7 Biggest Cybersecurity Changes In CMMC Regulations
For defense contractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is very important.
Newer CMMC updates address growing cyber threats and are easier to get certified than before. That can become essential — 83% of small defense businesses fell victim to cyberattacks in 2024, and the majority involved government data.
Following CMMC compliance may not be about checking the rules for contractors. The point is about protecting operations and securing contracts in that high-risk environment.
Look at seven of the most significant CMMC changes driving defense industry cybersecurity requirements.
Main Changes to CMMC Security Requirements
1. Fewer Security Levels
The CMMC 2.0 cuts out the previous five security levels to three.
Level 1 (Foundational) covers the basics of cybersecurity for Federal Contract Information (FCI). As a first defense layer, companies have to set up essential security controls.
The Level 2 (Advanced) provides stronger protection for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It is more thorough than security, as specified in NIST SP 800-171.
Level 3 (Expert) relies upon advanced cybersecurity based on NIST SP 800-152. This targets companies handling more sensitive data that faces highly sophisticated threats.
It has the clear benefits of being a simpler structure:
- Less controls to audit, but more focused
- Lower certification costs, especially for smaller companies
- Better understanding of requirements between contractors and the DoD
Now, companies can spend security money on what is required by their organization. Stay updated on these developments by following the latest CMMC news. Regular updates from industry experts can help you navigate compliance changes as they evolve.
2. Self-Assessment Options
CMMC 2.0 now lets eligible contractors conduct their security assessments. Level 1 contractors and some Level 2 contractors can perform self-assessments instead of hiring outside evaluators.
This change brings several key benefits:
Lower Costs: Companies save money by reducing or eliminating expensive external audits. Small contractors with tight budgets benefit most.
Faster Results: Organizations can quickly find and fix security gaps without waiting for third-party evaluators to schedule assessments.
Better Internal Skills: Self-assessment helps companies build stronger in-house security expertise. This creates a more proactive security culture with ongoing evaluation.
Custom Approach: Companies can tailor their assessments to specific risks and operations instead of following a one-size-fits-all process.
While self-assessment adds responsibility, it also helps organizations develop deeper security expertise and build stronger defenses.
3. Flexible Improvement Plans
CMMC 2.0 offers more flexibility through Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms). This recognizes that full compliance takes time.
With POA&Ms, contractors can:
- Document gaps and create plans to fix them over time
- Avoid disqualification for minor issues
- Prioritize fixing critical vulnerabilities first
- Work within strict timelines (usually 180 days) to close gaps
This practical approach supports long-term security goals. Contractors can make improvements while staying eligible for contracts.
The framework balances ideal security with realistic implementation, helping organizations steadily improve security in today’s changing threat landscape.
4. Ongoing Security Requirements
CMMC regulations stress that cybersecurity requires continuous effort throughout your contract period, not just a one-time certification.
Key requirements include:
- Maintaining certification level at all times
- Annual verification by an “Affirming Official” recorded in the Supplier Performance Risk System
- Quick incident reporting (often within 72 hours) of any security issues
- Regular monitoring using automated tools and audits to catch vulnerabilities
- Greater accountability for keeping security practices current
These measures build a lasting security culture. Failing to report incidents or maintain controls can result in losing certification and contract eligibility.
The focus is on creating strong, adaptable defenses that respond to changing threats rather than treating security as a checkbox exercise.
5. Better Subcontractor Monitoring
The new CMMC regulations place much more responsibility on prime contractors to ensure their subcontractors’ cybersecurity. Before contracts can be awarded, they have to check that all the subcontractors meet the CMMC levels needed.
It is important because any weakness in the supply chain could compromise sensitive information.
This new oversight includes:
- Thorough evaluation of subcontractors’ security practices
- Checks to continue compliance ongoing.
- More selective partnerships with security-conscious subcontractors
- Additional administrative work is needed to track and document compliance.
This approach eliminates the ‘weakest link’ problem by ensuring security at every level of the supply chain. The purpose is to provide immunity for Department of Defense data from threats coming in from third parties.
While this work proves more to the prime contractors, it is far more effective at creating security for the defense industrial base.
6. Matching NIST Standards
The new CMMC framework aligns more closely with established NIST standards. This makes compliance easier for organizations already using these guidelines.
Key alignments:
- Level 2 matches with NIST SP 800-171, helping companies that already follow these controls
- Level 3 incorporates advanced practices from NIST SP 800-172 to protect against sophisticated threats
Benefits include:
- Easier compliance for organizations familiar with NIST standards
- Clear security benchmarks for both auditors and organizations
- Simpler updates as NIST standards evolve
- Fewer redundant requirements
This alignment gives organizations a practical path to strong cybersecurity while building on their security investments. Companies can focus resources on critical security improvements rather than learning entirely new systems.
7. Step-by-Step Timeline
The new CMMC regulations will gradually be rolled out in Q1 2025 through 2028. It gives contractors time to get used to new security requirements.
Implementation phases:
Phase 1 (Q1 2025):
- Initial self-assessments begin
- The implementation of basic cybersecurity controls for Federal Contract Information
Phase 2 (One year after Phase 1):
- Level 2 certification requirements are assessed by third-party certifications starting
- Protect Controlled Unclassified Information using NIST SP 800-171 standards as a priority
Phase 3 (One year after Phase 2):
- Level 3 certification requirements introduced
- Highly sensitive data advanced controls based on NIST SP 800-172 requirements
Phase 4 (One year after Phase 3):
- All DoD contracts must comply with all the full CMMC requirements
This gradual approach allows contractors to adjust the process slowly, train staff, manage resources, and not disrupt their business.
Afforded early preparation companies have a competitive advantage when bidding for future DoD contracts.
Conclusion
These seven CMMC updates strengthen the cybersecurity level across the defense supply chain. Compliance becomes more achievable by simplifying levels, self-assessments, and flexible plans.
Therefore, begin to prepare so that contract disruption is avoided. These requirements can be met early on with ongoing monitoring. Start your path towards CMMC compliance now to maintain national security and protect your business.
