CMMC
DoD framework for cybersecurity maturity certification in DIB
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity framework of 18 controls.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates NIST controls certification for DoD contractors handling FCI/CUI, ensuring supply chain security via third-party audits. CIS Controls offer voluntary, prioritized hygiene for all organizations, reducing common threats through phased Implementation Groups.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels protecting FCI, CUI, and APTs
- C3PAO third-party and DIBCAC government assessments
- Aligns with 110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 practices
- Mandatory flow-down to DoD subcontractors handling FCI/CUI
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closure timelines
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized controls with 153 actionable safeguards
- Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for phased maturity
- Detailed mappings to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, regulations
- Free CIS Benchmarks and CIS-CAT assessment tools
- Focus on asset inventory and vulnerability management
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 Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It employs a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 practices at Level 1, 110 at Level 2, and 24 enhanced at Level 3.
- Built on NIST controls; certification via self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), or DIBCAC (Level 3).
- System Security Plan (SSP), POA&Ms (limited 180-day closure), and SPRS/eMASS reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience against APTs, and provides competitive advantage in bids. Builds stakeholder trust via verified maturity.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; complex scoping for enclaves critical. Annual affirmations and triennial recertification required. (178 words)
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) v8.1 is a consensus-driven cybersecurity framework developed by the Center for Internet Security. It provides prioritized, actionable safeguards to mitigate common cyber threats across hybrid environments. Its control-based approach emphasizes essential cyber hygiene through 18 top-level controls and 153 detailed safeguards, organized into three Implementation Groups (IG1-IG3) for risk-based maturity progression.
Key Components
- 18 Controls spanning asset inventory, data protection, vulnerability management, incident response, and penetration testing.
- 153 Safeguards as testable, task-oriented actions.
- Built on real-world attack data; no formal certification, but self-assessed compliance via tools like CIS-CAT.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces breach risk via evidence-based prioritization (e.g., Ponemon studies show cost savings).
- Maps to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR for multi-framework efficiency.
- Builds stakeholder trust, supports insurance discounts, and enables competitive differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased roadmap: IG1 hygiene first (3-9 months), then IG2/IG3.
- Key activities: asset inventories, automation, training; applicable to all sizes/industries globally.
- No mandatory audits; uses Benchmarks and Navigator for assessment. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | NIST-based controls for FCI/CUI protection | 18 prioritized cyber hygiene safeguards |
| Industry | DoD contractors and subcontractors | All industries, sector-agnostic |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary best practices framework |
| Testing | C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Self-assessment via Implementation Groups |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility and debarment | No formal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and CIS Controls
CMMC FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria in Plain English: Side-by-Side Decoder for Security, Availability, and Beyond
Decode AICPA Trust Services Criteria from auditor jargon to plain English with side-by-side tables, analogies & TL;DRs. CISOs & founders: implement SOC 2 contro
Decoding Tomorrow's Regulations: How Advanced Compliance Tools Predict and Prepare for Future Shifts
Advanced compliance tools use AI, analytics & real-time monitoring to predict regulatory shifts, cut non-compliance costs 3x, and ensure audit readiness. Stay p
From Reactive Gatekeeper to Proactive Strategist: How Compliance Software Reshapes the Compliance Professional's Day
Discover how compliance software automates monitoring, delivers real-time insights, and transforms compliance pros from reactive gatekeepers to proactive strate
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
UL Certification vs POPIA
UL Certification vs POPIA: Compare safety standards & data privacy laws. Key differences, compliance strategies for global success. Master risks now! (140)
PIPL vs FDA 21 CFR Part 11
Compare PIPL vs FDA 21 CFR Part 11: Unpack China's strict privacy law against US electronic records rules. Key differences, compliance strategies, and global risk insights. Dive in now!
PCI DSS vs CSL (Cyber Security Law of China)
PCI DSS vs CSL (Cyber Security Law of China): Compare key requirements, compliance strategies, data rules & penalties. Secure payments & China ops—expert insights now!