Standards Comparison

    CMMC

    Mandatory
    2021

    DoD certification verifying cybersecurity for FCI and CUI

    VS

    LGPD

    Mandatory
    2020

    Brazil's regulation for personal data protection

    Quick Verdict

    CMMC certifies DoD contractors' cybersecurity for FCI/CUI via tiered assessments, ensuring supply chain protection. LGPD mandates personal data safeguards for Brazilian residents with fines. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, LGPD to avoid penalties and build trust.

    Cybersecurity Maturity

    CMMC

    Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Three cumulative certification levels for risk-based maturity
    • Third-party C3PAO assessments verifying NIST 800-171 compliance
    • DIBCAC exclusive assessments for Level 3 APT defenses
    • Mandatory supply chain flow-down via DFARS clauses
    • POA&Ms limited to 180-day closures
    Data Privacy

    LGPD

    Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (LGPD)

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Extraterritorial scope targeting Brazilian residents
    • 10 core principles including prevention, non-discrimination
    • Fines up to 2% Brazilian revenue per violation
    • Mandatory DPO appointment for controllers
    • ANPD-approved SCCs for cross-border transfers

    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) is a U.S. 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: Level 1 (basic FCI safeguards), Level 2 (NIST SP 800-171 for CUI), and Level 3 (NIST SP 800-172 enhancements against APTs).

    Key Components

    • 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 Level 1 practices, 110 Level 2 controls, plus 24 Level 3 enhancements.
    • Built on FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172.
    • Assessment model: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3); SPRS/eMASS reporting; limited POA&Ms.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI; ensures contract eligibility, reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience, and provides competitive procurement advantage. Builds stakeholder trust via verified maturity.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Targets DIB firms (SMEs to primes); requires SSPs, evidence artifacts, annual affirmations. Typical for U.S. defense supply chain.

    LGPD Details

    What It Is

    Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais (LGPD), Law No. 13.709/2018, is Brazil's comprehensive data protection regulation. It safeguards personal data of natural persons, with extraterritorial scope applying to processing targeting Brazilian residents. LGPD adopts a risk-based approach, emphasizing accountability, minimization, and data subject rights.

    Key Components

    • **10 core principlespurpose limitation, adequacy, necessity, transparency, security, prevention, non-discrimination, accountability, data quality, free access.
    • 10 legal bases for processing, including consent, legitimate interests, contracts.
    • **Data subject rightsaccess, correction, deletion, portability, objection to automated decisions.
    • **Governancemandatory DPO for controllers, Records of Processing Activities (RoPAs), DPIAs for high-risk activities.
    • Compliance enforced by ANPD with graduated sanctions.

    Why Organizations Use It

    LGPD is legally binding, with fines up to 2% Brazilian revenue (R$50M cap). It mitigates risks from breaches, builds stakeholder trust, enables market access in Brazil, and supports innovation via anonymization exemptions.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: governance setup, data mapping/RoPA, policies, technical controls, DSR/incident processes, audits. Applies to all sizes/industries processing Brazilian data; no certification but ANPD audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    CMMC
    Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in DoD contracts
    LGPD
    Personal data protection across all sectors

    Industry

    CMMC
    Defense Industrial Base, US-focused
    LGPD
    All industries, Brazil residents extraterritorial

    Nature

    CMMC
    Mandatory certification for DoD contractors
    LGPD
    Mandatory regulation with ANPD enforcement

    Testing

    CMMC
    Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years
    LGPD
    DPIAs, audits, no formal certification required

    Penalties

    CMMC
    Contract ineligibility, no direct fines
    LGPD
    Fines up to 2% Brazilian revenue, R$50M cap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about CMMC and LGPD

    CMMC FAQ

    LGPD FAQ

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