CMMC
DoD certification framework for DIB cybersecurity maturity
ISO 26000
International guidance standard for social responsibility.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while ISO 26000 offers voluntary guidance on social responsibility principles for all organizations. DoD firms adopt CMMC for contracts; others use ISO 26000 for ethical governance and stakeholder trust.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)
Key Features
- Three cumulative certification levels for FCI/CUI
- C3PAO third-party assessments for Level 2
- DIBCAC exclusive assessments for Level 3
- NIST 800-171/172 aligned control sets
- Scoped enclaves with flow-down mandates
ISO 26000
ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility
Key Features
- Seven core subjects for holistic SR coverage
- Seven principles as cross-cutting decision criteria
- Non-certifiable guidance for all organizations
- Stakeholder engagement for prioritization
- Integration throughout governance and operations
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 program ensuring 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 subsets of NIST SP 800-172.
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with Level 1 (15 practices), Level 2 (110), Level 3 (24 enhanced).
- Assessment via self-assessment, C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3).
- System Security Plans (SSP), limited POA&Ms (180-day closure), SPRS/eMASS reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contract eligibility, avoiding disqualification.
- Mitigates supply chain risks, reduces incidents, lowers costs.
- Provides competitive edge, primes prefer certified subs.
- Builds trust, supports M&A diligence.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased approachscoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment, sustainment.
- Targets DIB primes/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI.
- 3-year certification, annual affirmations; enclaves for flexibility.
ISO 26000 Details
What It Is
ISO 26000:2010 is an international guidance standard on social responsibility (SR). It provides voluntary, non-certifiable advice for all organizations to integrate SR into operations. Its principles-based approach emphasizes holistic assessment of impacts, stakeholder engagement, and context-specific prioritization.
Key Components
- **Seven principlesAccountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms, human rights.
- **Seven core subjectsOrganizational governance, human rights, labor practices, environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, community involvement.
- No fixed controls; focuses on guidance for integration.
- Non-certifiable model relies on self-assessment and transparent reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances sustainability commitment, risk management, and stakeholder trust.
- Aligns with SDGs, OECD, GRI for credibility.
- Drives resilience, efficiency, and competitive differentiation without certification burdens.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: materiality assessment, stakeholder engagement, policy integration, training.
- Applies universally across sizes, sectors, geographies.
- No audits; uses ISO Communication Protocol for claims.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | ISO 26000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Social responsibility across 7 core subjects |
| Industry | DoD contractors and subcontractors | All organizations, all sectors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for contracts | Voluntary non-certifiable guidance |
| Testing | Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years | Self-assessment, no formal testing required |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No penalties, reputational risks only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and ISO 26000
CMMC FAQ
ISO 26000 FAQ
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