What is CMMC Level 2?
CMMC Level 2, or Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2, serves as an essential intermediate phase in the CMMC framework established by the Department of Defense (DoD). It seeks to enhance the cybersecurity posture of contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Level 2 builds upon the foundational practices outlined in Level 1 and introduces additional requirements.
At Level 2, organizations are required to implement specific capabilities that are necessary to protect sensitive data. This includes a total of 110 cybersecurity practices derived from the NIST SP 800-171 standards. These practices emphasize the importance of establishing a systematic approach toward securing information systems and data management processes.
Key requirements for achieving CMMC Level 2 include, but are not limited to: incident response planning, risk management, and document control. Organizations must demonstrate a thorough ability to respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively while also managing risks comprehensively.
In summary, achieving CMMC Level 2 indicates a higher level of cybersecurity maturity, essential for organizations looking to work with the DoD and manage CUI. This level not only enhances data security but also contributes to building trust with stakeholders and partners.