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ARTICLE · 07 OCTOBER 2025

Department Of Defense Launches CSRMC: A New Cybersecurity Risk Management Construct

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On September 24, 2025, DoD announced CSRMC, a new framework to replace the long-standing RMF as DoD's primary set of guidelines for protecting its systems and networks against cyber threats.

United StatesTechnology
Evan D. Wolff
Evan D. Wolff
Rita S. Heimes
Rita S. Heimes
Maida Oringher Lerner
Maida Oringher Lerner
Marta A. Thompson
Marta A. Thompson
David Mahoney
David Mahoney
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Executive Summary

  • The Department of Defense (DoD), also referred to as the Department of War (DoW), has announced the Cybersecurity Risk Management Construct (CSRMC), which replaces the legacy Risk Management Framework (RMF).
  • CSRMC is designed to secure DoD's own systems, particularly those connected to the DoD Information Network (DoDIN).
  • The framework emphasizes automation, continuous monitoring and reciprocity, moving away from what DoD characterizes as static, checklist-driven processes.
  • Although it does not impose direct obligations on contractors, CSRMC may influence program requirements and contractual expectations, potentially changing how contractors are asked to demonstrate cybersecurity posture in future procurements.

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