A CMMC audit is a process used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess whether your company is compliant with its cybersecurity regulations. The goal of the audit is to ensure that your company is taking adequate measures to protect DoD information.
At It’s Just Results, we’re experts in all things security in compliance. We know a CMMC audit can be nerve wracking, and that’s precisely why we’ve compiled a guide to help you out. In this guide, will provide you with an overview of what you can expect during a CMMC audit. We will cover topics such as the different types of audits, common audit findings, and tips for preparing for your audit. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to successfully complete a CMMC audit.
A CMMC audit is an assessment of your company's compliance with the DoD's cybersecurity regulations. The purpose of the audit is to ensure that your company is taking adequate measures to protect DoD information.
There are three main types of CMMC audits: self-assessment, third-party assessment, and independent assessment.
The most common type of CMMC audit is the self-assessment. This type of audit is conducted by your own company using internal resources. The advantage of this type of audit is that it is typically less expensive and less disruptive than other types of audits. However, the disadvantage is that it may be more difficult to identify all potential non-compliance issues.
Third-party assessments are conducted by an outside party such as a consultant or an independent auditor. The advantage of this type of assessment is that it provides an objective view of your compliance status. However, the disadvantages are that it can be more expensive and more disruptive than a self-assessment.
The last type of CMMC audit is the independent assessment. This type of assessment is conducted by a government-approved independent assessor. The advantage of this type of assessment is that it provides an objective view of your compliance status. However, the disadvantage is that it can be more expensive and more disruptive than other types of audits.
Once a CMMC audit is completed, the committee will come to a conclusion. There are several common findings that are typically uncovered during a CMMC audit. These findings include:
· Lack of IT security policies and procedures
· Lack of security awareness training for employees
· Inadequate password management practices
· Insecure remote access procedures
· Lack of data classification and handling procedures
More than likely, none of these findings will come to fruition, and you’ll be completely fine—and if you have any anxiety about it, reach out to our team at It’s Just Results for support!
If you’re nervous about a CMMC audit, there are absolutely steps you can take to prepare. Our team specializes in helping our clients maintain security and compliance throughout the year, and we know how to ace an audit. There are several steps you can take to prepare for your CMMC audit, including:
1) Review the requirements for each maturity level
2) Implement appropriate policies and procedures
3) Train your employees on security awareness best practices
4) Establish processes for managing passwords and other sensitive information
5) Put procedures in place for secure remote access
6) Classify and handle data according to government standards
7) Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas needing improvement
8) Retain documentation demonstrating compliance with CMMC requirements
9) Schedule regular audits to ensure continued compliance
Now that you have a better understanding of what a CMMC audit entails, it's time to start preparing for yours. Use the tips in this guide to create a plan and schedule regular audits so that you can maintain compliance with DoD standards. If you need help preparing for your audit or would like more information on our security and compliance services, check out our services page and reach out to us today!
