CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity in supply chains
COPPA
U.S. regulation protecting children's online privacy under 13
Quick Verdict
CMMC certifies cybersecurity maturity for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while COPPA mandates parental consent for child data collection by online operators. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, COPPA to avoid massive FTC fines.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to NIST standards
- Third-party C3PAO certifications for Level 2
- Mandatory flow-down to supply chain subcontractors
- Annual affirmations and triennial assessments
- POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure limits
COPPA
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Key Features
- Verifiable parental consent before collecting child data
- Targets child-directed websites, apps, and operators
- Expansive personal info definition including persistent IDs
- Parental access, review, and data deletion rights
- FTC enforcement with $43,792 per-violation fines
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 U.S. Department of Defense (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 maturity levels using a verification-based assessment approach.
Key Components
- Three cumulative levels: Level 1 (17 FAR controls), Level 2 (110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 practices), Level 3 (+24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements)
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response)
- Built on NIST standards with assessment methods (interview, examine, test)
- Certification model: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3); 3-year validity with annual affirmations
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI to secure contracts
- Reduces supply chain risks, prevents IP theft
- Enhances bid competitiveness, operational resilience
- Builds stakeholder trust via SPRS-verified status
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment, sustainment
- Key activities: SSP development, POA&M management, evidence collection
- Applies to all DIB sizes/industries; global but U.S.-focused
- Requires triennial certifications, annual affirmations (178 words)
COPPA Details
What It Is
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal regulation (16 CFR Part 312) enforced by the FTC. It protects children under 13 from unauthorized online data collection by commercial websites, apps, and services directed to kids or with actual knowledge of their users. Core purpose: empower parents with control via verifiable consent. Approach: strict, consent-based with expansive personal information definitions.
Key Components
- Verifiable parental consent (VPC) before collection/use/disclosure
- Clear privacy notices and policies
- Parental rights to access, review, delete data
- Data minimization, security safeguards
- Broad PII: names, geolocation, persistent IDs, audio/video Compliance via self-regulation, safe harbors; FTC enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
Avoids fines ($43,792/violation, e.g., YouTube $170M). Meets legal mandates for child-directed ops. Mitigates privacy risks, builds parent trust. Enables safe edtech/gaming; global applicability boosts reputation.
Implementation Overview
Assess audience (child-directed?), deploy age gates, VPC methods (credit card, video), policies. For commercial entities targeting U.S. kids worldwide. No formal certification; focuses on processes, audits, training. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | COPPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD contracts | Children's personal data privacy online |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base (DIB), US | Commercial websites/apps targeting kids, global |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contractors | Mandatory FTC regulation for child data |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | FTC audits/enforcement actions |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility/debarment | $43,792 per violation fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and COPPA
CMMC FAQ
COPPA FAQ
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