- CMMC Level 1 vs. Level 2: Understanding the Right Compliance Path -
The certification level you need depends on the type and sensitivity of the information your organization handles.
Focus on your mission while we handle the compliance journey. From designing your security framework to managing compliance technologies and assessment preparation, we provide end-to-end CMMC consulting. We've guided defense contractors from ground zero to audit-ready status, helping them protect contracts and accelerate growth.
The certification level you need depends on the type and sensitivity of the information your organization handles.
Includes 17 cybersecurity practices aligned with FAR 52.204-21. Requires an annual self-assessment and executive affirmation by a senior official. Applicable to contracts that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) only. While the requirements are less extensive, organizations must maintain a well-documented and that still demands a credible and defensible assessment.
Implements all 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171 and requires an independent assessment conducted by an authorized CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). Designed for organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), this is the compliance level most defense contractors are expected making it the primary certification level.
Your required CMMC level is determined by the specific contract solicitation. If your organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Level 2 compliance will typically be required. Our complimentary assessment evaluates your current security posture against both levels, providing a clear roadmap to certification readiness and a clear path toward compliance.
We combine cybersecurity expertise, compliance readiness, and hands-on implementation to help defense contractors reduce risk, protect sensitive data, and achieve certification with confidence.
A CMMC Gap Analysis is a foundational service that identifies any gaps between your organization’s current cybersecurity practices and the requirements of your target CMMC level. This analysis is crucial for understanding where improvements are needed and establishing a roadmap to compliance. Codeknob Security’s gap analysis process includes a thorough examination of your cybersecurity controls, policies, and procedures, along with targeted interviews with key personnel to identify areas that require strengthening. By pinpointing these gaps early, MAD Security provides a clear action plan to address deficiencies and streamline your compliance efforts.
Once gaps are identified, the next step is POA&M Remediation (Plans of Action and Milestones). This service involves creating a structured plan to remediate compliance gaps, assign responsibilities, and establish timelines for implementing corrective actions. POA&M remediation is essential for bridging the compliance gaps identified in the initial analysis. Codeknob Security assists clients in developing and executing these plans effectively, ensuring that every identified gap is addressed methodically and within a practical timeframe. By providing guidance on remediation efforts, we help you achieve a fully compliant environment that meets the stringent standards of CMMC.
Codeknob Security offers CMMC Pre-Assessment services to prepare clients for their final certification audit. Our pre-assessment includes mock audits and artifact validation to ensure that your documentation, cybersecurity practices, and evidence are aligned with the required CMMC level. During the pre-assessment, we conduct a detailed review of security controls and policies, simulating the official certification process to identify any remaining issues. This service is invaluable for contractors who want to ensure a smooth audit process, as it reduces the likelihood of unexpected findings and costly delays. Our CMMC pre-assessment provides clients with peace of mind, knowing they are well-prepared for the final evaluation.
Proper scoping of your environment and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is critical to CMMC compliance. Codeknob Security works with your team to determine the systems, processes, and data flows that handle CUI, ensuring they are clearly identified and secured. We create detailed scoping diagrams and documentation that map how CUI enters, moves within, and exits your systems, enabling you to meet the Department of Defense’s stringent requirements. This service reduces compliance complexities and ensures resources are focused on the areas that matter most.
The System Security Plan (SSP) is a critical document required for CMMC compliance, outlining the security controls and practices implemented within your environment. MAD Security assists with SSP development, ensuring it includes all necessary information about system boundaries, environments of operation, and security requirements. An accurate SSP demonstrates your organization’s commitment to CMMC compliance and readiness for certification.
Selecting the right technology solutions is essential to achieving and maintaining CMMC compliance. Codeknob Security’s Technology Guidance service provides expert advice on implementing compliant technology solutions across various environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. We evaluate your current infrastructure and recommend solutions that align with both your business needs and CMMC standards, whether through Microsoft GCC High, hybrid solutions, PreVeil, or virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI).
The Assessment Coaching service provides contractors with practical insights and preparation strategies for their upcoming certification audit. MAD Security coaches your team on responding to auditor questions, presenting security documentation effectively, and understanding audit expectations. With our assessment coaching, your team will feel more prepared and confident going into the CMMC certification process, reducing the chances of unexpected findings.
To support compliance, MAD Security provides a CMMC Policy Package that includes templates tailored to each of the 14 CMMC control families. These policies are mapped to NIST 800-171 and NIST 800-53 frameworks, ensuring they meet CMMC requirements and cover essential areas like access control, incident response, and risk management. Our CMMC Policy Package allows clients to quickly implement compliant policies without having to build them from scratch. This package is an essential resource for contractors who need structured, compliant documentation as part of their overall security posture.
Maintaining compliance requires ongoing vigilance, which is why Codeknob Security offers continuous monitoring services as part of our CMMC compliance service. Continuous monitoring involves regular assessments, reporting, and updates to your cybersecurity posture, ensuring that any new threats or changes in compliance requirements are addressed promptly. This service helps organizations remain compliant between certification renewals, enabling them to respond proactively to emerging risks. With continuous monitoring, MAD Security ensures that your organization stays aligned with CMMC standards, preserving your eligibility for DoD contracts.
Compliance does not end with certification. Codeknob Security’s Post Certification Support provides ongoing guidance to ensure your organization remains compliant with CMMC standards after certification. Our support includes annual attestation reporting, compliance updates, and assistance with any necessary adjustments due to changes in your organization’s environment or CMMC requirements. This service ensures that contractors continue to meet compliance standards and avoid disruptions to their DoD contract eligibility.
Codeknob Security’s CMMC consulting services offer comprehensive support from the initial assessment through post-certification. With services like SSP development, technology guidance, assessment coaching, and continuous monitoring, we provide defense contractors with a complete, end-to-end compliance solution, ensuring they meet and maintain the highest standards required by the CMMC framework.