CMMC-AB

The Cyber-AB (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body) is an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for overseeing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) ecosystem. The Cyber-AB plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the CMMC framework, which is designed to enhance cybersecurity practices across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) by ensuring that contractors meet specific security requirements for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Key Roles and Responsibilities of the Cyber-AB:

1 - Accreditation and Certification:

The Cyber-AB is responsible for accrediting third-party organizations that conduct CMMC assessments, known as Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs).

The Cyber-AB ensures that C3PAOs adhere to strict standards and are qualified to perform audits and assessments of contractors seeking CMMC certification.

It also certifies Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs), who are individual professionals trained and qualified to perform CMMC assessments.

2 - Oversight of the CMMC Ecosystem:

The Cyber-AB manages and oversees the entire CMMC ecosystem, ensuring that all parties involved—such as C3PAOs, certified assessors, and organizations seeking certification—comply with the established guidelines and processes of the CMMC framework. It acts as the governing authority that provides the official procedures and guidance for how the CMMC process should be carried out across the DIB.

3 - Training and Credentialing:

The Cyber-AB develops and maintains the training programs for CMMC professionals, including Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs).

The training ensures that individuals involved in the CMMC process are fully knowledgeable of the CMMC model, NIST 800-171, and the requirements for assessing organizations for cybersecurity maturity.

The Cyber-AB also oversees credentialing programs for individuals involved in CMMC assessments, such as assessors and support personnel.

4 - CMMC Assessment and Certification Framework:

The Cyber-AB is responsible for the CMMC assessment process, including defining the procedures for how assessments are conducted, how results are verified, and how certification decisions are made.

It ensures that certified organizations meet the appropriate level of security maturity based on the CMMC 2.0 levels (1 through 3).

5 - Liaison Between Government and Industry:

The Cyber-AB acts as a liaison between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the industry. It communicates updates, policy changes, and feedback from the DoD to C3PAOs, certified assessors, and defense contractors. The organization works closely with the DoD’s Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), which oversees the implementation of CMMC requirements for federal contractors.

6 - Protecting the Integrity of CMMC:

The Cyber-AB is responsible for protecting the integrity of the CMMC certification process by ensuring that assessments are conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with the CMMC guidelines. It monitors and enforces ethical standards among certified assessors and C3PAOs, ensuring that certifications are credible and valid.

Structure of the Cyber-AB:

The Cyber-AB operates as a nonprofit organization and has a board of directors and an executive leadership team that provide strategic direction and oversight. The board is made up of cybersecurity professionals, industry experts, and representatives from the DIB who help shape the policies and initiatives of the organization.

The Cyber-AB also works closely with advisory groups and committees that provide input and feedback on the CMMC framework and its implementation across different industries.

Key Components of the CMMC Ecosystem Managed by the Cyber-AB:

1 - Certified Third-Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs):

C3PAOs are independent organizations accredited by the Cyber-AB to perform CMMC assessments. These organizations are qualified to assess contractors seeking CMMC certification.

2 - Certified CMMC Assessors (CCAs):

CCAs are individual professionals who have been trained and certified by the Cyber-AB to conduct CMMC assessments. These assessors are typically affiliated with C3PAOs and are responsible for evaluating contractors against the CMMC requirements.

3 - Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs):

CCPs are individuals trained in the CMMC framework who support the assessment process and provide guidance to organizations seeking certification. While they are not authorized to lead assessments, they are critical in helping prepare organizations for the CMMC process.

4 - Certified Organizations:

Organizations in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) that are required to obtain CMMC certification to handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) work with certified assessors and C3PAOs to obtain the appropriate CMMC level of certification.

CMMC 2.0 and the Cyber-AB’s Role:

With the transition to CMMC 2.0, the Cyber-AB plays a critical role in implementing the updated model, which simplifies the original five levels of CMMC to three levels. Key elements of CMMC 2.0 include:

Level 1 (Foundational): Self-assessments for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI).
Level 2 (Advanced): Third-party assessments for contractors handling CUI.
Level 3 (Expert): Advanced security controls with government-led assessments for the highest level of cybersecurity maturity.

The Cyber-AB is tasked with overseeing the changes and ensuring that the assessment process under CMMC 2.0 remains effective, while also ensuring that contractors adhere to the new self-assessment options or third-party assessment requirements.

Benefits of the Cyber-AB’s Role:

Standardization of Cybersecurity Assessments: The Cyber-AB ensures that assessments are standardized and consistently applied across all defense contractors, leading to greater cybersecurity resilience within the DIB.

Quality Control: By accrediting assessors and C3PAOs, the Cyber-AB ensures that only qualified professionals conduct assessments, thereby maintaining the credibility and integrity of the CMMC process.

Industry Support and Guidance: The Cyber-AB provides training, resources, and guidance to help organizations within the DIB understand and meet CMMC requirements, reducing confusion and easing the certification process.

Bridge Between Government and Industry: Acting as the liaison between the DoD and defense contractors, the Cyber-AB facilitates communication, feedback, and updates related to cybersecurity requirements and CMMC policies.

Summary:

The Cyber-AB (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Accreditation Body) plays a critical role in the successful implementation of the CMMC framework. It oversees the accreditation of third-party assessors and organizations, manages the training and certification of CMMC professionals, and ensures that cybersecurity assessments are conducted consistently and fairly across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Through its efforts, the Cyber-AB helps enhance the security of organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and improves the overall cybersecurity posture of the DIB, ensuring compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements.