For defense contractors, cybersecurity is a non-negotiable priority. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program outlines rigorous assessment and affirmation requirements for contractors and subcontractors. Let’s dive into the key elements that shape this crucial aspect of CMMC compliance.

By now, you are likely aware that the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program Proposed Rule was published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2023. This set into motion a series of deadlines, which will culminate in the full implementation of CMMC 2.0. It also set into motion a flurry of activity within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and the realization that a deadline for compliance looms large.

Self-attestations are an increasingly popular tool for cybersecurity compliance frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) directives. The idea is that organizations attest to meeting specific security controls and requirements without third-party validation.

In the ever-evolving landscape of data security, staying updated with the latest standards and regulations is crucial. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is no exception. With the recent release of PCI DSS v4.0, there have been significant updates and changes that organizations need to be aware of. This blog post will delve into one such critical area – Requirement 9: Restrict Physical Access to Cardholder Data.

As the digital age unfolds, we continue to see seismic increases — decade-to-decade, year-to-year, and even month-to-month — in the amount of data we create as well as its value to us, both individually and collectively. From medical records, financial statements, and classified government documents to transactional processing systems, customer information, social media engagements, pictures of our pets, and so much more, data is the lifeblood of modern society.

To optimize compliance management within an organization, it’s crucial to select the right governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software for your business. This guide will review the importance of GRC software, how it helps with compliance management, what essential features to look for, and which GRC solutions are top-rated for 2024, with a special focus on ZenGRC as a leading option. GRC software plays a pivotal role helping businesses navigate the modern risk management landscape.

Navigating the complex and ever-changing compliance landscape is difficult for many companies and organizations. With many regulations, selecting the appropriate security tooling that aligns with the compliance needs of your business becomes a significant challenge.

As of August 2023, only 3 out of 23 US government agencies were compliant with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requirements for log management and security observability. These requirements are outlined in M-21-31, a 2021 memorandum that was issued following Executive Order 14028 on improving national cybersecurity. Until all of these agencies implement the new requirements, the federal government’s ability to fully detect, investigate, and remediate cybersecurity threats will be constrained.