What Are The Costs Associated With A CMMC Audit?
Achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a major requirement for Defense Industrial Base (DIB) entities to receive contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). This certification helps ensure contractors have a robust cybersecurity stance to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and sensitive information.
However, becoming CMMC compliant is not without cost, and having an idea of what is involved is vital for budgeting and planning for compliance.
As a result, the cost of a CMMC audit can be highly variable depending on numerous factors, including the level of certification necessary and whether consultants would be hired from outside. For instance, while many companies require minimal compliance changes, others require substantial system upgrades.
This article discusses the cost of a CMMC audit and how companies can prepare for the investment.
1. Certification Level Requirements Cost
The CMMC framework is structured in layers, each with increasing security requirements. Ideally, the level a business needs to achieve directly impacts the cost of the audit. For example, a CMMC audit for Level 1 certification focusing on basic cybersecurity hygiene is generally more affordable since the requirements are minimal and straightforward.
However, level 2 and Level 3 certifications demand more advanced security controls, risk management, and monitoring. These advanced stages involve huge investments in preparation and assessment fees.
Additionally, achieving a higher certification means implementing more cybersecurity policies, tools, and procedures, which further increase costs.
So, companies need to carefully determine what level is required for their contracts so that they do not pay more than they need to but stay compliant.
2. Existing Cybersecurity Posture and Readiness Cost
The current cybersecurity controls in a company play a big role in the cost of a CMMC audit. Businesses with strong cybersecurity systems that align with CMMC standards may need only minor adjustments before the audit, keeping expenses relatively low.
In contrast, insecurely configured firms can require considerable remediation, such as firewall updates, multi-factor authentication, and increased data encryption. These additional security investments can be a primary cost driver in CMMC compliance.
A pre-audit or gap assessment can determine the improvements that must be made. This is an added expense but helps the organization correct its weaknesses before the official audit, reducing the likelihood of failing and having to retake the assessment.
3. Consulting and Preparation Costs
Most companies hire external consultants or cybersecurity firms to help with CMMC compliance. These firms lead companies through the process, identify gaps, and assist in implementing necessary security protocols.
Readiness evaluations, formulation of policies, training staff, and review of documents typically constitute consulting services. The cost for such services is established by the level of expertise in the organization and the consultant, as well as the complexity of the work.
In addition, hiring a consultant does come with an added cost, but it is worth it to become certified easily and avoid costly mistakes.
In most cases, an experienced CMMC consultant can expedite the process, save time, and avoid the cost of possible rework.
4. Assessment and Certification Fees
The CMMC assessment is done by a Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO), with a charge for assessment against CMMC requirements. The evaluation cost is variable and is set by certification level, company size, and complexity of the organizational environment.
Formal CMMC assessments range from several thousand to over a hundred thousand dollars. There are less expensive options for smaller businesses that want Level 1 certification, but larger businesses that want Level 2 or Level 3 certification should expect much more expensive prices.
Ideally, if the organization does not pass the initial audit, further evaluations or corrective actions can be scheduled. These further evaluations cost more. Proper preparation before the official assessment is necessary to avoid unnecessary expenses.
5. Remediation and Implementation Costs
Once a company identifies security gaps that must be addressed before the CMMC audit, remediation efforts must be initiated. The remediation cost is measured by the degree of security enhancements that must be implemented.
The usual remediation costs include IT infrastructure updates, the purchase of cybersecurity tools, the implementation of new security policies, and training personnel. Security upgrades, in addition to ensuring compliance, make the organization more resistant to cyberattacks.
For organizations with limited internal cybersecurity expertise, hiring managed security service providers (MSSPs) is an additional expense. MSSPs deliver continuous monitoring, response, and compliance management, which can help keep organizations CMMC-certified in the long run.
6. Ongoing Maintenance and Recertification Costs
CMMC compliance is continuous, not something that is done once. Organizations, therefore, need to maintain their posture for security and adhere to CMMC guidelines continually to be in compliance.
There must be regular audits, updates, and employee training so that the organization always complies with CMMC requirements. Budgeting for the cost of recertification should also be anticipated since CMMC certification is valid for a limited time before it must be renewed.
Failure to comply would result in a loss of certification, and the company would be forced to undergo the assessment process again.
Hence, being proactive with cybersecurity avoids additional expenses associated with noncompliance.
Wrapping Up
The price for a CMMC audit is based on certification level, firm size, existing cybersecurity measures, and the level of outside assistance required. Compliance does cost something, but it is obligatory for entities that want to secure and maintain DoD contracts.
With the knowledge of all the cost factors and prior planning, firms can devise a cost-effective plan for reducing expenses and achieving CMMC certification. Spending on cybersecurity does more than just meet the requirements; it also enhances the overall resilience of an organization against cyberattacks.
