Understanding and Achieving CMMC Level 1 Controls: Key Updates and Requirements

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The model is transitioning from a five-level system to a simplified three-level system, aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and NIST SP 800-172. CMMC Level 1 controls remain consistent, encompassing 17 critical controls across six domains: Access Control, Identification and Authentication, Media Protection, Physical Protection, System and Communication Protections, and System and Information Integrity. Organizations must implement various tools and practices to comply, including both technological and procedural measures. Noteworthy changes in CMMC 2.0 include a phased implementation approach culminating in full adoption by October 2026 and the shift to self-assessments for Level 1 compliance. The emphasis on Access Control and Identity Management reflects the modern cyber threat landscape, where credential theft and unauthorized access are significant concerns. These updates indicate that contractors and subcontractors of the DoD need to enhance their security protocols to meet compliance standards effectively.