CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity maturity for DIB
ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates cybersecurity certification for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while ISO 45001 provides voluntary OH&S management for all industries. Companies adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; ISO 45001 for safety improvement, compliance, and resilience.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels aligning FAR and NIST controls
- C3PAO and DIBCAC verified assessments for assurance
- Mandatory flow-down requirements to subcontractors
- Scoping to enclaves for targeted compliance
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
Key Features
- Top management accountability and worker participation
- Risk-based hazard identification and opportunities
- Hierarchy of controls prioritizing elimination
- Operational controls for contractors and change
- PDCA cycle for continual improvement
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
- **Level 117 FAR 52.204-21 practices for FCI.
- **Level 2110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 controls for CUI.
- **Level 3Adds 24 NIST SP 800-172 enhancements for APTs. Built on 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response); assessments via self, C3PAO, or DIBCAC; reported to SPRS/eMASS.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contracts, ensuring eligibility and avoiding disqualification. Reduces cyber risks, enhances supply chain trust, lowers incident costs, and provides competitive edge in bids.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation. Applies to all DIB contractors/subcontractors; SMEs use enclaves. Triennial certifications, annual affirmations; costs $100K+ for Level 2.
ISO 45001 Details
What It Is
ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, improve OH&S performance through proactive risk management, and align with the High-Level Structure (HLS/Annex SL) for integrated management systems.
Key Components
- Organized into Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes PDCA cycle, risk-based thinking, hierarchy of controls, worker participation.
- No fixed number of controls; scalable requirements with certification via third-party audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, legal risks, costs; enhances resilience, reputation, insurance savings.
- Meets stakeholder expectations, supply-chain demands; integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
- Drives safety culture, leadership accountability, competitive advantage.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, policy/objectives, training, controls, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6–12 months typical; voluntary certification optional but strategic. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | ISO 45001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Occupational health & safety management |
| Industry | DoD contractors, Defense Industrial Base | All sectors, high-risk industries primary |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Voluntary international management standard |
| Testing | Self-assess/C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years | Internal audits, certification audits triennial |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment | No direct penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and ISO 45001
CMMC FAQ
ISO 45001 FAQ
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