How to Meet the CMMC 2.0 System and Communications Protection Requirement: Best Practices for CMMC Compliance

As IT, risk, and compliance professionals in the defense industrial base (DIB) regularly face evolving cybersecurity threats, compliance standards like the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) play a crucial role in ensuring sensitive information stays confidential. The CMMC 2.0 framework encompasses 14 domains, one of which is system and communications protection. It requires defense contractors to adhere to standardized secure communication protocols, access control mechanisms, and data protection strategies. Adherence to the CMMC system and communications protection requirement lets organizations not only fulfill their CMMC compliance mandates but also enhance their overall security posture.

In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the CMMC 2.0 system and communications protection requirement and provide key best practices to streamline adherence with this domain.

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

CMMC Overview

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a framework designed to enhance cybersecurity practices among defense contractors handling federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI). CMMC compliance ensures these organizations meet essential security standards, preserving data confidentiality, integrity, and availability across various industries.

Learn what’s changed between CMMC 1.0 vs. 2.0.

Relative to its predecessor, the CMMC 2.0 framework aims to reduce complexity while still maintaining stringent security standards. The revised framework has three maturity levels (instead of five in CMMC 1.0), and signifies a more focused approach to safeguard sensitive data through enhanced regulation and compliance mechanisms. CMMC 2.0 emphasizes accountability by requiring third-party assessments at higher maturity levels, alongside self-assessment options for lower maturity levels.

The CMMC 2.0 framework is structured around 14 domains, which include: Access Control, Awareness and Training, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Management, Security Assessment, System and Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity. These domains collectively aim to ensure a robust and comprehensive cybersecurity posture that mitigates the risk of unauthorized access to CUI and FCI.

Overview of CMMC System and Communications Protection Requirement

System and Communications Protection within the context of the CMMC 2.0 framework emphasizes the importance of establishing robust measures to safeguard data integrity and ensure secure communications. Let’s focus on these mandates individually.

System Protection

System protection involves the implementation of comprehensive strategies and technologies to safeguard data as it is transmitted across networks and stored within various infrastructure components. This encompasses the use of encryption to ensure that data remains confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals during transmission, preventing interception and unauthorized access.

Additionally, it involves the use of access controls, authentication protocols, and secure storage solutions to maintain data integrity, ensuring that information remains accurate and unaltered. To ensure system protection, organizations may employ firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits that detect and facilitate response to potential threats.

Communications Protection

Communications protection focuses on encrypting data, securing network gateways, and monitoring communications for potential threats. Data encryption, which transforms readable data into a coded format that can only be deciphered by those possessing the correct decryption key, is essential for safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access during transmission, whether through emails, instant messaging, file sharing, submitting web forms, or file transfers.

In addition to encryption, securing network gateways is a critical component of communications protection. Network gateways act as entry and exit points for data traffic between different networks. Protecting these gateways involves implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. By doing so, organizations can prevent unauthorized access and protect against threats such as malware and cyberattacks.

Monitoring communications for potential threats is another crucial element of communications protection. This involves the continuous surveillance of network activity to identify and respond to suspicious behavior or anomalies that could indicate security breaches. Advanced monitoring tools and analytics enable organizations to detect potential threats in real-time and take proactive measures to mitigate risks. This ongoing vigilance helps ensure that any attempted intrusions are quickly identified and addressed, preserving the integrity and security of communications across the network.

CMMC System and Communications Protection Requirement and CMMC Maturity Levels

The CMMC 2.0 framework introduces a tiered model with distinct levels of maturity. System and Communications Protection spans across these levels, with increasing complexity and security expectations. Each level outlines specific practices addressing secure system architecture, encrypted communications, and network defense strategies.

At the foundational level, CMMC Level 1 focuses on basic safeguarding measures. This includes essential practices such as establishing secure network boundaries, implementing access controls, and ensuring data integrity through encryption. The goal at this level is to protect against common threats and vulnerabilities that could compromise system security.

As organizations progress to CMMC Level 2, the security measures become more robust and sophisticated. At this stage, additional layers of protection are introduced, such as continuous monitoring for potential threats, enhanced access management protocols, and the integration of intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to suspicious activities in real-time. The emphasis is on proactively identifying security risks and mitigating them before they can cause significant harm.

CMMC Level 3 represents the most advanced tier in the system and communications protection framework. Organizations operating at this level are expected to implement state-of-the-art security technologies and methodologies to defend against highly sophisticated and targeted cyberattacks. This includes deploying advanced threat protection mechanisms that can detect and neutralize complex threats, as well as establishing comprehensive incident response plans to effectively manage and recover from security breaches. At this level, secure system architecture is meticulously designed to withstand potential attacks, and all communications are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access or data interception. Additionally, network defense strategies are continuously evaluated and adjusted to address the evolving threat landscape, ensuring the highest standard of security.

As you can see, organizations can create a robust security framework that protects their critical assets and information by addressing secure system architecture, encrypted communications, and network defense strategies at each level.

Best Practices for Meeting the CMMC 2.0 System and Communications Protection Requirement

Defense contractors aiming to comply with the CMMC 2.0 system and communications protection requirement can significantly benefit from adopting strategic best practices. By leveraging the experiences and methodologies that have successfully guided other organizations to CMMC compliance, contractors can streamline their efforts, mitigate risks, and achieve CMMC compliance and certification more efficiently. The following strategic best practices aim to help defense contractors meet the CMMC system and communications protection requirement:

Implement Network Segmentation

Subdivide your computer network into multiple, isolated sub-networks, each operating as a distinct unit within your larger infrastructure. By doing so, you create barriers that limit unauthorized access to sensitive areas of the network. If a malicious actor gains entry into one segment, the segmentation confines their access, preventing them from moving laterally across the entire network and maximizing the potential damage.

Network segmentation significantly bolsters an organization’s security posture by providing a layered defense mechanism. It allows IT teams to define and enforce security policies at a granular level, ensuring that only authorized users and devices have access to specific segments.

Network segmentation also simplifies the monitoring and management of data flow across the organization. IT personnel can focus on monitoring traffic within each segment, making it easier to identify unusual patterns or potential threats. This streamlined oversight facilitates quicker response times to incidents and assists in maintaining robust compliance with data protection regulations. Finally, network segmentation also improves overall performance, as it reduces congestion and optimizes the allocation of resources, ultimately contributing to operational efficiency.

Utilize Encrypted Communications

Ensure that all data transmitted over networks is encrypted. Implementing strong encryption helps ensure that communications remain confidential, maintaining the integrity and privacy of the data being exchanged and preventing it from being intercepted by malicious actors during transmission.

By implementing strong encryption protocols, such as Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), defense contractors can protect sensitive CUI, FCI, and other sensitive information like personally identifiable and protected health information (PII/PHI), financial details, intellectual property (IP), and confidential business communications from unauthorized access. Otherwise, unencrypted data transmitted over the internet or other networks becomes vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals who can exploit this exposure to steal, manipulate, or sell the information.

To ensure comprehensive protection, organizations should routinely assess their encryption strategies, keeping them up-to-date with current best practices and technological advancements. This includes using strong encryption algorithms, maintaining secure key management processes, and ensuring compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.

Establish Robust Access Controls

Enforce strict access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive systems and data. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) to bolster communications protection.

By restricting access to authorized users, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication requires users to verify their identity through more than one method before they can gain access. Typically, this involves combining something the user knows, like a password, with something the user has, such as a smartphone or a physical token, and sometimes something the user is, such as a fingerprint or other biometric verification. This additional layer of security ensures that even if one authentication factor is compromised, unauthorized access is still unlikely.

Access should also be managed through role-based access control systems. This approach involves defining roles within an organization and assigning specific permissions to each role based on the needs and responsibilities associated with those roles. By doing so, users only gain access to the resources necessary for their job functions, minimizing exposure of sensitive information and potential security risks.

Conduct Regular Security Assessments

Perform routine security assessments to identify vulnerabilities within your systems and networks. These assessments help in preemptively addressing weaknesses and ensuring continuous alignment with CMMC standards.

Security assessments involve a comprehensive review of your organization’s security posture, including the examination of hardware, software, and network infrastructure. By systematically identifying weaknesses, you can take proactive measures to address them before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This proactive approach not only helps in mitigating risks but also ensures that your security practices remain robust and effective over time.

Ultimately, routine security assessments facilitate a cycle of continuous improvement in your cybersecurity practices. By consistently evaluating and enhancing your security measures, you can build a resilient system that adapts to evolving threats and regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding your organization’s data and operational integrity.

Deploy Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems

Implement advanced intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic and detect suspicious activities that could lead to unauthorized access to systems and data.

By analyzing data packets and network behavior in real time, IDPS can detect anomalies such as unauthorized access attempts, malware intrusions, or data exfiltration attempts. When a potential threat is identified, the system can immediately alert network administrators, allowing them to respond swiftly to mitigate risks. Moreover, intrusion prevention capabilities enable these systems to automatically block or quarantine suspicious traffic, thereby preventing malicious activities from penetrating the network.

Advanced IDPS solutions often integrate multiple detection techniques, including signature-based detection, which compares network traffic against a database of known threat signatures, and anomaly-based detection, which identifies deviations from normal network behavior. Additionally, these systems can leverage machine learning algorithms to improve threat detection accuracy by learning from previous incidents and adapting to new types of attacks.

Maintain a Comprehensive Incident Response Plan

Develop and maintain a detailed incident response plan to quickly and effectively manage and mitigate security incidents.

A well-structured incident response plan typically includes several key components, such as identification, containment, eradication, and recovery procedures. It starts with identifying the incident and assessing its severity. Once identified, the plan should detail containment strategies to prevent the incident from spreading further within the organization’s network. Next, steps should be outlined for eradicating the threat, which might involve removing malware or shutting down affected systems. Finally, the recovery phase focuses on restoring and validating system functionality and normal operations.

In addition to the technical aspects, the incident response plan should include clear communication strategies, both internally and externally. This involves identifying stakeholders, defining their roles and responsibilities, and establishing communication protocols to ensure transparency and efficiency throughout the incident response process.

Regular reviews and updates of the incident response plan are also important. This involves testing the plan through simulations and drills, analyzing results, and making necessary adjustments. Keeping the plan up-to-date with the latest threat intelligence and organizational changes is vital for maintaining its effectiveness.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Keep all software, hardware, and network components up-to-date with the latest patches and updates to protect against emerging threats.

Ensuring that these elements remain current requires organizations to regularly install the latest patches and updates. These updates are typically released by manufacturers and software developers to address a range of critical needs. Primarily, they serve to patch security vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by malicious actors. Additionally, these updates aim to fix bugs that may impair system functionality and to enhance the overall performance and reliability of the software and hardware.

By promptly applying these updates, IT organizations can protect their businesses against a variety of emerging threats. These threats include newly developed malware and viruses that are designed to infiltrate systems through any vulnerabilities or gaps created by outdated software. Cyberattacks in fact often target known weaknesses in unpatched systems, making it even more vital for organizations to stay current with technological advancements. This proactive approach helps safeguard sensitive data maintain operational integrity, and ensure regulatory compliance with industry regulations and standards, like CMMC.

Educate and Train Personnel

Provide ongoing cybersecurity training and education for employees to enhance their understanding of risks and best practices.

An informed workforce acts as a frontline defense in protecting systems and maintaining communication security. A robust security awareness program should cover topics like identifying phishing emails, using strong passwords, recognizing suspicious activity, and understanding the importance of data encryption. Incorporate a variety of learning methods such as interactive workshops, online courses, and real-world simulation exercises. Defense contractors should also regularly update training materials to reflect the evolving nature of cyber threats.

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

By empowering employees with the knowledge to identify and respond to security threats, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of breaches. This proactive approach also fosters a culture of security mindfulness, encouraging continuous communication about new threats and security strategies.

Kiteworks Helps Defense Contractors Meet the System and Communications Protection Requirement with a Private Content Network

To meet the CMMC System and Communications Protection Requirement, organizations must adopt a strategic approach that includes secure communication protocols, advanced access control mechanisms, and robust data protection strategies. These actions help defense industrial base entities achieve compliance and strengthen their security framework. By aligning with CMMC guidelines, organizations can safeguard sensitive data, uphold business integrity, and maintain trust with the Department of Defense. Prioritizing these practices not only fulfills compliance obligations but also equips organizations to tackle future cybersecurity challenges effectively. Additionally, continuous monitoring and adaptation to emerging threats are essential for sustaining resilience.

Kiteworks offers a robust solution for defense contractors aiming to meet the CMMC System and Communications Protection requirement. With Kiteworks, defense contractors in the DIB secure sensitive communications through end-to-end encryption and advanced access controls, ensuring that data is protected both in transit and at rest. Kiteworks also provides comprehensive audit logs, enabling organizations to monitor and log all access attempts and modifications. This feature supports CMMC compliance by offering detailed insights into communication activities, crucial for meeting CMMC system communications mandates. Lastly, Kiteworks facilitates seamless communication through secure file sharing and collaboration tools, helping defense contractors satisfy CMMC communications protection standards effectively and efficiently.

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