CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity for FCI and CUI
FERPA
U.S. federal regulation for student education records privacy
Quick Verdict
CMMC certifies DoD contractors' cybersecurity for FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while FERPA protects student education records privacy in schools through access, amendment, and consent rights. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, FERPA to safeguard funding and trust.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligned to NIST/FAR controls
- C3PAO and DIBCAC third-party assessments required
- Mandatory flow-down across DIB supply chains
- Scoped enclaves for targeted FCI/CUI protection
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Key Features
- Rights to inspect, amend, consent to PII disclosures
- Expansive PII definition with re-identification risks
- Enumerated exceptions like school officials and emergencies
- Annual notifications specifying procedures and criteria
- Mandatory recordkeeping of disclosures and requests
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 uses a tiered, risk-based model with three cumulative levels.
Key Components
- **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 FAR 52.204-21 practices), Level 2 (110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls), Level 3 (+24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements).
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response).
- Assessment via self, C3PAO, or DIBCAC; SPRS/eMASS reporting; limited POA&Ms (180 days).
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience against APTs. Provides competitive edge, operational maturity, and trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping/gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection, annual affirmations, triennial recertification. (178 words)
FERPA Details
What It Is
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. federal statute (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) regulating privacy of student education records. It applies to institutions receiving federal education funds, using a rights-based approach to balance privacy with educational needs.
Key Components
- Core rights: inspect records (45 days), amend inaccuracies, consent to PII disclosures.
- Disclosure rules: prior consent required, 15+ exceptions (school officials, emergencies, directory info).
- Obligations: annual notices, disclosure logs, vendor controls.
- No certification; compliance via DOE enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for funded K-12/postsecondary institutions.
- Prevents fund loss, lawsuits, reputational harm.
- Builds family trust, enables secure edtech/data sharing.
- Supports innovation with controlled exceptions.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, data inventory/classification, policies/training, RBAC/security, vendor DPAs, audits.
- Suits all funded education entities; self-compliance with complaint-based audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | FERPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD contracts | Privacy of student education records/PII |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors | Educational institutions receiving fed funds |
| Nature | Mandatory certification program | Mandatory privacy regulation |
| Testing | Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years | Internal audits, complaint investigations |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | Federal funding withholding, enforcement actions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and FERPA
CMMC FAQ
FERPA FAQ
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