CMMC
DoD certification verifying DIB cybersecurity for FCI and CUI
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud-specific information security controls
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates verified cybersecurity for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud-specific controls guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Organizations adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; ISO 27017 for global cloud assurance.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0
Key Features
- Three-tiered certification: Level 1 FCI, Level 2 CUI, Level 3 APTs
- Third-party C3PAO assessments verifying Level 2 NIST compliance
- DIBCAC-exclusive government assessments for Level 3 enhancements
- Strict 180-day POA&M closure requirements preventing delays
- Mandatory subcontractor flow-down via DFARS contract clauses
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security controls
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD controls for multi-tenancy
- Provides guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls for cloud
- Addresses virtual machine hardening and segregation
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 ISMS audits
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 program ensuring cybersecurity protections in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It employs a tiered, cumulative model with three levels, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (110 controls), and NIST SP 800-172 (24 enhancements) via verified assessments.
Key Components
- 14 domains like Access Control, Incident Response, Risk Assessment
- Level 1: 17 basic practices; Level 2: 110 NIST controls; Level 3: +24 APT defenses
- Assessments: self (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3)
- SSP, limited POA&Ms (180 days), SPRS/eMASS reporting
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contracts; ineligibility without certification
- Reduces supply chain risks, breach costs, enhances resilience
- Procurement advantage, primes prefer certified subs
- Builds trust, aligns with NIST for broader maturity
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping/gaps, remediation, assessment, sustainment
- Targets DIB primes/subcontractors; enclave scoping for efficiency
- Triennial certifications, annual affirmations; budgets $100K+ for SMEs
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific guidance. It provides implementation advice for information security controls in cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models. Its risk-based approach adapts generic controls to cloud risks like multi-tenancy and shared responsibilities.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls plus 7 additional cloud-specific CLD controls.
- Covers domains like access control, operations security, and supplier relationships.
- Built on ISO 27001 ISMS; not standalone certification.
- Dual perspectives for CSPs and CSCs.
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud gaps in baseline standards.
- Enhances regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR) and procurement trust.
- Reduces risks from misconfigurations and unclear roles.
- Provides competitive edge via auditable cloud security posture.
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment and SoA updates.
- Key activities: map controls, configure cloud environments, document responsibilities.
- Suits CSPs, CSCs of all sizes; global applicability.
- Audited as part of ISO 27001 certification (joint audits 9-12 months).
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | DoD FCI/CUI protection, 3 levels, 171 practices | Cloud-specific security controls, 7 CLD + 37 guidance |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors, US-focused | Cloud providers/customers, global applicability |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program | Voluntary ISO code of practice |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and ISO 27017
CMMC FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
Thailand PDPA Implementation Guide: Subordinate Regulations for 72-Hour Breach Reporting and Cross-Border Transfers (2022-2024 Rules)
Step-by-step Thailand PDPA guide: 72-hour breach notifications, cross-border transfers (2022-2024 rules). Risk checklists, GDPR templates avoid THB 5M fines. Mu
Beyond the Checkbox: Why Maturity Assessments are the Secret to Sustainable Compliance
Discover why maturity assessments beat binary compliance checks by uncovering hidden gaps and enabling continuous improvement for sustainable success. Read now!
Top 5 Reasons Automation Tools Like Vanta Slash SOC 2 Type 2 Timelines from Months to Weeks
Automation tools like Vanta cut SOC 2 Type 2 prep from 6 months to 6 weeks, saving 70% costs. See SignWell examples, AWS/Okta/GitHub integrations. CISOs: Get fi
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
LGPD vs ISO 28000
Compare LGPD vs ISO 28000: Brazil's data privacy powerhouse meets supply chain security gold standard. Unlock synergies for compliant, resilient ops in Brazil's $2T economy. Align today!
ISO 31000 vs ISO 21001
Discover ISO 31000 vs ISO 21001: Risk guidelines vs educational management systems. Compare principles, frameworks & implementation for resilient organizations. Choose now!
CMMC vs J-SOX
Compare CMMC vs J-SOX: DoD cybersecurity tiers for DIB vs Japan's ICFR rules. Master key differences, compliance paths, risks & strategies for global defense success.