Optiv Announces Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Readiness Services to Guide Organizations Through Federal Regulations

Rhea-AI Summary

Optiv Security has announced enhanced capabilities to assist clients in navigating the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a crucial set of DOD regulations for over 300,000 defense contractors. General David Petraeus emphasized the increasing cyber threats and the need for upgraded defenses. With full CMMC implementation expected by 2025, the DOD has mandated self-assessments for contractors, critical for bidding on contracts. Optiv aims to help organizations view CMMC as more than a compliance requirement, urging early action to safeguard against emerging risks.

Positive

• Introduction of new capabilities to assist clients with CMMC compliance.
• Strong endorsement from General David Petraeus highlights the urgency and importance of cybersecurity.
• Timely guidance for companies to improve their cybersecurity posture ahead of CMMC requirements.

Negative

• Full CMMC implementation expected by 2025 creates a prolonged period of uncertainty for contractors.
• Contractors may face challenges and risks if they fail to achieve the required certification level, impacting contract opportunities.

Optiv Security, a security solutions integrator delivering end-to-end cybersecurity solutions, today announced new capabilities to help clients navigate Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a set of DOD regulations aimed at keeping the United States government supply chain safer by requiring 300,000+ defense contractors to protect sensitive information.

“Businesses worldwide are experiencing a dramatic escalation of threats in cyberspace – from nation states, criminal organizations, extremists, company insiders, and hacktivists – and these threats have been steadily growing in sophistication,” said General David H. Petraeus (U.S. Army, Ret.) Partner, KKR and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute and Optiv Board Member. “Firms must upgrade their cyber defenses, and Optiv is determined to provide American companies with the most effective and most efficient comprehensive, integrated, managed cybersecurity solution possible.”

While full implementation of CMMC is not expected until 2025, Optiv urges organizations to act now. To reduce risk as CMMC is rolled out, the DOD has implemented new rules on the Federal Register that require contracting partners to submit a self-assessment and associated documentation to bid on new contracts. As DFARS 252.204–7021 Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Requirement goes into effect, contractors must obtain and maintain a level of certification, by a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Without C3PAO certification at the required maturity level, Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors may not be able to view or bid on contracts.

“Most organizations view CMMC as another compliance requirement,” said Justin Williams, Optiv managing partner. “This is much more than a compliance audit, it’s a new way of doing business with the federal government. Without certification, an existing or potential defense contractor may not be able to view or bid on new contracts.”

“We understand the challenges being faced by large enterprises and small businesses around the country. The DIB supply chain must think strategically about their federal security strategy in pursuing opportunities bound by DFARS and CMMC regulatory requirements. It is imperative to support the DOD on this venture, while protecting the DIB, and supporting our nation’s small, medium, and large businesses.”

To learn more about CMMC and how Optiv can help, read our whitepaper or visit www.optiv.com.

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Optiv Security: Secure your security.™
Optiv is a security solutions integrator – “one-stop” trusted partner with a singular focus on cybersecurity. Our end-to-end cybersecurity capabilities span risk management and transformation, cyber digital transformation, threat management, security operations, identity and data management, and integration and innovation, helping organizations realize stronger, simpler and more cost-efficient cybersecurity programs that support business requirements and outcomes. At Optiv, we are modernizing cybersecurity to enable clients to innovate their consumption models, integrate infrastructure and technology to maximize value, achieve measurable outcomes, and realize complete solutions and business alignment. For more information about Optiv, please visit us at www.optiv.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210216006059/en/

FAQ

What is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) related to KKR?

CMMC is a set of DOD regulations aimed at ensuring defense contractors protect sensitive information, with compliance affecting their ability to bid on contracts.

Why is Optiv emphasizing the need for CMMC compliance now?

Optiv urges organizations to act now because self-assessments and documentation are required to bid on new contracts as part of CMMC's rollout.

What are the consequences for contractors who don't achieve CMMC certification?

Contractors without the required CMMC certification may be unable to view or bid on Department of Defense contracts.