The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, has been a topic of conversation for a few years within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). CMMC is a unified standard for implementing cybersecurity across the DIB, which includes over 300,000 companies in the supply chain. The CMMC is the DoD’s response to significant compromises of sensitive defense information located on contractors’ information systems. The US Department of Defense (DoD) released the much-anticipated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) version 1.0•• on January 31, 2020. Since then, CMMC has undergone much scrutiny and discussion. Here is a timeline of CMMC:

September 2020: The CMMC program published by the DoD (now known as CMMC 1.0). This framework assesses a Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractor’s compliance with a set of cybersecurity standards.

November 2020: A Presidential interim rule became effective, establishing a five-year phase-in period and requiring compliance with NIST 800-71 rules.

March 2021: The DoD announced an internal review of CMMC’s implementation.

November 2021: The DoD announced CMMC 2.0, and updated program and requirements designed to meet certain goals, including:

  • Protecting sensitive information to enable and protect the warfighter.
  • Dynamically enhance DIB cybersecurity to meet evolving threats.
  • Ensuring accountability while minimizing barriers to compliance with DoD requirements.
  • Contributing to a collaborative culture of cybersecurity and cyber resilience.
  • Maintaining public trust through high professional and ethical standards.

In today’s increasingly digital world, data security is becoming more important than ever. Security breaches can cost businesses millions of dollars and damage their reputation. That’s why zero trust data security has become an increasingly popular solution for organizations looking to protect their sensitive data.

What Is Zero Trust Data Security?

Zero trust data security is a specialized IT security control measure that focuses on implementing strict policies and functions to protect your company’s sensitive data. When organizations take a zero trust data security stance, all incoming requests are reviewed and authenticated before access to network resources is granted. This ensures that only authorized users can get the data they need instead of malicious breachers.

The Principles of Zero Trust Security

Zero trust data security aims to provide network assistance with the following general principles:

1) Reduce attack surfaces

2) Limit user privileges

3) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

4) Enforce secure remote access standards

5) Adopt defense in depth strategies

6) Segment networks.

The Importance of Zero Trust Compliance

Zero trust data security is crucial to compliance with various standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, that dictate how data must be protected. Implementing a zero trust security model helps businesses meet these requirements by establishing strict access controls, continuous monitoring, and verification.

Incorporating zero trust security practices is crucial for businesses looking to maintain compliance with data protection standards and avoid hefty fines or reputational damage. And with the help of an IT solution provider like Braxton-Grant Technologies, doing so is easier than ever.

Benefits of Zero Trust Data Security

A zero trust security model is the ideal solution for organizations looking to stay ahead of the data security curve. Here are five key benefits of investing in one:

Secure Policies and Procedures

An experienced IT provider can help organizations develop comprehensive policies and procedures for securing data and keeping users in compliance. These should include user access management, endpoint protection, encryption of data at rest and in transit, and other measures to ensure the safety of corporate networks and systems.

Endpoint Detection and Protection

Organizations need to take steps to protect their endpoints from potential threats such as viruses, malware, or ransomware. An IT provider, such as Braxton-Grant, can provide an array of protection solutions such as antivirus software, firewalls, web filtering tools, and intrusion detection systems.

Data Access Management

To ensure that all information remains secure on corporate networks and systems, businesses must have access management solutions in place. Quality IT partners can provide solutions that monitor user activities on corporate networks in real-time so administrators can quickly identify any suspicious activity or access violations. Access management tools also enable administrators to easily set up network permissions, while providing complete visibility into who has access to what information within an organization’s network infrastructure.

Data Access Management

To ensure that all information remains secure on corporate networks and systems, businesses must have access management solutions in place. Quality IT partners can provide solutions that monitor user activities on corporate networks in real-time so administrators can quickly identify any suspicious activity or access violations. Access management tools also enable administrators to easily set up network permissions, while providing complete visibility into who has access to what information within an organization’s network infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Solutions

As more companies move their operations onto cloud-based platforms, the right security solutions are vital for storing sensitive information. Working with an experienced IT provider ensures that advanced encryption technologies and authentication protocols properly protect your organization’s cloud environment.

Considering improving your infrastructure’s security for your business? Check out this article highlighting the key components of access management.

Understanding Access Management Components

The Zero Trust Compliance Process

Having an experienced IT partner, like Braxton-Grant, will be key to helping you implement zero trust compliance within your business. Here are a few steps to keep in mind:

Understanding Security Requirements

From the start, it’s essential to understand your organization’s specific security requirements. Braxton-Grant Technologies can help you define the type of authentication necessary for each system or application and how often users should be re-authenticated.

Developing a Security Plan

Next, it’s time to develop a comprehensive security plan to outline which systems will be included in the model, specify user roles and permissions, determine which MFA methods are necessary, and define policies related to user access control and monitoring. Braxton-Grant Technologies can ensure that all elements are included to keep you in compliance and your costs down.

Implementing Solutions

An experienced IT partner like Braxton Grant technologies can take care of all aspects of implementation and provide assistance with monitoring progress over time, so everything runs smoothly during maintenance checks.

Braxton-Grant Technologies Is Your Source for Zero Trust Data Security Compliance Assistance

Zero trust data security is an effective way for businesses to protect their sensitive data against cyberthreats, while aligned with ever-evolving regulatory requirements. By following the principles listed above using the appropriate tools and technologies, along with the help of an IT provider like Braxton-Grant, organizations have peace of mind knowing a reliable IT security infrastructure protects their data.

Suppose your business is looking for ways to improve its overall cyber security without compromising user convenience or operational efficiency. In that case, zero trust compliance solutions may be the answer for you. Contact the experts at Braxton-Grant Technologies today.