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ARTICLE · 30 OCTOBER 2024

Countdown To Compliance: The Department Of Defense Finalizes Its Cybersecurity Program Rule

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The Department of Defense published the final version of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule last week.

United StatesTechnology
Townsend Bourne
Townsend Bourne
Sidney Howe*
Sidney Howe*
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The Department of Defense published the final version of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) rule last week. This rule establishes the parameters of the program and timeline for implementation. A separate rule to finalize associated contract requirements is expected early to mid-next year. For a deep-dive into noteworthy takeaways for the Final Rule, see our analysis here. Here are some highlights:

As many know, the goal of the CMMC program is to strengthen cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base by implementing a framework to ensure contractors and subcontractors adequately protect sensitive unclassified information under Department of Defense contracts. The framework requires contractors to implement cybersecurity standards at various levels (Levels 1-3) depending on the sensitivity of the information they hold, and to undergo related assessments and provide affirmations regarding compliance.

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