Yesterday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released Memorandum M-22-18, implementing software supply chain security requirements that will have a significant impact on software companies and vendors in accordance with Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity. The Memorandum requires all federal agencies and their software suppliers to comply with the NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), NIST SP 800-218, and the NIST Software Supply Chain Security Guidance whenever third-party software is used on government information systems or otherwise affects government information. The term “software” includes firmware, operating systems, applications, and application services (e.g., cloud-based software), as well as products containing software. It is critical to note that these requirements will apply whenever there is a major version update or new software that the government will be using.
No Summer Break for Cyber: Newly Unveiled CMMC Assessment Process Provides Industry with Upcoming Assessment Insights
After much anticipation, the Cyber AB, formerly known as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Accreditation Body, recently released its pre-decisional draft CMMC Assessment Process (CAP). The CAP describes the overarching procedures and guidance that CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) will use to assess entities seeking CMMC certification. The current version of the CAP applies to contractors requiring CMMC Level 2 certification, which will likely be most contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) based on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) provisional scoping guidance for CMMC 2.0.
CMMC 2.0: DoD Unveils Sweeping Changes Streamlining CMMC Requirements
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced significant changes to its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program intended to simplify the requirements and ease the compliance burden on contractors. Unlike its predecessor, the new CMMC 2.0 moves to three compliance levels rather than five; aligns the required security controls (known as practices) with National Institute
Byte-Sized Q&A: What is Covered Defense Information?
In this episode, hosts Evan Wolff and Kate Growley talk with Michael Gruden about what government contractors need to know about covered defense information or CDI. Crowell & Moring’s “Byte-Sized Q&A” podcast takes the complex world of government contracts cybersecurity and breaks it down into byte-sized pieces.
Listen: Crowell.com | PodBean | SoundCloud |
Byte-Sized Q&A: What is Controlled Unclassified Information?
In this episode, hosts Evan Wolff and Kate Growley talk with Michael Gruden about what government contractors need to know about controlled unclassified information or CUI. Crowell & Moring’s “Byte-Sized Q&A” podcast takes the complex world of government contracts cybersecurity and breaks it down into byte-sized pieces.
Listen: Crowell.com | PodBean | SoundCloud |
Byte-Sized Q&A: What is Federal Contract Information?
In this episode, hosts Evan Wolff and Kate Growley talk with Michael Gruden about what government contractors need to know about Federal Contract Information or FCI. Crowell & Moring’s “Byte-Sized Q&A” podcast takes the complex world of government contracts cybersecurity and breaks it down into byte-sized pieces.
Listen: Crowell.com | PodBean | SoundCloud |
NIST Finalizes Enhanced Security Requirements for Combating Advanced Cyber Threats
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released the final version of NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-172, Enhanced Security Requirements for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information. Designed to supplement the requirements in NIST SP 800-171—the applicable standard under DFARS 252.204-7012—800-172 provides 35 enhanced security requirements to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) associated with
DoD and GSA Take Aim at Supply Chain Risks
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently implemented additional procedures for the mitigation of cybersecurity risks in its supply chain. Designed to identify and mitigate cybersecurity and related supply chain risks throughout a program’s lifecycle, DoD Instruction 5000.90, Cybersecurity Acquisition Decision Authorities and Program Managers, requires program managers to:
- Assess contractors’ cybersecurity posture, including, where
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021: Need-to-Know Provisions for Government Contractors
On December 11, 2020, Congress presented to President Trump H.R. 6395, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. On December 23, 2020, President Trump vetoed the bill. Subsequently, the House voted on December 28, 2020 and the Senate voted on January 1, 2021 to override the veto.
This Act contains numerous provisions that
DoD’s Stocking Stuffer: Defense Department Announces Proposed CMMC Pilot Programs
This week, the DoD announced the first group of pilot programs under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Although still under review, these programs will likely be among a small group to issue solicitations in FY2021 that will require a CMMC certificate to be eligible for award. The DoD expects to identify eight other programs