Are you a small defense contractor looking to meet the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance requirements ? Look no further than ChatGPT! As a large language model trained by OpenAI, ChatGPT can provide step-by-step guidance and solutions to satisfy the CMMC Level 2 Access Control practices and assessment objectives. This article has compiled a list of recommended administrative and technical controls to help small defense contractors secure their intellectual property and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), with ChatGPT's expertise leading the way. Following the guidance outlined in this article, you can safeguard your business against cyber threats and ensure that you meet the CMMC requirements. So let's get started:
Limit information system access to authorized users
The first step to securing your systems and sensitive data is to ensure that only authorized users have access. To achieve this, you'll need to develop and enforce an access control policy that outlines who has access to what systems and data. For example, you can use a solution like Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to enforce access control measures. ISE can help you identify, monitor, and control your systems and data access.
Control external system connections
It's essential to verify and control/limit connections to and use of external information systems. You can develop an external system connection policy and use a solution like Cisco Wireless LAN Controller, Aruba Wireless Access Point, or Cisco AnyConnect to secure wireless access. Use encryption and authentication to protect remote access sessions and limit the use of portable storage devices on external systems.
Control information posted on publicly accessible information systems
It's essential to control the flow of information on publicly accessible information systems. Make sure you have a public information system control policy and use a solution like Graylog or Splunk to collect and analyze audit logs. Graylog and Splunk can help you to monitor your systems and data for any unusual activity.
Implementation Time: Implementing Graylog or Splunk can take up to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your systems and the amount of data you need to collect and analyze.
Protect CUI in accordance with approved authorizations
Make sure you have a CUI control policy in place, and consider using encryption solutions like BitLocker or Symantec Endpoint Protection to encrypt sensitive data on laptops and removable media.
Example Solution:
Symantec Endpoint Protection provides advanced encryption for your sensitive data, including CUI. It's easy to implement and manage and offers strong protection for your data.
Enforce least privilege and separation of duties
Employ the principle of least privilege and separation of duties to reduce the risk of malicious activity without collusion. You can use Microsoft Active Directory or Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to enforce strong identification and authentication measures. These solutions can help you to manage user access and permissions effectively.
Use auditing and monitoring solutions
Use auditing and monitoring solutions like Graylog or Splunk to collect and analyze audit logs, and use IBM QRadar or Splunk Enterprise Security to detect and respond to security incidents. These solutions can help you to detect and respond to security incidents in real-time.
Example Solution:
IBM QRadar provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities. It can help you to identify security threats, prioritize alerts, and respond to incidents quickly and effectively.
Develop and implement policies and procedures Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure that your security controls are being implemented consistently and effectively. Use Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager or Symantec Endpoint Protection to manage and control software updates and patches.
Securing CUI is essential for meeting the CMMC Level 2 Access Control practices and assessment objectives. By following the recommended administrative and technical controls outlined in this article with the help of ChatGPT, you can protect your systems and data from cyber threats and gain the trust of your clients. However, we understand that implementing these controls may be daunting. If you need assistance navigating these changes and ensuring compliance with the new rules, don't hesitate to reach out to the experts at Aspire Cyber. Contact us at info@aspirecyber.com for expert guidance and support. And don't forget to stay tuned for the 14-part series by Certified CMMC Assessor and Provisional Instructor Derrich Phillips, where he deep dives into all 14 CMMC Level 2 domains. You can meet the CMMC requirements and take your small defense business to new heights with the proper guidance, tools, and expertise.