Cybersecurity as a Product
Cybersecurity is of utmost importance in today's data-driven society and should be regarded as a critical business asset. A proactive approach to cybersecurity enhances an organization’s reputation and trust with customers and stakeholders.
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GiaMetrics works with organizations to define business goals and objectives. We engage Senior management in facilitated sessions to assess and record the organization's goals and mission. The infrastructure, staff, and resources to support security compliance and the organizational mission are identified. We conduct facilitated sessions involving business managers and functional specialists to determine the effects of potential loss or reduced functionality of critical processes or capabilities. Opportunities for enhancing areas of the enterprise through policy, staff, training, hardware, software, or functional/technical processes are identified.
Cyberattacks can have Far-Reaching Consequences
Cybersecurity breaches can lead to the unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive data such as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI) causing reputational harm, and legal repercussions.
Customized Support
GiaMetrics helps organizations implement a cybersecurity governance framework that includes management, operational, and technical strategies and controls for visibility and management of security assets and security compliance. Our experienced team ensures alignment of cybersecurity requirements with organizational processes, aiding in the understanding of critical challenges, risks, exposures, and vulnerabilities. We are skilled in the development and implementation of straightforward policy and procedure that can be implemented enterprise wide. We have expertise in implementing and evaluating compliance for the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Framework. Additionally, GiaMetrics staff are proficient in utilizing the Cyber Security Assessment and Management (CSAM) and the Enterprise Mission Assurance Support Service (eMASS) systems for managing and reporting security control scorecards and system authorization packages.
Registered Practioner (RP)
GiaMetrics Cyber AB certified practitioners provide CMMC implementation consulting services to assist in identifying gaps and providing mitigation strategies for an OSC preparing for an assessment.
CMMC Certified Professional (CCP)
GiaMetrics Cyber AB certified professionals to assess, examine, verify, and review an organization for compliance to a respective level of CMMC standards
CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA)
GiaMetrics Cyber AB certified assessors work on CMMC Level 2 assessments as part of a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) assessment team.
Security
GiaMetrics helps organizations manage risks using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) which provides a comprehensive, adaptable, risk-focused strategy for managing security and privacy risks. It integrates security, privacy, and cyber supply chain risk management activities into the system development life cycle. Key components include identification, measurement and assessment, mitigation, reporting and monitoring, and governance. The steps involve preparing the organization, categorizing, selecting, implementing, assessing security controls, and authorizing and monitoring the information system.
Privacy
GiaMetrics uses the Privacy Framework, a tool based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, to assist organizations in identifying potential privacy risks in their data processing activities. This tool offers the Security and Privacy Control Overlay for systems handling sensitive information like Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Protected Health Information (PHI). The overlay establishes a solid groundwork for enforcing policies and technological measures to manage data privacy risks, instill confidence in their services, and maintain compliance. It stresses the importance of integrating security and privacy in system development.
Supply Chain
GiaMetrics assists organizations in mitigating the growing risk of supply chain compromise in cybersecurity by implementing the NIST Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) program. Effective management of cybersecurity risks in supply chains involves safeguarding the integrity, security, quality, and resilience of the supply chain and its offerings. Risks may involve the introduction of counterfeits, unauthorized production, tampering, theft, insertion of malicious software and hardware, as well as substandard manufacturing and development practices in the cybersecurity-related components of the supply chain.
Increased Efficiency
Agencies are enabled to utilize security authorizations on a government-wide level through FedRAMP, which in turn reduces duplication of effort. The standardized security framework provided by FedRAMP facilitates the swift and confident adoption of cloud services by federal agencies, leading to increased efficiency by cutting down time and costs associated with cloud security assessments and authorizations.
Improved Security
FedRAMP's standardized method guarantees uniform security controls and risk management practices throughout cloud services. The unified framework for cloud security assessments and authorizations minimizes redundant efforts, inconsistencies, and cost inefficiencies. FedRAMP permits agencies to utilize security authorizations on a broader scale, reducing duplication and enhancing effectiveness.
Enhanced Transparency
FedRAMP enhances transparency by providing clear and publicly accessible information on security capabilities and compliance of cloud service providers. It establishes transparent standards and processes to ensure consistency in security authorizations across the government. Cloud service providers are required to show FedRAMP compliance through a third-party assessment organization (3PAO).
Governance
At GiaMetrics, we support organizations in creating, sharing, and overseeing cybersecurity risk management plans and policies. We assess unique risks and needs, analyze current and potential risk scenarios, and document the current risk status. We encourage input and ideas from all departments, and openly review past experiences to learn and grow. Developed strategies include a configuration management policy to oversee IT resources and services across the organization, ensuring flexibility to meet changing mission requirements, threats, and technological advancements.
Risk
GiaMetrics specializes in creating customized cybersecurity risk management strategies and policies that define the purpose, scope, roles, responsibilities, management commitment, and coordination among different parts of an organization. Sharing documented practices openly is encouraged to promote feedback and enhance adaptability. The strategies encompass configuration management policies to monitor and manage IT resources and services throughout the organization, along with roles and responsibilities for supervising suppliers, customers, and partners, and integrating essential requirements into contracts.
Compliance
GiaMetrics helps organizations understand their compliance level, identify gaps, and address them. We review the environment, validate the scope, assess readiness, review IT controls, and provide compliance assessments. We assist in understanding cybersecurity needs based on specific objectives, risk environment, and best practices. We help you manage, update, and discuss risk strategies regularly. Our expertise covers various standards such as RMF, FedRAMP, CMMC, DFARS, GDPR, HIPAA, HITRUST, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and federal, DoD, and state information security regulations.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
GiaMetrics specializes in overseeing successful information security initiatives within the Department of Defense, Federal, and commercial sectors. Our services include security program evaluations, cybersecurity strategy formulation and implementation, risk evaluation, and data protection program assessments. We emphasize the importance of understanding and recognizing an organization's vulnerabilities and the potential impact of security breaches.
Understanding the maturity of your organization and consistently assessing cybersecurity defenses and risks allows us to proactively offer security improvements and metrics that aid in risk management and Continuous Compliance. Our governance solutions assist in preventing damage to your reputation and in establishing a strong security program that lowers the risk of unauthorized access and potential compromise of sensitive company information, FCI, or CUI.
CMMC Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to common questions using our helpful FAQs.
What is CMMC?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a major Department of Defense (DoD) program built to protect the defense industrial base (DIB) from increasingly frequent and complex cyber-attacks. It particularly aims to enhance the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI) and federal contract information (FCI) shared within the DIB.
CMMC builds on existing trust-based regulations (DFARS 252.204-7012) by adding a verification component for cybersecurity requirements.
What is the CMMC Ecosystem?
The CMMC ecosystem refers to the interconnected network of organizations, entities, and processes involved in the implementation, assessment, and certification of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework.
The CMMC ecosystem is designed to ensure that defense contractors and suppliers have appropriate cybersecurity measures in place to protect sensitive information and support national security. It involves collaboration between government entities, certification bodies, assessors, and organizations to establish a robust cybersecurity framework for the defense supply chain.
What is the CAICO Organization?
The Cybersecurity Assessor and Instructor Certification Organization (CAICO) is the dedicated CMMC entity facilitating the training, examination, and professional certification for individuals within the CMMC Ecosystem. The CAICO is a wholly owned subsidiary of the CMMC Accreditation Body, Inc. and operates as a nonprofit organization with federal tax-exempt status.
What is a CMMC Assessment?
Formal process of assessing the implementation and reliable use of issuer controls using various methods of assessment (e.g., interviews, document reviews, observations) that support the assertion that an issuer is reliably meeting the requirements of a standard. In the context of CMMC, Assessments are performed against the requirements set forth in the CMMC for the OSC’s desired CMMC Level. Source: NIST SP 800-79-2 (adapted)
What is Federal Contract Information (FCI)?
Federal contract information means information, not intended for public release, that is provided by or generated for the Government under a contract to develop or deliver a product or service to the Government, but not including information provided by the Government to the public (such as on public Web sites) or simple transactional information, such as necessary to process payments. Source: 48 CFR § 52.204-21
What is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)?
Information that requires safeguarding or dissemination control pursuant to and consistent with laws, regulations, and government-wide policies, excluding information that is classified under Executive Order 13526, Classified National Security Information, December 29, 2009, or any predecessor or successor order, or Atomic Engergy Act of 1954, as amended. Source: NIST SP800-171 Rev 2 Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) | National Archives
Who is subject to CMMC?
All DoD prime- and sub-contractors planning to bid on future contracts with the CMMC DFARS clause will be required to obtain a CMMC certification prior to contract award. Some prime- and sub-contractors accessing, processing or storing FCI (but not CUI) will minimally require a Level 1 attestation. A DoD contract will specify which level of compliance a contractor needs to meet.
How is CMMC different from NIST SP 800-171?
While both CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 aim to protect CUI, CMMC introduces a certification process with three maturity levels, requiring businesses to undergo third-party assessments to verify compliance for most levels.
What Happens if a business fails CMMC assessment?
If a business fails a CMMC assessment, it will not receive certification and will need to address the identified gaps before requesting a re-assessment. This could impact the business’s eligibility for future DoD contracts. GiaMetrics will work with your team to establish a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to remediate and close any gaps. We have the staff to compliment your team to develop and execute the POA&M.
Getting started
CMMC certification is essential for maintaining and gaining access to DoD contracts, safeguarding sensitive data, and fostering trust among clients and partners.
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In the absence of Policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), cybersecurity suffers as teams are forced to navigate decision-making without the clear direction and often without the right resources..