Mastering CMMC: Essentials for Compliance Champions
Hamilton Yu
Chief Executive Officer
If you’ve ever trained for anything—whether it’s a marathon, a big event, or just staying in shape—you know success isn’t about one big effort. It’s about consistency, endurance, and adapting as you go. (Trust me, I’ve tried sprinting through it, and that approach never works!) You pace yourself, build strength over time, and when it’s go time, you’re ready.
Cybersecurity compliance works the same way. You can’t just check a few boxes and call it done. Whether you’ve tackled SOC, ISO, GDPR, or you’re facing a new framework for the first time, success means setting goals, tracking progress, and continually strengthening your security posture. That’s the mindset required for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC 2.0)— the Department of Defense’s (DoD) latest standards to mitigate rising cyber threats targeting the defense industrial base.
Why CMMC 2.0 Matters—On the Road to DoD Readiness
With over 160,000 companies supporting DoD operations, the government is raising cybersecurity standards to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI)—no exceptions.
CMMC 2.0 is mandatory for any organization handling DoD data—whether as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or technology partner. Without compliance, these entities won’t be eligible for new contracts and could risk losing existing ones.
To help organizations prepare, the DoD is rolling out CMMC 2.0 in phases over three years. Phase 1 is already underway, with Phase 2 expected in mid-2025. This gives contractors time to assess their posture, implement required controls, and certify before full enforcement begins.
CMMC 2.0 also streamlines the original five-level model into three and allows self-assessments for Level 1 and, in some cases, Level 2—making it more flexible, especially for smaller contractors. But make no mistake: the stakes are higher than ever. As top U.S. cyber officials warn of escalating attacks by adversaries, staying ahead of evolving threats has never been more critical.¹
And the time to act is now. Despite many businesses claiming compliance, only four percent say they’re truly ready for certification.² That’s a wake-up call—as only those with airtight security practices will qualify to do business with the DoD when third-party audits begin.
Understanding CMMC Levels and Impact
Like any serious race, you need to know the course before you start training. CMMC 2.0 requires the same clarity. You can’t plan effectively until you understand which level you’re aiming for.
CMMC 2.0 is structured around three certification levels, based on the type and sensitivity of DoD data your organization handles:
- Level 1 – Foundational:For organizations handling only FCI. Focuses on basic safeguarding practices; annual self-assessments allowed.
- Level 2 – Advanced: For those working with CUI. Requires compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and third-party assessments.
- Level 3 – Expert: For contractors supporting high-priority DoD programs. Aligns with NIST SP 800-172 and includes government-led assessments.
Your required level isn’t based on company size—it depends on the sensitivity of the data you handle. Even small subcontractors may need to meet Level 2 or Level 3 requirements if they work on high-assurance projects.
Understanding your level is like knowing whether you’re preparing for a 5K or an ultra-marathon. It shapes how intensely you train, what resources you need, and how you pace your journey to certification.
Getting Started with CMMC 2.0
CMMC 2.0 readiness is like marathon prep—it takes planning, commitment, and steady progress. There are no shortcuts. The DoD expects real, verifiable controls across access, infrastructure, and data handling—not just good intentions.
Here’s your starting line:
- Know your level and timeline
- Identify your required CMMC level based on the data you handle.
- Understand rollout phases and deadlines to build a realistic timeline.
- Evaluate systems and gaps
- Assess your current technical capabilities and security posture.
- Identify gaps in required controls (e.g., MFA, logging, secure configs).
- Consider system boundaries, cloud use, and how data is stored/transferred.
- Build and align your team
- Coordinate IT, security, and compliance teams.
- Engage outside experts as needed—especially CMMC-experienced partners.
- Make sure everyone understands their role in achieving and maintaining compliance.
What’s at Stake—and What You Gain
CMMC 2.0 isn’t just about passing an audit. It’s about proving your ability to protect sensitive DoD data—before you’re allowed to support the mission.
What you stand to gain:
- Eligibility to win and retain DoD business– Certification is non-negotiable for new and existing contracts.
- Stronger standing with prime contractors– Compliance builds trust and elevates your position in the supply chain.
- Operational efficiency and risk reduction– Closing gaps can streamline systems and improve long-term resilience.
- Competitive advantage– Early adopters stand out—especially when timelines tighten.
Crossing the Finish Line
CMMC 2.0 isn’t a quick fix—it’s a strategic investment. And the longer companies wait, the more difficult and disruptive the path becomes. By acting now, you’re not just checking a compliance box—you’re demonstrating that your organization can be trusted with sensitive DoD data. You’re investing in long-term resilience, national security, and the future of your business in the federal space.
Let’s take the next step together. Reach out to our team to build your CMMC 2.0 roadmap, close compliance gaps, and position your organization as a reliable partner in a security-first defense ecosystem.
Reference
- DefenseOne. “Attacks Against Defense Industrial Base Increasing, NSA Chief Warns.” June 2024.
- National Defense, Breaking: Few Companies Ready for CMMC Compliance, Study Finds, October 2024
About the Author
Hamilton Yu
Hamilton Yu is the CEO of NexusTek, bringing over 28 years of executive IT experience to the role. Prior to joining NexusTek, he served as CEO of Taos (an IBM company), where he led transformative initiatives, and also held key executive roles at Nuance Communications and Accenture, driving innovative solutions and cloud capabilities across the tech industry.