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CMMC Compliant File Sharing for UK Contractors

by Robert Dougherty updated June 4, 2023 Secure File Sharing

Reading Time: 6 minutes

CMMC is a unified standard for the implementation of cybersecurity across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC, or the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, is designed to protect sensitive data, particularly federal contract information (FCI) and controlled unclassified information (CUI), from cyber threats. Compliance with CMMC is therefore crucial for any entity seeking to work with the DoD. For United Kingdom defense contractors, understanding and adhering to the regulations set out by CMMC becomes paramount. Noncompliance can lead to the loss of DoD contracts and, consequently, significant financial implications. This blog post provides a comprehensive understanding of CMMC, its importance for U.K. contractors, and the steps required to ensure compliant file sharing practices.

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Table of Contents

What Is CMMC and Why Is It Important?

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a comprehensive set of cybersecurity measures applicable to all United States DoD contractors. This unified framework of stipulations is mandated to safeguard both FCI and CUI from unauthorized access and alteration. CMMC’s primary purpose resides in ensuring that DoD contractors adhere to governmental data protection regulations, thereby curbing unauthorized dissemination and handling of sensitive content.

The significance of CMMC is twofold. First, it offers a structured guideline for organizations to align with the DoD cybersecurity standards. Second, it serves as a bulwark in aiding organizations to maintain the confidentiality of FCI and CUI. This is of paramount importance to DoD contractors, as any unauthorized access or manipulation of FCI and CUI can lead to substantial financial, reputational, and legal damage. Initiated in the United States, its relevance has grown globally, including the U.K., where contractors dealing with the U.S. defense industry must show adherence to this certification.

Importance of Secure File Sharing in CMMC Compliance

Secure file sharing is integral to modern business operations. It enables collaboration, efficient workflows, and access to important information from various locations. However, it also comes with inherent security risks necessitating the need for secure, compliant practices.

Noncompliant file sharing can pose several risks, including data breaches, loss of sensitive information, financial penalties, loss of reputation, and potentially the loss of contracts. Therefore, it’s vital to align all file sharing practices with CMMC requirements. Given the sensitive nature of the information involved, secure file sharing is a key component of CMMC. It ensures that FCI and CUI remain protected during transmission and storage.

Importance of CMMC Compliance for U.K.-based Contractors

CMMC compliance plays a crucial role for U.K.-based contractors working with the U.S. Department of Defense. CMMC compliance has risen as an international prerequisite for businesses seeking to engage in contracts with the DoD, thereby motivating a proactive approach toward cybersecurity. Let’s delve into the importance of CMMC compliance for U.K.-based contractors. One of the most significant reasons for CMMC compliance is the growing threat of cyberattacks. With the advancement of technology, cyber threats have also evolved, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of CUI. For contractors based in the U.K., achieving CMMC signifies they are equipped and diligent in protecting sensitive information, thereby maintaining the trust and confidence of the DoD.

CMMC compliance by contractors in the U.K. is instrumental in:

Enhancing Cybersecurity Infrastructure: With varying levels of CMMC, U.K.-based contractors can identify their current cybersecurity status and areas for improvement. The model enables them to understand, implement, and enhance practices to fortify their security infrastructure.
Ensuring Business Continuity: A breach can disrupt business activities, adversely affecting reputation and financial status. By complying with CMMC, contractors can reduce the risk of attacks, ensuring smooth operation and business continuity.
Improving Competitive Edge: Compliance serves as a competitive differentiator in the marketplace. Companies with certification may stand out from their competitors, thereby gaining an edge in the procurement process.
Promoting Trust With the U.S. DoD: Achieving a certain level of CMMC compliance conveys a U.K. contractor’s commitment to maintaining high cybersecurity standards. This promotes trust between the contractor and the U.S. DoD, potentially leading to more contract opportunities.
Meeting Contractual Obligations: The Department of Defense now requires CMMC certification as part of its contractual obligations. Therefore, if U.K. contractors want to continue or start working with the U.S. DoD, achieving the required level of CMMC certification is essential.

CMMC serves as a robust measure against the rising spectrum of cyber threats, and its implementation extends beyond just the U.S. Hence, achieving CMMC compliance is of vital importance for U.K.-based contractors, providing them a structured roadmap to improve their cybersecurity maturity, increasing their business potential with the U.S. DoD, and securing their place in the competitive marketplace.

What to Look for in a Secure File Sharing Solution for CMMC Compliance

Organizations looking to start their CMMC compliance journey need to look for certain essential features and capabilities in a secure file sharing solution. These include:

Security	The solution should provide end-to-end encryption for all shared files. This includes data at rest, in transit, and during access. Regular security audits are also important.
Access Control	This involves the management of user rights and permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to your files. The solution should also support multi-factor authentication.
Audit Logging	The solution should provide detailed reports of file access and activity, including who has accessed certain files, from where, and when. This is critical for auditing and compliance.
Mobile Sharing	A reliable and flexible solution should provide several data management and sharing options, including local sync and secure mobile file sharing through dedicated apps.
Scalability	As your business grows, so too should your file sharing solution. It should be able to scale and meet increasing demands without compromising on security.
Integration	The solution should easily integrate with your existing IT infrastructure, including other productivity tools, operating systems, and security software.
Data Sovereignty	To comply with data protection laws, you need to know where your data is stored. The service provider should guarantee that your data will only be stored in jurisdictions that you’re comfortable with.
User Training and Support	Your staff need to be trained on how to use the secure file sharing solution effectively. Look for a provider that offers training and customer support.

Steps to Ensure CMMC Compliant File Sharing

Ensuring CMMC compliant file sharing is crucial for organizations to protect sensitive data and maintain cybersecurity. Each of the following measures plays a key role in creating a secure file sharing environment that adheres to CMMC standards.

Prioritize Security Controls for File Sharing

To achieve CMMC compliant file sharing, the first step is prioritizing security controls. This includes categorizing data based on sensitivity, determining the different requirements for accessing them, and setting up necessary encryption measures.

Implement Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Protections

CUI protections are an essential part of CMMC compliance. These protections include limiting access to CUI, tracking the handling of CUI, and providing ongoing training to personnel about handling CUI.

Ensure Adequate Access Control Measures

Access control measures are vital to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. This includes implementing user authentication measures, regular access reviews, and prompt removal of outdated access permissions.

Develop a Robust Incident Response Plan

A robust incident response plan is vital in the event of a cyber threat or breach. It should detail the steps to be taken after identifying a threat, the assigned responsibilities, and plans for recovering and restoring systems.

Regular Security Audit and Monitoring

Regular audits and continuous monitoring of systems are vital for detecting potential threats and ensuring that all security controls are working effectively.

Engage in Continuous Improvement Efforts

Lastly, businesses should engage in continuous improvement efforts, keeping abreast of the latest security trends and enhancing their security posture to stay compliant with the evolving CMMC requirements.

Kiteworks Secure File Sharing Helps U.K. Organizations Accelerate Their CMMC 2.0 Level 2 Compliance Journey

Kiteworks is a trusted provider of a secure file sharing solution for DIB suppliers in the U.S. and Europe, including the United Kingdom, that require CMMC certification. Because Kiteworks is FedRAMP Authorized for Moderate Level Impact, DoD suppliers using Kiteworks benefit from support for nearly 90% of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 requirements out of the box. This significantly reduces the time required for DoD contractors and subcontractors to obtain CMMC Level 2 compliance.

This translates into positive outcomes when a DoD supplier goes through a CMMC Third Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO) audit. Specifically, Kiteworks secure file sharing embedded in a Private Content Network helps them streamline CMMC processes and audit procedures, making the whole process faster and more efficient. With Kiteworks’ support, DoD contractors can protect their DoD business by obtaining CMMC compliance quickly and easily.

Kiteworks secure file sharing is built on a modern platform that offers robust security features, including AES-256-bit encryption, to ensure the privacy and integrity of shared data. The platform provides full control over all content. This means that not even cloud service providers have access to the files being shared, ensuring a high level of data privacy.

Kiteworks secure file sharing also supports remote file access and sharing on mobile devices. This feature is facilitated through native apps for Android and iOS, which support secure email, secure file sharing, secure photos, remote access to Enterprise Connect, and a secure container for offline access.

Schedule a custom demo tailored to see the Kiteworks platform in action and how it can accelerate your CMMC compliance journey.

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