CMMC Audit Success: Pioneering Compliance in Defense Contracting

Recent developments in the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) landscape have highlighted significant achievements by key players in the defense contracting sector. CISO Global and ISI have both successfully navigated the rigorous CMMC audit process, marking important milestones in enhancing cybersecurity standards for defense contractors.

Key Takeaways

• CISO Global's compliance division has passed the CMMC audit, moving towards C3PAO certification.

• ISI has achieved CMMC Level 2 certification, becoming one of the first Managed Service Providers to do so.

• Both companies emphasize the importance of compliance in maintaining cybersecurity and supporting defense contractors.

CISO Global's Milestone Achievement

CISO Global, Inc., a leader in cybersecurity and compliance, announced on February 20, 2025, that its compliance division has successfully completed the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) audit. This achievement positions CISO Global to become one of the few organizations authorized to assess and certify defense contractors under the CMMC framework.

The CMMC framework, established by the Department of Defense (DoD), aims to bolster the cybersecurity posture of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by enforcing stringent controls for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). CISO Global's successful navigation of this complex, multi-phase audit process underscores its commitment to maintaining high cybersecurity standards.

Baan Alsinawi, Managing Director of Strategy and Risk at CISO Global, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, "This is another example of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity to help our clients achieve their own federal compliance requirements."

ISI's Leadership in CMMC Compliance

On March 10, 2025, ISI, a Northern Virginia-based security and compliance service provider, announced its achievement of CMMC Level 2 certification. This milestone makes ISI one of the first Managed Service Providers to successfully pass the assessment under the updated CMMC 2.0 standards.

David Lawrence, CEO of ISI, emphasized the importance of CMMC compliance for defense contractors, stating, "Achieving CMMC ensures we maintain the highest level of expertise while helping our clients control costs and take the guesswork out of compliance."

The five-day audit concluded on January 29, 2025, shortly after the Cyber AB began conducting third-party assessments. This certification not only enhances ISI's credibility but also provides its clients with valuable insights and proven solutions based on first-hand audit experience.

The Importance of CMMC Compliance

Both CISO Global and ISI highlight the critical role of CMMC compliance in the defense contracting industry. Here are some key benefits of achieving CMMC certification:

• Enhanced Security Posture: Organizations can better protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of cyber threats.

• Competitive Advantage: Compliance with CMMC standards positions contractors favorably in the competitive defense market.

• Cost Control: Effective compliance strategies help manage assessment-related costs and streamline the certification process.

As the defense industry continues to evolve, the successful audits of CISO Global and ISI serve as benchmarks for other organizations striving to meet the stringent requirements of the CMMC framework. These achievements not only reflect the companies' dedication to cybersecurity but also contribute to the overall security of the nation's defense supply chain.

Sources

• CISO Global’s Compliance Division Passes CMMC Audit, Paving, GlobeNewswire.

• ISI Achieves CMMC Level 2 Certification, Demonstrating Leadership in DoD Contractor Security, Fox 59.