stakeholders during integration testing, maintaining strict control over all test data.

Monitor Security Operations

Set up comprehensive security monitoring across all operations. This includes deploying network monitoring tools for development and production networks, implementing automated vulnerability scanning, and maintaining continuous surveillance of sensitive areas. The system should include real-time alerting for security events, with automated response procedures for potential incidents. Establish a dedicated security operations center with 24/7 monitoring capabilities, maintaining rapid response protocols for all security incidents.

Kiteworks Supports CMMC Compliance

For communications equipment manufacturers in the DIB, achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance requires a sophisticated approach to securing sensitive data across complex development and manufacturing environments. Kiteworks offers a comprehensive solution specifically suited for the unique challenges faced by manufacturers of military communications systems.

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.

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

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