CMMC Isn’t Easy:
CMMC is far more than checking boxes in a long questionnaire. Achieving CMMC can't be done with a single click of a button.Though many companies market a one-size-fits-all CMMC solution, there isn’t a single technical solution that solves all the challenges needed to meet the controls. CMMC can’t be offloaded to a third party with zero involvement from your organization. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes policy development, employee training, and continuous monitoring. Only through a dedicated effort can your organization change its culture and apply technical solutions that ensure compliance and maintain the security standards required by CMMC. Beginning your journey to achieving CMMC compliance is to take the first steps on a bold, new quest!
Our Discovery:
In working with numerous companies, we’ve become amazed at how the quest to achieve CMMC is not unlike the Hero's Journey, as described in Joseph Campbell’s book, Hero of a Thousand Faces, back in 1949. At times the journey is no doubt arduous, and many at first refuse the call. However, with the right guidance and determination, you can navigate the complexities of CMMC and emerge stronger, more secure, and better positioned for future success. This may not be your path, but it is a path similar to every company we’ve worked with. FNI is here to guide you, and bring clarity to CMMC's confusion, all the while supporting you on your journey to compliance.
Call to Adventure:
The Invitation to Begin Your Quest
Your journey begins with the Call to Adventure. You provide a product or service in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and you’re given notice to protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) following Department of Defense (DoD) rules. This is a business decision. But, ultimately, to continue doing business with the DoD, you must enhance your cybersecurity measures to achieve CMMC. But what to do?
Refusal of the Call:
Hesitation Due to Fear or Other Reasons
Initially, you might experience Refusal of the Call. You resist the need for CMMC due to perceived high costs, complexity, or a belief that your current cybersecurity measures are sufficient. For many, it’s venturing into the unknown. Understanding the 110 controls, their exact meanings, and specific methods of implementation can be overwhelming. The hesitation and reluctance to embark on the challenging path of compliance is a normal response. Fear of the unknown, the demand for cultural shifts in the company, and simply denial, all play a role. Yet, at some point, you realize your business must meet CMMC compliance. Whether it’s because you don’t want to lose the existing defense business you have, or you see growth in the DIB as a good strategy, you decide to move forward.
Meeting the Mentor:
Seeking Guidance from an Outside Expert
As you grapple with the decision, or after taking your first tentative steps on your own to achieve CMMC certification, you realize you just can’t do it alone. The complexity and challenges of the journey become apparent, and the need for expert guidance grows stronger.
It is then you seek Meeting the Mentor. Here, you find the single, best mentor who can provide the guidance you need. This mentor is a seasoned cybersecurity expert who has successfully navigated the CMMC journey.
That’s where FNI comes in. FNI offers invaluable insights, resources, and encouragement, helping you understand your obligations for CMMC compliance. As a mentor would provide wisdom and describe potential pitfalls on your journey ahead, FNI lays out a structure for you to achieve CMMC, giving you confidence to take the next step.
Crossing the Threshold:
Entering a New, Unfamiliar World
With newfound knowledge and support, you Cross the Threshold and commit to achieving CMMC compliance. This stage marks the beginning of serious work, including assembling a dedicated team, allocating resources, and working with FNI as we provide a detailed data flow analysis of how your company manages data. Where there was once the unknown, now you have clarity.
Tests, Allies, and Adversaries:
Facing Challenges and Making Allies
Your journey continues with Tests, Allies, and Adversaries. Working closely with your company, FNI conducts a thorough gap analysis to identify areas where your cybersecurity measures fall short of CMMC standards. This process involves rigorous testing, collaboration with allies (internal teams and external consultants), and overcoming adversaries (revealing challenges and obstacles within your organization) to develop a clear roadmap for compliance.
Ordeal:
Confronting the Greatest Challenge
The Ordeal represents the most challenging phase of your journey. Here, FNI helps implement the necessary changes to fill the gaps identified during the gap analysis. This may involve upgrading technology, revising policies and procedures, conducting employee training, and continuously monitoring and improving cybersecurity practices. The effort required is significant, but it is crucial for achieving compliance. This stage often involves confronting your greatest fears and overcoming substantial obstacles. The costs of specific solutions, and the required cultural changes in the company are typically the most difficult challenges to overcome. Once ready, FNI helps you with a CMMC Assessment Evaluation, going through the assessment experience in preparation for a third-party assessment.
Return with the Elixir:
Achieving CMMC Compliance
Finally, you Return with the Elixir by achieving CMMC compliance. Your company is assessed with FNI by your side, giving you the best chance to pass! Passing a CMMC assessment not only ensures you can continue doing business with the DoD but also enhances your overall cybersecurity posture. You now have a competitive edge, increased trust from clients and partners, and the potential for new business opportunities. This newfound wisdom and improved security has benefits throughout your organization and stakeholders.
Meeting the Challenge:
Embarking on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) journey is no small feat! It begins with a key decision: pursue compliance to keep or grow DoD work with controlled unclassified information (CUI), or opt out entirely. Many important decisions must be made. By choosing FNI you can shorten your path, since having a capable mentor to guide you with a structured approach speeds you along the way and helps avoid unforeseen pitfalls. With FNI analyzing your data flow, conducting a gap analysis, and addressing those gaps, your journey becomes much more manageable. Through training, FNI also helps you navigate the significant cultural shifts within your company, supporting your entire organization to achieve CMMC compliance. With FNI as your guide, supporting you at every step—and by your side at your assessment—you’re choosing the right track for CMMC success!
With FNI, if CMMC compliance is your goal, you can achieve it!