CMMC
DoD certification verifying cybersecurity for defense contractors
NERC CIP
Mandatory standards for BES cybersecurity and reliability
Quick Verdict
CMMC verifies cybersecurity for DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI via tiered certifications, while NERC CIP mandates BES reliability standards for utilities with strict audits and fines. Organizations adopt CMMC for contracts, CIP for legal compliance and grid stability.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three cumulative levels for tiered FCI/CUI protection
- C3PAO third-party assessments for Level 2 certification
- DIBCAC-exclusive Level 3 against advanced persistent threats
- Mandatory flow-down to DoD supply chain subcontractors
- 180-day POA&M limits ensuring timely remediation
NERC CIP
NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards
Key Features
- Risk-based BES Cyber System impact categorization
- Electronic/physical security perimeters (CIP-005/006)
- 35-day patch evaluation and monitoring cadence
- Mandatory incident response and recovery plans
- Supply chain risk management (CIP-013)
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 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, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2, and NIST SP 800-172 requirements.
Key Components
- **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 basic practices), Level 2 (110 NIST controls), Level 3 (+24 enhanced practices).
- 14 domains like Access Control, Incident Response, Risk Assessment.
- Built on NIST frameworks; assessments via interview, examine, test methods.
- Certification model: self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3), with SPRS/eMASS reporting and limited POA&Ms.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI, ensuring contract eligibility. Reduces breach risks, enhances supply chain trust, provides competitive procurement advantage, and builds operational resilience.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires SSP, evidence collection, annual affirmations. Typical for SMEs: 6-12 months, focusing on enclaves.
NERC CIP Details
What It Is
NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection) are mandatory reliability standards for cybersecurity and physical security of the Bulk Electric System (BES). They apply a risk-based, tiered approach categorizing BES Cyber Systems by high, medium, or low impact to prioritize controls preventing misoperation or instability.
Key Components
- Core standards: CIP-002 (scoping), CIP-003 (governance), CIP-004 (personnel), CIP-005/006 (perimeters), CIP-007 (systems security), CIP-008/009/010 (response/recovery/config), up to CIP-014 (supply chain/physical).
- ~45 requirements across 14 standards.
- Built on recurring cycles (15/35/90 days) and CIP Senior Manager accountability.
- Enforced via annual audits, penalties by FERC/NERC.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal mandate for BES owners/operators in US/Canada/Mexico.
- Mitigates outages, fines (up to $1M+), reputational damage.
- Enhances resilience, operational efficiency, insurance benefits.
- Builds stakeholder trust in grid reliability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, governance, controls, testing, audits.
- Targets utilities/transmission entities; multi-year for complex OT/IT.
- Requires documentation, training, evidence retention; no certification but mandatory compliance audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | NERC CIP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | DoD FCI/CUI cybersecurity practices across 14 domains | BES reliability via cyber/physical protections, CIP-002 to CIP-014 |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base contractors, US-focused | Electric utilities, BES owners/operators, North America |
| Nature | Tiered certification program with assessments | Mandatory enforceable Reliability Standards by FERC/NERC |
| Testing | Self-assess Level 1/2 or C3PAO/DIBCAC every 3 years | Audits with 35/15-day cadences, 15-month reviews |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, no certification | FERC fines up to $1M+ per violation, sanctions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and NERC CIP
CMMC FAQ
NERC CIP FAQ
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