Why should DoD companies keep IT budgets for DFARS assessments?

The federal government has tightened cybersecurity rules across the public sector in response to the rising threat of cyberwarfare. This is more evident than in any other business than national defense. The Department of Defense confronts a massive burden in combating risks posed by state-sponsored terrorists and the numerous other dangers it faces, with a worldwide supply chain of over 300,000 entities. If you intend to initiate bidding on DoD proposals (RFPs), you’ll need to receive a DFARS evaluation or hire DFARS consultant.

What are the standards for DFARS compliance?

Information security is an area that is continually expanding and becoming increasingly sophisticated. That is why the Department of Defense is working to standardize the rules that vendors must follow. To achieve the bare minimum standards, prospective suppliers must demonstrate that their business has proper security protocols and procedures in place and that any events are quickly disclosed to the media and authorities.

While this may appear basic, it’s vital to note that the term “sufficient security” encompasses a wide range of issues. DFARS is based on the NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity regulations and principles widely accepted. There are 14 different areas in the rules, spanning from network access to system and data integrity.

A DFARS evaluation should be included in your firm’s typical IT budget to guarantee you’re ready to satisfy the obligations.

#1. Get ready for a CMMC audit by a third party.

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations System (DFARS) was established in 2016 as a federal attempt to safeguard DoD contractors from the growing flood of cyberattacks. It primarily concerns the security of controlled unclassified information (CUI), but it also applies to any company doing business with the Department of Defense. To achieve compliance, the company must first implement the controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171, followed by a DFARS assessment.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was introduced in 2020 to improve and certify security based on the NIST framework. The critical distinction is that DFARS creates self-assessment criteria, whereas CMMC mandates a third-party assessment. That begins with a thorough DFARS evaluation to guarantee you’re prepared for the first set of formal CMMC audits.

#2. Increased security reduces operational risk.

A DFARS evaluation isn’t just for technology businesses or DoD contractors. It is one of the world’s most detailed collections of cybersecurity recommendations. Accountability is as much about learning as it is about being on the legal straight and narrow. It will assist you in reducing operational risk and allowing you to innovate while reducing your vulnerability to intrusions.

While all aerospace & automotive contractors are required by law to be DFARS compliant, building your cybersecurity program on the NIST journal is a tried and true technique to strengthen your defenses regardless of industry. After all, cyberattacks may affect any company of any size in any sector, and the consequences can be devastating. A DFARS compliance evaluation can assist you in lowering the hazards to your activities, distribution network, and credibility.

#3. Achieve higher-paying contracts.

The stronger your company’s security, the more likely it is to earn large contracts. For instance, if you receive the highest level of CMMC accreditation, you’ll be allowed to compete on the DoD’s most expensive RFPs. Even when you’re not actively operating in the defense industry, obtaining DFARS conformance validates your dedication to cybersecurity, which is a valuable selling point in and of itself.

Why should DoD companies keep IT budgets for DFARS assessments?
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