If you’re a surface finisher working with the Department of Defense (DoD) or thinking about it, you’ve likely heard about Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
It’s the DoD’s new standard for ensuring companies they work with have strong cybersecurity. In other words, if you want those lucrative DoD contracts, you must quickly tighten up your digital defenses and be compliant.
But the real question as a finisher is, why should you care? And more importantly, how can you make this work for your finishing business without draining time and money?
What is Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification?
CMMC was introduced in 2019 to protect sensitive information within the defense supply chain. Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or a small business such as a finishing operation hoping to land a government gig, you’ll soon need to prove that your systems comply with CMMC standards. In short, without finishing organizations seeking CMMC, there are no defense contracts.
As 2024 ends and CMMC is finalized, businesses like surface finishers require certification to be awarded new contracts. Every company dealing with the DoD will have to comply.
RaptorGuard Cybersecurity recently partnered with Freedom Metal Finishing in Florida, led by Keith Eidschun, to ensure the company met CMMC standards. By addressing vulnerabilities in their systems, RaptorGuard helped protect valuable contracts with clients like Lockheed Martin. This partnership shows how meeting CMMC standards can be key for businesses that want to secure government-related work and keep valuable clients. Read more about this work athttps://finishingandcoating.com/index.php/plating/1876-finishing-shops-ramping-up-cyber-security-to-maintain-customer-relationships.
Should You Care About Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification timeline chart.If you think cyberattacks only concern big corporations, think again. Roughly 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are prepared to defend themselves. Unfortunately, 60% of all small businesses do not recover from an attack. Hackers know that small businesses often don’t have the same defenses as large enterprises, making them easy prey. A successful attack can cost you much more than lost contracts—it could mean reputation damage, lost customers, and expensive recovery efforts.
CMMC compliance forces you to level up your cybersecurity, giving you a better chance to protect your company from hackers, data breaches, and cyber threats that can cripple your business.
How Does CMMC Affect Your Finishing Business?
CMMC is incredibly complex, requiring careful information management and organizational changes to support that effort.
The information must be handled securely according to the standards set out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s NIST 800-171. The business and technical processes must adhere to the policies implemented to secure the environment and mitigate risk. Continual efforts in maintenance and validation are critical to CMMC.
The bottom line is that smaller businesses — such as surface finishers that handle sensitive data — will have stringent requirements. These businesses are responsible for self-assessing, self-attesting, and achieving third-party certification.
The Bigger Picture: How CMMC Can Help You Grow?
It’s easy to see CMMC as just another regulation to hurdle. But look at the bigger picture as to how it will benefit your finishing operation:
- Winning more contracts: A CMMC certification isn’t just a stamp of approval—it’s a competitive advantage. Businesses that meet DoD’s cybersecurity standards are more attractive to potential partners and clients, giving you a leg over competitors.
- Building trust: In today’s world, trust is currency. Showing that you take cybersecurity seriously builds confidence with your clients and partners. It shows that you value their data and are serious about protecting it.
- Securing your shop’s future: As the world becomes more digital, the risk of cyberattacks only increases. Compliant compliance strengthens your business for a future where cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential.
What Will It Cost Your Finishing Operation?
A CMMC timeline.Here’s where it gets tricky: strengthening your cybersecurity is critical but comes with a price tag. Whether it’s new software, hardware upgrades, employee training, or hiring cybersecurity experts, complying with CMMC isn’t cheap.
But before you panic about costs, consider the price of not complying could be far higher. Losing access to DoD contracts — or any future government work — isn’t something most businesses can afford. On the other hand, once you’re certified, you could open doors to even more contracts, gaining a competitive edge over non-compliant businesses.
Ways to Simplify the Process
Cybersecurity may feel like uncharted territory, but trying to handle it all yourself can cost you more in the long run. A valuable place to start is with a consultation, then hire a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) or have a cybersecurity firm come in for an assessment. Here’s why outsourcing this headache makes sense:
- Expertise: Just like you wouldn’t fix a car without a mechanic, you shouldn’t try to handle cybersecurity without the right expertise. MSSPs have the knowledge to navigate CMMC compliance efficiently and effectively.
- Time: You’re running a business, and time is money. Let cybersecurity experts handle the intricate details while you focus on growing your business.
- Avoid Mistakes: Missteps in compliance could cost you contracts or lead to penalties. MSSPs ensure everything is done right in this complex process.
- 24/7 Protection: Cyber threats don’t take holidays. With MSSPs, your systems will be monitored 24/7, keeping threats at bay even while you sleep.
- Keeping Up with the Rules: The world of cybersecurity changes fast, and staying compliant means keeping up with new regulations. An MSSP does that for you, so you don’t have to.
The Bottom Line for Finishers
Wilson and his team at RaptorGuard meet to discuss a client's needs. CMMC requirements are here whether you're ready or not. Instead of seeing it as just another obstacle, consider it a chance to grow and protect your business. Sure, it takes time and money, but it also brings new opportunities and helps safeguard everything you’ve worked hard to build.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start now by finding the right partner to guide you through the process. A trusted cybersecurity company can make things easier by streamlining your compliance process without wasting time or overspending. With the right partner, you won’t just meet the requirements but also protect your business and maintain a competitive edge.
After all, what’s the point of growing your business if you don’t have a way to sustain and protect it?
Josh Wilson is the Partner and CEO of RaptorGuard, which has helped surface finishing companies meet CMMC compliance requirements. Visit www.raptorguardllc.com.
