Contributor:
Wayne Proctor, IGI Cybersecurity
In this session of the CMMC Foundations Series, cybersecurity and compliance professionals discuss the practical steps organizations should take to begin their CMMC readiness journey. The webinar focuses on real-world guidance for defense contractors and organizations operating within the defense industrial base that are preparing for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements.
Topics covered include CMMC scoping, readiness planning, gap assessments, evidence collection, SSP development, operational maturity, and common assessment pitfalls. The discussion also explores how organizations can prepare assessor-ready documentation, manage shared responsibilities with MSPs and cloud providers, and align cybersecurity practices with NIST 800-171 requirements.
Presenters share perspectives from both readiness consulting and C3PAO assessment experience, providing insight into how assessors evaluate documentation, operational controls, governance processes, and evidence during certification assessments. The session also addresses strategies for reducing scope, improving assessment readiness, and avoiding common compliance challenges that can delay certification timelines.
Key topics include:
- CMMC readiness roadmaps
- CMMC Level 2 preparation
- CMMC scoping and CUI boundaries
- NIST 800-171 alignment
- Evidence and documentation requirements
- C3PAO assessment expectations
- Mock assessments and operational maturity
- MSP, FedRAMP, and cloud service considerations
- Common CMMC readiness mistakes and pitfalls
