How to Meet the CMMC 2.0 System and Information Integrity Requirement: Best Practices for CMMC Compliance

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is designed to safeguard sensitive government data by ensuring that organizations in the defense industrial base (DIB) maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Defense contractors and their subcontractors must adhere to this model to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity practices and maintain contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). System and information integrity are key components of the CMMC 2.0 framework as they build and maintain trust in both system operations and data handling, support decision-making and operational efficiency, and ultimately help protect US national security interests.

System integrity in the CMMC framework ensures systems remain reliable and unaltered by unauthorized changes. This involves implementing security controls to prevent, detect, and correct breaches, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, audits, and timely software updates. Information integrity, by contrast, focuses on maintaining data accuracy and completeness, safeguarding against unauthorized modifications through encryption, digital signatures, and access controls.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the CMMC 2.0 system and information integrity requirement, including what it covers, why it’s important, and how defense contractors can demonstrate compliance with the requirement by following key best practices.

CMMC 2.0 Overview

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework provides defense contractors and their subcontractors with a standardized set of cybersecurity practices that are critical for protecting national security assets from cyber threats. This framework, initiated by the Department of Defense (DoD), aims to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) and federal contract information (FCI), and enhance the overall security posture of the defense industrial base (DIB).

CMMC 2.0 has introduced significant updates relative to its predecessor, CMMC 1.0. The revised framework now aligns more closely with NIST 800-171 controls, emphasizing accountability and streamlined assessment processes. CMMC 2.0 offers a more streamlined certification model and focuses more precisely on risk reduction. The major changes include reducing the maturity levels from five to three and eliminating certain maturity processes, making it more accessible and achievable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Learn what’s changed between CMMC 1.0 vs. 2.0

CMMC Level 1 focuses on basic cyber hygiene practices, addressing foundational requirements to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). The emphasis is on maintaining minimal security controls to ensure information integrity. CMMC Level 2 builds upon these requirements, incorporating intermediate cyber hygiene practices. Organizations must establish documented processes to protect sensitive information, critical for achieving information integrity. Finally, CMMC Level 3 requires advanced security controls, demanding organizations to apply management processes to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) further. Ensuring system and information integrity is paramount at this level.

CMMC 2.0 encompasses 14 domains that define cybersecurity practices and processes: Access Control, Awareness and Training, Audit and Accountability, Configuration Management, Identification and Authentication, Incident Response, Maintenance, Media Protection, Personnel Security, Physical Protection, Risk Assessment, Security Assessment, System and Communications Protection, and System and Information Integrity. Each domain plays a vital role in ensuring comprehensive protection of systems and information integrity.

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

Non-compliance with CMMC requirements can expose organizations to significant risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, financial penalties, and potential loss of DoD contracts. As a result, achieving and maintaining CMMC certification is essential for businesses seeking to remain competitive and secure in the defense contracting space.

Overview of CMMC System and Information Integrity

Naturally, organizations in the DIB must first understand what CMMC 2.0 system and information integrity entails before they can demonstrate compliance with the requirement. We’ll take a closer look at each below.

System integrity focuses on ensuring that information systems operate reliably and are protected from unauthorized changes that could compromise their functionality or reliability. This involves implementing a series of security controls and measures designed to prevent unauthorized access and modifications. These controls also facilitate the detection of any security breaches or potential threats to the system, allowing for timely corrective actions to be taken to restore system integrity. To achieve system integrity, organizations might employ various tactics such as installing firewalls, using intrusion detection systems, conducting regular audits, and applying patches and updates to software in a timely manner. These measures help mitigate vulnerabilities and protect the system against potential threats or exploitation by malicious actors.

Information integrity goes hand-in-hand with system integrity and is centered on maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of data throughout its lifecycle. This ensures that the data is protected from unauthorized modifications that could lead to errors or misleading information. Mechanisms such as encryption, digital signatures, and access controls are often used to safeguard data integrity, ensuring that it remains unaltered and trustworthy.

Both system and information integrity are critical for maintaining confidence in the way systems operate and in the data that flows through them. They form the backbone of trust, enabling organizations in the DIB to rely on their IT systems for decision-making, service delivery, and overall operational efficiency. By adhering to the CMMC system and information integrity requirement, organizations can systematically enhance their cybersecurity posture, reinforcing the integrity of both their systems and the data they process.

Best Practices for Meeting the CMMC System and Information Integrity Requirement

Ensuring compliance with the CMMC 2.0 framework, particularly the system and information integrity requirement, is crucial for defense contractors. This requirement focuses on safeguarding information systems against threats that could compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. By adhering to the following strategic best practices, organizations in the DIB not only protect CUI and FCI but also position themselves favorably for government contracts, reduce security risks, and enhance their reputation with the DoD.

Understand the Requirements in the CMMC System and Information Integrity Domain

To successfully meet the CMMC system and information integrity requirement, it’s vital to understand what’s expected of defense contractors. Familiarizing yourself with key aspects such as threat detection, incident response processes, and regular system checks will enable your organization to develop robust mechanisms to safeguard against potential security breaches, as well as CMMC compliance violations.

More broadly, understanding this requirement involves aligning your security measures with the NIST SP 800-171 guidelines, which serve as the foundation for CMMC 2.0 framework. Only then can organizations create tailored implementation plans that address vulnerabilities unique to their operational environment. Finally, balancing proactive and reactive security strategies will help ensure that the integrity of both systems and information is consistently maintained.

Conduct Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments

Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments is essential in identifying potential weaknesses within your organization’s systems. These audits help in evaluating the effectiveness of existing security controls, uncovering vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious entities, and ensuring that systems and processes align with the latest security practices. By frequently assessing your cybersecurity posture, you can implement necessary improvements and maintain high standards of system and information integrity within the CMMC framework.

Vulnerability assessments should be performed using a combination of automated tools and manual techniques, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of your organization’s security infrastructure. These assessments provide valuable insights into areas that require stricter controls or enhancements. By acting on the findings of these assessments, organizations can proactively address risks before they manifest into real threats. Coupled with a solid incident response plan, these practices ensure that your organization remains resilient against cyberattacks, safeguarding crucial data and maintaining the trustworthiness of systems in line with CMMC standards.

Implement Robust Access Control Protocols and Authentication Methods

Robust authentication methods allow organizations to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems and data. This involves leveraging multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls, and regularly updating permissions to reflect changes in personnel roles and responsibilities. These measures help in minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Organizations should also focus on monitoring and logging access activities. Comprehensive audit logs allow for the tracking and review of access events, helping identify any unauthorized attempts or anomalies. Regularly reviewing these logs can provide insights into potential security threats and help in adjusting security measures accordingly. By integrating these thorough access control and authentication protocols, organizations can fortify their defense against vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with CMMC system and information integrity requirements.

Establish Continuous Monitoring Systems

Continuous monitoring involves the use of automated tools and technologies to keep a constant watch over your organization’s network, systems, and data. This proactive approach allows for the timely detection of anomalies, suspicious activities, and potential threats, enabling swift action to mitigate risks and protect system integrity.

By establishing a robust continuous monitoring system, organizations can maintain real-time visibility into their cybersecurity posture, allowing for prompt identification and response to vulnerabilities or incidents. This includes not only monitoring network traffic but also ensuring that security patches and updates are applied promptly to safeguard against new threats. Additionally, continuous monitoring facilitates compliance reporting and provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of your cybersecurity measures, ensuring that your organization remains aligned with CMMC standards and maintains the integrity of its systems and information.

Leverage Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention Tools

Advanced threat detection and prevention tools are designed to identify, analyze, and respond to a wide range of cybersecurity threats in real-time. By integrating solutions such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-based threat intelligence platforms, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to detect and mitigate threats before they can impact system integrity.

Implementing these advanced tools ensures that potential security incidents are promptly identified and addressed, reducing the risk of data breaches or system compromises. Organizations should focus on updating these tools regularly to adapt to evolving threat landscapes, ensuring that their defenses remain robust and effective. Additionally, coupling these tools with a well-defined incident response plan enables organizations to respond swiftly and efficiently to any identified threats, further reinforcing compliance with CMMC standards and maintaining both system and information integrity.

Employ Data Encryption and Secure Communication Channels

Data encryption ensures that sensitive information remains inaccessible to unauthorized users by converting it into a coded format during storage and transmission. Encryption should be applied to data both at rest and in transit, using strong, industry-standard algorithms like AES encryption and transport layer security (TLS). This practice ensures that even if data is intercepted, it cannot be easily read or misused by malicious actors.

In addition to encryption, secure communication channels such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) should be used to protect data during transmission. These channels create secure pathways for data exchange, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity as it moves across networks. Regularly updating encryption protocols and conducting security assessments on communication channels can help organizations maintain compliance with CMMC standards. By integrating these practices into their cybersecurity framework, organizations enhance their ability to safeguard critical information and uphold the integrity of their systems within the CMMC framework.

Develop and Test an Incident Response Plan

An effective incident response plan outlines the procedures and responsibilities for managing and mitigating security incidents, ensuring that your organization can respond swiftly and efficiently to potential threats. This plan should include guidelines for identifying, analyzing, and reporting security incidents, as well as protocols for containment, eradication, and recovery processes.

Regularly testing your incident response plan through simulations and drills ensures that your team is well-prepared to handle real-life security situations. These exercises help in identifying gaps and improving the effectiveness of the response strategies, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities. By continuously refining your incident response plan and aligning it with emerging threat landscapes, your organization can minimize the impact of security incidents, thus safeguarding system integrity and maintaining compliance with the CMMC standards.

Maintain Up-to-Date System Patching and Software Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates helps protect against known vulnerabilities that cyber attackers could exploit. Organizations should establish a structured patch management process, which includes identifying and prioritizing critical updates, testing patches before deployment, and ensuring timely application across all systems and devices.

By keeping software and systems up to date, organizations reduce the risk of security breaches and maintain the integrity and reliability of their IT infrastructure. Automating the patch management process can further streamline these efforts, ensuring that updates are consistently applied without delays. Additionally, organizations should monitor vendor announcements for new patches and updates, integrating them promptly within their cybersecurity framework. This proactive approach ensures alignment with CMMC standards, enhancing the protection of critical information and system resources.

Educate and Train Staff on Cybersecurity Best Practices

Employees are often the first line of defense against cybersecurity threats, making it essential for organizations to prioritize comprehensive security awareness training programs that cover the latest cybersecurity threats, safe handling of sensitive information, and the importance of adhering to established security protocols.

Regular training sessions help in reinforcing the significance of security measures, such as identifying phishing attempts, securely managing passwords, and recognizing suspicious activities. By fostering a cyber awareness culture, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of human errors that could compromise system integrity. Additionally, encouraging open communication about potential security issues and emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious incidents can further strengthen an organization’s cybersecurity posture. A well-informed and vigilant workforce plays a critical role in safeguarding system integrity and ensuring ongoing compliance with CMMC standards.

Ensure Proper Logging and Monitoring of System Activities

Comprehensive logging involves capturing detailed records of all system activities, including user actions, access events, and system changes. These audit logs provide a valuable evidence trail that can be used to detect unauthorized access, investigate incidents, and ensure accountability within the organization. Implementing robust logging policies ensures that all critical events are recorded accurately and stored securely, allowing for effective monitoring and analysis.

In conjunction with logging, continuous monitoring of these activities helps organizations quickly identify and respond to potential threats. By utilizing automated monitoring tools, organizations can set alerts for suspicious behaviors, ensuring that any anomalies are promptly flagged for investigation. Regular review and analysis of logs enable organizations to identify trends, improve security measures, and maintain compliance with CMMC requirements. Integrating logging and monitoring practices into the organization’s cybersecurity strategy not only reinforces system integrity but also supports a proactive defense against cyber threats, ultimately safeguarding sensitive information.

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

Technology Tools for Meeting the CMMC System and Information Integrity Requirement

Defense contractors can more effectively demonstrate compliance with the CMMC 2.0 system and information integrity requirement by leveraging the proper technology tools. These tools help organizations enhance the security of their systems, ensure data integrity, and maintain a robust defense against cyber threats. We discussed above security information and event management (SIEM) systems, which provide real-time analysis and monitoring of security alerts generated by network hardware and applications. By aggregating data from multiple sources, SIEM systems can help detect anomalies and potential threats, enabling organizations to respond swiftly and effectively.

Additionally, utilizing endpoint detection and response (EDR) technologies can significantly bolster an organization’s ability to detect and respond to threats at the endpoint level. EDR tools provide continuous monitoring and analysis of endpoint activities, allowing for quicker identification of suspicious behaviors and the initiation of incident response protocols. Combining technologies such as SIEM and EDR with robust data encryption solutions further ensures that sensitive information remains secure and unaltered during transmission and storage. By integrating these advanced technological tools with comprehensive cybersecurity training and policies, organizations can enhance their ability to meet CMMC system and information integrity requirements, safeguarding both their systems and the data they handle.

Key Performance Indicators for the CMMC System and Information Integrity Requirement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) allow organizations to measure and assess the strength of their security posture.

For CMMC system and information integrity, KPIs could include the number of detected and mitigated security incidents, the time taken to address vulnerabilities, and the frequency of successful data integrity checks.

Another important KPI is the percentage of systems with up-to-date patching and software updates, which reflects on the organization’s commitment to minimizing vulnerabilities. Additionally, tracking the frequency and outcomes of security audits and vulnerability assessments provides insights into the organization’s proactive measures to safeguard system integrity.

Monitoring user access patterns and the effectiveness of incident response processes can further enhance the organization’s ability to meet CMMC requirements.

By focusing on these KPIs, organizations can continuously optimize their cybersecurity strategies, ensuring they align with CMMC standards and effectively protect their information systems.

Kiteworks Helps Defense Contractors Comply with the CMMC 2.0 System and Information Integrity Requirement

Meeting the CMMC 2.0 system and information integrity requirements demands a comprehensive approach, incorporating advanced technologies, robust training programs, and stringent protocols. By understanding and implementing these elements, IT, risk, and compliance professionals in the defense industrial base can effectively safeguard their organizations against cyber threats. The journey towards CMMC compliance is continuous, requiring constant vigilance and adaptation. As threats evolve, so too must the strategies to counteract them, ensuring the integrity and security of systems and information remains uncompromised.

Defense contractors and subcontractors look to Kiteworks for CMMC compliance, including the system and information integrity requirement. The Kiteworks Private Content Network provides these and other organizations a secure platform for exchanging sensitive content with customers, partners, and other trusted third parties. Kiteworks features end-to-end encryption, ensuring that all data transmitted and stored is protected against unauthorized access. Kiteworks also provides robust access controls, multi-factor authentication, and granular role-based permissions, enabling contractors to set precise permissions and restrict data access to authorized users only. In addition, Kiteworks offers comprehensive audit logging and reporting capabilities, which help in tracking user activity and detecting potential security breaches. These and other security and compliance features make Kiteworks an effective solution for defense contractors seeking to meet CMMC standards.

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