CMMC 2.0 Compliance: A Critical Guide for Software and IT Manufacturers in the Defense Industrial Base

Software and IT manufacturers represent a fundamental segment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), developing crucial systems including command and control software, cybersecurity tools, battlefield management systems, and specialized military applications. As the Department of Defense (DoD) implements the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0, these developers face unique compliance challenges that directly impact military operational capabilities.

The stakes for software and IT manufacturers are exceptionally high. Their operations involve highly sensitive technical data, from source code and cryptographic implementations to artificial intelligence algorithms and classified software architectures. The industry handles substantial amounts of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI) across complex development and testing processes. A security breach could not only compromise current military software capabilities but also expose vulnerabilities in critical defense systems.

CMMC 2.0 Overview and Implications

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

The certification process impacts every aspect of software development operations. Companies must ensure compliance across development environments, testing platforms, and deployment infrastructures, while protecting sensitive data throughout the software lifecycle. Most software and IT manufacturers will require 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 Software and IT Manufacturers

The software and IT industry’s unique environment demands special attention to several key areas under CMMC 2.0. Software development environments require extraordinary protection, as they contain sophisticated algorithms and critical military capabilities. These systems must remain secure while enabling collaboration among development teams and integration with military platforms.

Supply chain security presents unique challenges in software development. Companies must verify the integrity of all third-party components and libraries while protecting proprietary code and algorithms. This includes managing security across development toolchains while preventing the introduction of compromised dependencies that could create vulnerabilities in military software systems.

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

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

The deployment and maintenance of software systems adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must secure build and deployment pipelines while enabling necessary updates and patches. This includes protecting update mechanisms, ensuring code signing integrity, and maintaining strict control over version management systems.

Best Practices for CMMC Compliance in Software and IT Manufacturing

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

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

Secure Development Environments

Apply comprehensive security controls for all software development activities. This requires establishing isolated development networks with strict access controls, deploying secure code repositories with detailed access logging, and maintaining continuous monitoring of all development activities. The system should include separate environments for different classification levels, with specific controls for classified projects. Introduce (and follow) secure code review processes, use automated security scanning tools, and review detailed audit trails of all development activities, with particular attention to access patterns and code changes.

Protect Source Code Management

Apply robust security measures for all source code repositories. This includes deploying encrypted repositories with multi-factor authentication, utilizing branch protection rules that prevent unauthorized code modifications, and maintaining comprehensive logs of all code access and changes. The system must include specific controls for protecting military-specific code segments, with separate repositories for different security classifications. Conduct secure backup procedures for source code, with controlled access to historical versions and development branches.

Manage Third-Party Components

Apply comprehensive security measures for managing external dependencies. This includes establishing secure processes for validating third-party components, deploying automated security scanning for external libraries, and maintaining detailed inventory of all third-party code. The system should include specific controls for verifying the integrity of external components before integration. Follow secure procedures for updating third-party components, with systematic review of security implications before deployment.

Control Build and Deployment Systems

Integrate security controls across all build and deployment pipelines. This includes deploying strict access controls for build systems, maintaining secure configurations for all deployment tools, and establishing detailed audit trails of build activities. The system must include specific controls for code signing and verification, with separate processes for different security classifications. Continuously monitor all build and deployment systems, with automated alerts for unauthorized modifications or suspicious activities.

Secure Testing Operations

Software and IT manufacturers in the DIB must establish dedicated security measures for all testing environments. This includes isolated networks for test systems, strict controls over test data, and comprehensive logs of all testing activities. The system should include specific protection for performance metrics and vulnerability testing results that could reveal system capabilities. Enforce secure procedures for coordinating with military testing teams, maintaining strict control over test results and analysis data.

Protect Deployment Infrastructure

Apply robust security controls for deployment and update mechanisms. This includes establishing secure distribution channels for software updates, using strong verification procedures for deployed code, and maintaining detailed records of all system deployments. The system must include specific controls for emergency updates and security patches, with separate procedures for different deployment environments. Follow secure procedures for deployment rollback and recovery, ensuring system integrity throughout the update process.

Monitor Security Operations

Deploy comprehensive security monitoring across all development and deployment operations. This includes deploying application security monitoring tools, implementing automated vulnerability scanning, and maintaining continuous surveillance of development environments. The system should include real-time alerting for security events, with automated response procedures for potential incidents. Software and IT manufacturers in the DIB need to establish a dedicated security operations center with 24/7 monitoring capabilities, maintaining rapid response protocols for all security incidents.

Accelerate CMMC Compliance with Kiteworks

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