The 14 CMMC “Personalities” You Need to Know
Feeling Lost? You’re Not Alone.
If you’ve never touched a server room and think “firewall” is something your fireplace needs, you’re in good company. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) exists to make sure companies working with the Department of Defense (DoD) protect sensitive information, whether that’s Federal Contract Information (FCI) at Level 1 or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) at Level 2 and above.
But instead of memorizing technical definitions, let’s give each of the 14 domains a personality so you can remember not just what they are, but why they’re important.
1. Access Control (AC) – The VIP List Manager
In CMMC, AC is all about making sure only the right people have the right access at the right time. Like an exclusive club’s bouncer, it decides who gets in, which rooms they can enter, and for how long. It enforces principles like “least privilege” so employees don’t have access to data they don’t need.
2. Audit & Accountability (AU) – The Receipts Keeper
Every time someone logs in, changes a file, or accesses a database, AU is recording the “receipt.” In CMMC, this means having audit logs and the ability to trace suspicious activity back to its source, critical if you ever need to prove compliance or investigate a breach.
3. Identification & Authentication (IA) – The Password Gossip
IA confirms you are who you claim to be, often using multi-factor authentication. CMMC requires secure login practices to prevent impersonation or stolen credentials from granting hackers access.
4. Configuration Management (CM) – The Control Freak
Random changes to systems can create vulnerabilities. CM ensures all system configurations are documented, approved, and monitored. In CMMC, this means managing updates, controlling what software can be installed, and preventing unauthorized changes.
5. Maintenance (MA) – The Mechanic
Systems need regular check-ups. MA ensures hardware and software are patched, updated, and maintained in a secure manner, whether that’s applying security updates or controlling who can perform repairs.
6. Media Protection (MP) – The Diary Keeper
USB drives, backup tapes, and old laptops can be treasure chests for hackers. MP protects, controls, and safely disposes of media containing FCI or CUI so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
7. Awareness & Training (AT) – The Cyber Coach
CMMC doesn’t just require technology, it requires people who know how to use it securely. AT ensures everyone knows how to spot phishing emails, handle sensitive data, and follow company policies so they don’t become the weak link.
8. Personnel Security (PS) – The Background Checker
Before granting access to sensitive information, CMMC requires verifying that individuals can be trusted. PS includes background checks, personnel screening, and prompt revocation of access when someone leaves.
9. Physical Protection (PE) – The Security Guard
Servers, network equipment, and secure offices need locked doors and controlled entry. PE prevents unauthorized physical access that could lead to data theft or sabotage.
10. Security Assessment (CA) – The Quality Inspector
CA is the watchdog making sure your security program isn’t just written down, it’s actually working. Like a meticulous inspector with a clipboard, CA schedules regular check-ups, runs tests, and asks the tough questions: Are policies followed? Are controls effective? Where are the cracks? In CMMC, it’s about performing assessments, documenting findings, and fixing issues before an outside assessor finds them. Think of CA as your in-house auditor who keeps everyone honest.
11. Risk Assessment (RA) – The Overthinker
RA continually asks, “What could go wrong?” and evaluates vulnerabilities before attackers find them. Under CMMC, it includes regular risk assessments and vulnerability scanning.
12. Incident Response (IR) – The Cleanup Crew
When a cyber incident happens, IR steps in with a pre-rehearsed plan. In CMMC, this means having documented response steps, containment strategies, and recovery procedures so chaos doesn’t take over.
13. System & Communications Protection (SC) – The Gatekeeper
SC ensures that data only travels through secure, approved channels. It encrypts sensitive information, blocks unsafe connections, and separates public-facing systems from internal networks.
14. System & Information Integrity (SI) – The Germaphobe
SI hunts for signs of trouble, malware, corrupted files, or suspicious behavior, and acts quickly to fix or quarantine the problem. CMMC requires continuous monitoring and prompt remediation.
Why These “Personalities” Matter
Each of these domains plays a role in safeguarding DoD information. If one is weak, the whole defense can crumble. CMMC compliance ensures that your business is not just eligible for DoD contracts but also protected from costly breaches.
And remember…CMMC isn’t optional if you handle FCI or CUI. With the phased rollout already in progress, now is the time to prepare.
How Alluvionic Makes Compliance Simple
As a Cyber-AB Registered Practitioner Organization, Alluvionic helps you:
- Identify your CMMC scope – We determine which assets and systems are in play.
- Close your cyber gaps – Our gap analysis pinpoints exactly what needs fixing.
- Streamline your compliance – With expert project management, we get you ready efficiently.
- Maintain readiness – We help you stay compliant year after year.
Want more cybersecurity insights? Check out our latest articles on Alluvionic’s News page for expert tips, industry updates, and compliance strategies.
CTA:
Don’t let CMMC catch you off guard. Contact Alluvionic today for a fast, plain-English gap assessment so you can keep your DoD contracts…and your competitive edge.
CMMC FAQs
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of yet another compliance requirement, you’re not alone. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) may feel like a tall order, but it exists for an important reason: to protect sensitive DOD information from cyber threats. By meeting these standards, you’re not just complying; you’re playing a vital role in national security.
CMMC ensures that contractors in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) have the cybersecurity measures needed to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). While the process can feel daunting, achieving compliance sets you apart as a trusted partner in the defense community.
Many contractors worry about whether they’re required to meet these standards. Here’s how to know:
- Does your work involve FCI or CUI? If so, compliance is almost certainly necessary.
- What level is needed? Contracts will specify the required level:
- Level 1 for basic FCI safeguarding.
- Level 2 for advanced protections for CUI.
- Level 3 for high-risk CUI scenarios.
It may seem like a heavy lift, but with the right guidance, you can turn this requirement into a differentiator. Acting early gives you the time to prepare and position your business as a leader in security.
To determine the right CMMC level for your organization, first identify what kind of information you handle (FCI or CUI). Additionally, check your DOD contract requirements as this will explicitly state any CMMC level requirements.
The CMMC Framework is organized in three maturity levels.
- Level 1 – Foundational: Organizations must follow 17 basic cybersecurity practices, like requiring employees to change passwords regularly. This protects Federal Contract Information (FCI), which is non-public data shared or created under a government contract.
- Level 2 – Advanced: Organizations need a formal plan to manage and implement 110 cybersecurity practices. This includes meeting all NIST 800-171 security requirements to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Level 3 – Expert: Organizations must have highly refined processes to detect and respond to advanced cyber threats. These threats, called Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), come from skilled attackers with significant resources to launch complex attacks and analyze data.
Each step builds your credibility and resilience. While the journey can be challenging, it’s one that Alluvionic’s experts can guide you through, ensuring you reach the summit successfully.
If you’re still not sure which level applies to your organization, reach out for a quick consultation. Our experts are happy to help.
Cost and time are common concerns, and it’s natural to feel uncertain. Certification expenses typically come from several areas:
- Consulting Support: Many organizations hire a Registered Practitioner Organization (RPO) to help navigate the CMMC readiness process.
- Technical Upgrades: Costs may arise from hardware and software updates needed to meet compliance requirements.
- Assessment Fees: Engaging a Certified Third Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) is another significant expense.
- Ongoing Maintenance: After certification, there will be some ongoing costs to maintain compliance.
With these expenses in mind, a Level 1 self-assessment may only cost a few thousand dollars. The cost of CMMC Level 2 compliance is often much higher—typically in the tens of thousands—while Level 3 can require an even greater investment depending on your organization’s size and scope. For a more precise cost estimate, connect with one of our experts to discuss your needs.
Timelines can range from 9-12 months, though it’s not uncommon for some organizations to experience multi-year remediations due to lack of strategic management.
The good news? By starting now and with expert support, you can streamline the process, avoid costly delays, and gain a significant competitive edge.
It’s natural to worry about falling short, but here’s the silver lining: gaps can be fixed. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may lose out on contracts. However, with a strategic plan and expert guidance, you can address deficiencies and ensure you’re ready to compete when opportunities arise.
The technical details can be intimidating, but they boil down to one goal: protecting critical information. Assessments focus on practices like:
- Access control.
- Incident response.
- Media and physical protection.
- System and communication security.
By addressing these areas, you’re not just meeting requirements—you’re making your business more secure and resilient.
While NIST SP 800-171 outlines requirements, CMMC adds a layer of accountability through certification. It may feel like an added hurdle, but it’s also an opportunity to validate your commitment to security and stand out in the marketplace.
Certification lasts three years and contractors must provide annual affirmations of compliance between assessments. While that might seem like a recurring challenge, it’s also a way to ensure your security practices stay sharp and competitive. The key is staying proactive—let us help you plan ahead and avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Absolutely, and this often causes stress for prime contractors. Subcontractors must meet the same level as the prime contractor, ensuring consistency across the supply chain. But don’t worry—Alluvionic can help manage compliance throughout your network.
The journey to CMMC compliance can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. With Alluvionic by your side, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity.
