Guide to CMMC 2.0 Requirements

What is CMMC? 

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework established by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to standardize cybersecurity practices across federal contractors. It ensures that companies handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) implement necessary security controls to protect sensitive government data.

CMMC Timeline

The CMMC framework has evolved over time, with key milestones shaping its implementation:

• 2019: DoD introduces CMMC to enhance cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB).
• 2020: Initial version (CMMC 1.0) is released with five maturity levels.
• 2021: CMMC 2.0 is announced, simplifying the framework by reducing levels and aligning with NIST standards.
• 2023–2025: CMMC 2.0 is expected to become mandatory for defense contracts, with a phased rollout to ensure compliance.

Phased rollout schedule for CMMC requirements implementation and enforcement, published by the DoD CIO.

What are CMMC Requirements?

CMMC requirements outline the security controls that defense contractors must implement to safeguard sensitive government information. These requirements vary by certification level, ensuring a structured approach to cybersecurity based on the sensitivity of the data being handled.

CMMC 2.0 Requirements Changes & Regulatory Basis

1. Streamlined CMMC Maturity Levels for Compliance

CMMC 2.0 reduces the number of maturity levels from five to three, making certification more straightforward. Each level defines specific security controls tailored to organizational needs. FileCloud ensures compliance at every stage with secure file sharing and robust data governance tools.

2. Alignment with NIST Standards for Cybersecurity

CMMC 2.0 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 & SP 800-172, reinforcing best practices in security controls, encryption, and access management. FileCloud enhances compliance through zero-trust architecture, role-based access control (RBAC), and automated security policies.

3. Importance of Self-Assessments in Compliance Readiness

Self-assessments are crucial for identifying security gaps before official audits. Organizations must document cybersecurity measures and risk management strategies to ensure readiness. FileCloud simplifies this process with real-time monitoring, audit logs, and compliance assessment tools.

4. Removal of Redundant Practices for Simplified Compliance

CMMC 2.0 eliminates unnecessary security practices from its previous version, focusing only on essential controls that protect federal contract data. (FileCloud’s automated compliance tracking and reporting also help reduce administrative overhead, making compliance easier to maintain.)

CMMC Requirements by Maturity Level

CMMC 2.0 Level 1: Foundational Security Controls for Data Protection

• For organizations handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).
• Requires basic cybersecurity measures, such as multi-factor authentication and secure file storage, described in FAR clause 52.204.21.
• FileCloud’s end-to-end encryption and granular access controls support Level 1 compliance.

CMMC 2.0 Level 2: Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures for Sensitive Data

• Applicable to companies managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Aligns with 110 controls described in NIST SP 800-171 (Rev 2) cybersecurity framework.
• FileCloud provides data loss prevention (DLP), secure collaboration, and audit trails.

CMMC 2.0 Level 3: Advanced Security for High-Value Government Data

• Requires the most stringent cybersecurity controls for high-risk government contracts.
• Includes continuous monitoring, risk management, and zero-trust security, based on the NIST SP 800-171 (Rev 2) framework and an additional 24 requirements from NIST SP 800-172.
• FileCloud enables compliance tracking, encryption policies, and insider threat protection

What is the Cost of CMMC Compliance?

The cost of achieving CMMC certification varies based on:

• Self-assessment expenses (internal review and gap analysis).
• Hiring a C3PAO (third-party assessments).
• Infrastructure improvements (security upgrades, compliance software).

FileCloud helps reduce costs by automating security controls, reducing compliance risks, and simplifying file management.

How FileCloud Supports CMMC Compliance

Achieving CMMC compliance requires a comprehensive approach to data security, access control, and risk management. FileCloud provides a robust platform tailored to defense contractors who intend to apply for government contracts and need to meet CMMC 2.0 requirements. Some FileCloud features that support file management requirements include:

• Secure File Sharing & Collaboration – Protects sensitive data with end-to-end encryption and granular access controls.
• Automated Compliance Tracking – Monitors security policies and provides real-time insights into compliance status.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) – Prevents unauthorized data access and ensures secure storage of FCI and CUI.
• Audit Logs & Reporting – Simplifies self-assessments and external audits by tracking all file activities.
• Zero-Trust Security Framework – Implements advanced security controls like role-based access, digital rights management, and multifactor authentication.

By integrating FileCloud into your IT infrastructure, your organization can streamline CMMC certification and invest in a cybersecurity posture for secure file management that aligns with DoD security standards.

Interested in learning more? Check out our CMMC 2.0 white paper or contact a FileCloud expert for a demo!

By Katie Gerhardt

Jr. Product Marketing Manager