What This Means for Your Organization:
- Even well-intentioned DoD contractors may be less ready for CMMC than they think.
- Misunderstanding the flows for your data types (CUI vs. FCI), unclear responsibilities, and incomplete documentation are common red flags.
- Early gap analysis and structured planning make the path to CMMC achievable.
If you're a small or mid-sized contractor in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), you've likely heard about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). But just because you have a good IT department doesn't mean you're ready.
The truth? Many contractors who believe they're compliant still fall short when assessment time arrives. CMMC isn't just a policy checklist; it's a rigorous framework that requires evidence, systems, and culture. Here are five signs your organization isn't as ready as you think and what to do about it.
Reason #1: You Don't Understand Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
The most fundamental question of CMMC compliance is: Do you handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? The government dictates whether a contract involves handling CUI. CUI refers to sensitive government information that isn't classified but still requires safeguarding. Examples include technical drawings, specifications, and contract performance details.
- Red Flag: If your team doesn't understand if your contract handles CUI or how to label and protect it, you're not ready for Level 2.
- Fix: Review your contracts and subcontractor flowdowns. Total Assure can conduct a data flow analysis to determine where CUI exists in your environment and how to protect it.
Reason #2: Your System Security Plan (SSP) Is Generic or Outdated
A System Security Plan (SSP) is the backbone of your CMMC compliance. If yours is a downloaded template filled with boilerplate text, it will not pass an assessment.
- Red Flag: If you haven't updated your SSP in at least the last year or can't point to how it reflects your current network, policies, and tools, you're not ready.
- Fix: Create a living SSP that details your systems, data flows, security controls, and dependencies. Include diagrams, identify roles, and describe how each requirement is met. At Total Assure, we specialize in developing tailored SSPs that hold up in third-party assessments.
Reason #3: You Can't Produce Evidence for Your Security Controls
It's not enough to say you use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or conduct employee training, you have to prove it.
- Red Flag: If your IT team can't quickly provide logs, screenshots, or reports to show implementation of required controls, you will struggle in a CMMC assessment.
- Fix: Implement an internal evidence collection system. Consider using compliance dashboards, centralized logging, and automated reporting tools. Need help designing an assessment-friendly control environment? Our team can get you set up.
Reason #4: You Haven't Run a Security Awareness Training in the Past Year
CMMC isn't just about technology, it's about people. If your employees don't know what a phishing email looks like or how to handle sensitive information, your organization remains at risk.
- Red Flag: If cybersecurity training is "optional," generic, or hasn't been updated in the past year, you're behind.
- Fix: Launch a structured training program with role-based modules and mandatory attendance. Combine this with simulated phishing campaigns and awareness assessments. We help contractors roll out customized programs that check both compliance boxes and change behavior.
Reason #5: You Haven't Done a Readiness Assessment
One of the clearest signs of unreadiness? You haven't done a CMMC readiness assessment or gap analysis.
- Red Flag: If you haven't benchmarked your current practices against CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 requirements, there's no way to know how far you have to go.
- Fix: Schedule a readiness assessment today. Total Assure provides detailed gap reports, compliance roadmaps, and timelines tailored to your infrastructure and business model. Don't wait until a RFP requires compliance because you need to start preparing months in advance.
The earlier you catch these red flags, the faster and more cost-effectively you can correct them. Take the next step toward compliance by contacting Total Assure today for a free CMMC readiness consultation.
About Total Assure
Total Assure, a spin-off from IBSS, provides uninterrupted business operations with our dedicated 24/7/365 in-house SOC, robust managed security solutions, and expert consulting services. Total Assure provides cost-efficient, comprehensive, and scalable cybersecurity solutions that leverage 30 years of experience and expertise from IBSS. Total Assure partners with its customers to identify security gaps, develop attainable cybersecurity objectives, and deliver comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that protect their businesses from modern cybersecurity threats.
Check out our blog series on NIST SP 800-171.
For more information on how Total Assure can assist your organization in achieving NIST SP 800-171 compliance, please contact our team directly.
