Standards Comparison

    CMMC

    Mandatory
    2021

    DoD certification model for DIB cybersecurity maturity

    VS

    CCPA

    Mandatory
    2020

    California regulation for consumer data privacy rights

    Quick Verdict

    CMMC certifies DoD contractors' cybersecurity for FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, ensuring supply chain protection. CCPA mandates California businesses grant residents data rights like deletion/opt-out. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, CCPA to avoid fines and build trust.

    Cybersecurity Maturity

    CMMC

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Tiered three-level certification aligning to FCI, CUI, APTs
    • C3PAO/DIBCAC third-party assessments beyond self-attestation
    • Direct mapping to 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls
    • POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures for remediation
    • SPRS affirmations and subcontractor flow-down mandates
    Data Privacy

    CCPA

    California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Consumer rights to know, delete, opt-out, correct data
    • Thresholds: $25M revenue or 100K+ CA consumers/devices
    • Mandatory privacy notices at collection points
    • Honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) opt-out signals
    • Fines up to $7,500 per violation by CPPA

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    CMMC Details

    What It Is

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is a DoD certification framework verifying cybersecurity protections for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It ensures safeguarding of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through tiered levels using a risk-based, maturity model approach mapped to NIST SP 800-171 and FAR 52.204-21.

    Key Components

    • Three cumulative levels: Level 1 (17 FAR practices), Level 2 (110 NIST 800-171 controls across 14 domains like Access Control), Level 3 (+24 NIST 800-172 enhancements).
    • Assessment methods: self-assessments, C3PAO third-party, DIBCAC government-led.
    • Core elements: System Security Plans (SSP), POA&Ms (180-day limits), SPRS/eMASS reporting.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI; non-compliance risks contract ineligibility. Drives operational resilience, reduces breach costs, enhances bid competitiveness, builds supply-chain trust via flow-down requirements.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scoping/gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires evidence collection, training, continuous monitoring. Typical for SMEs: 6-12 months, budgets $100K+.

    CCPA Details

    What It Is

    The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), is a state regulation granting California residents rights over their personal information. It applies to for-profit businesses meeting thresholds like $25 million revenue or handling data of 100,000+ consumers. The approach is rights-based, emphasizing consumer control through opt-out mechanisms and data minimization.

    Key Components

    • Core consumer rights: know, delete, opt-out of sales/sharing, correct, limit sensitive data use.
    • Obligations: privacy notices, data mapping, vendor contracts, DSAR handling within 45 days.
    • Built on broad personal information definition, including inferences and household data.
    • Enforcement by CPPA and Attorney General; no formal certification, but audits required.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandatory for qualifying businesses to avoid fines ($2,500-$7,500/violation) and breach litigation ($100-$750/consumer). Enhances trust, reduces data risks, enables market access, aligns with GDPR-like regimes for efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scoping/gap analysis (0-3 months), policies/contracts (1-4 months), technical controls (2-6 months), ongoing operations/audits. Targets data-heavy industries globally if serving California; requires cross-functional teams, automation tools.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CMMC
    Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD contracts
    CCPA
    Consumer privacy rights over personal information

    Industry

    CMMC
    Defense Industrial Base (DIB), US contractors
    CCPA
    Any business meeting CA revenue/data thresholds

    Nature

    CMMC
    Mandatory certification for DoD contracts
    CCPA
    Mandatory state regulation with fines

    Testing

    CMMC
    Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years
    CCPA
    No formal certification; internal audits

    Penalties

    CMMC
    Contract ineligibility, no direct fines
    CCPA
    $2,500-$7,500 per violation + breach actions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CMMC and CCPA

    CMMC FAQ

    CCPA FAQ

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