4 Tips for Conducting CMMC Employee Training
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical requirement for businesses that deal with the US Department of Defense (DoD). Soon, when the DoD FINAL RULE is published and we estimate in Spring of 2024, DoD RFP’s will require all contractors to be compliant with one of 3 CMMC levels to ensure the safety and security of their sensitive information and data. Level 1 will apply if they only have Federal Contract Information (FCI). Level 2 will apply if they have Confidential Unclassified Information (CUI) and Level 3 will apply with the firm that has CUI and participates in programs of National Security importance. Are you an implementer and asked yourself one or all of the below questions?
Who will conduct our Level 1 Self Assessment?
What credentials do they have?
How long will implementing Level 2 controls take?
What resources are needed to implement Level 2?
What encryption standards are allowed in CMMC and when does it apply?
Who manages your website and public facing databases? Would they recognize FCI or CUI if it came across their desk and were asked to pist ut on your website?
What if you receive technical drawings or blueprints from the US Government client or prime and they are not marked. As the defense contractor, what are my responsibilities? Is it CUI? If it is CUI, how should it be marked? What if I need to send part of this to a supplier to get a quote does it need to be marked?
What information is in an SSP? Do I need one? How is one written?
Do our employees recognize a security event or incident? Do they know who reports it and to whom?
However, becoming CMMC certified takes more than just implementing security measures and passing a test. Any effective implementation will involve “dispersion of responsibility.” A wide number of functional roles will need to roll up their sleeves and put their oars in the water to advance this implementation. Each contractor needs a person to run point on this program. This “sled dog” needs to have all the answers to the above questions and more. It also requires proper CMMC employee training to ensure that all staff members are familiar with the policies and procedures that govern the organization’s cybersecurity posture. Here, we will provide tips for effectively conducting CMMC employee training.
In all cases, having the right training will increase the probability your firm can meet your strategic goals of being at the right CMMC level at the right time. In all other cases, training is the “Great Accelerator” of an implementation program.
Let me pose two questions:
Role based risk awareness (AT.L2-3.2.1) is a practice that requires “managers, system administrators, and users of organizational systems are made aware of the security risks associated with their activities and of the applicable policies, standards, and procedures related to the security of those systems.” Are you confident right now that a CMMC assessor would score your company as “MET?”
Role based training (AT.L2-3.2.2) is a practice that requires the OSC “ensure that personnel are trained to carry out their assigned information security related duties and responsibilities. Are you confident right now that a CMMC assessor would score your company as “MET?”
Training is not a nice-to-have but a must-have and is on the critical path for your implementation. Your ROI on your training dollars will increase many fold if you train early and avoid false starts and wasted time!
The CMMC Assessment Process (CAP) V5.6.1 dated 5 Aug 2022 on page 5 tells us:
“All activities in Phase 1 are necessary to ensure the conduct of a proper and consistent CMMC Assessment. Phase 1 Assessment planning could range from one (1) to several days, depending on the C3PAO-OSC communication effectiveness and the OSC’s readiness and ability to provide required information, including evidence of CMMC practice implementation. An OSC’s understanding of the CMMC practices and its preparation for the Assessment – including the fidelity and accuracy of its proposed CMMC Assessment Scope – is the primary driver on how efficiently Phase 1 might be completed.”
CCP &/OR CCA Training from a Licensed Training Provider (approved) will no doubt be the great accelerator for your firm to ensure you start strong and can move directly through the gates and not be stuck waffling around unable to answer basic questions your C3PAO asks you in the planning phase!
Work With a Knowledgeable Trainer
CMMC trainers provide invaluable insight into how to best protect an organization from cyber threats while ensuring that all employees are familiar with cybersecurity policies and procedures. A certified CMMC trainer can educate staff on a wide range of topics, ranging from risk management and incident response to privacy, authentication protocols, encryption technologies, and other security measures.
They can also ensure that the training is comprehensive, efficient, and effective in helping employees understand the necessary safeguards for protecting their organization’s data from malicious actors. So, by working with one of these professionals, you’re already well on your way to developing a successful certification program.
Conduct Regular Training Sessions
CMMC employee training should not be a one-time event. It’s a continuous process that ensures employee awareness of the latest threats and vulnerabilities that could compromise the organization’s security posture. Conducting regular training sessions will help reinforce the importance of cybersecurity and create a culture of security within the organization.
Use Interactive Training Methods
Another important tip for conducting CMMC employee training is to make sessions interactive. Collaborative training methods such as quizzes, group discussions, and role-play exercises make education engaging and effective. These methods help employees retain and apply the information in real-life situations. Interactive training can also identify any knowledge gaps and enable you to tailor the training to your employees’ specific needs.
Monitor the Effectiveness of the Training Program
To ensure the effectiveness of CMMC employee training, though, you must monitor and evaluate its impact. Collect feedback from employees and assess their understanding of the CMMC framework. Monitor the training program’s effectiveness by reviewing the number of security incidents, the level of employee awareness, and the organization’s overall security posture.
Conducting effective CMMC employee training is instrumental in achieving and maintaining cybersecurity maturity certification. So, don’t settle for anything less than the best possible educational resources. Precision Execution holds several courses in CMMC, allowing you to find the ideal CMMC certification training curriculum for your team. By investing in employee education and awareness, you can create a culture of security within your organization and achieve CMMC compliance.