CMMC
DoD framework certifying cybersecurity maturity in DIB
PIPEDA
Canada's federal privacy law for private-sector personal information.
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates tiered cybersecurity certification for US DoD contractors protecting FCI/CUI, while PIPEDA enforces privacy principles for Canadian commercial activities handling personal data. DoD firms adopt CMMC for contract eligibility; Canadian businesses use PIPEDA to build trust and avoid fines.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Tiered levels 1-3 for FCI, CUI, APT protection
- Third-party C3PAO assessments verifying NIST controls
- Limited POA&Ms with strict 180-day closure rules
- Mandatory flow-down requirements to subcontractors
- Annual SPRS affirmations ensuring ongoing compliance
PIPEDA
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
Key Features
- 10 Fair Information Principles as core framework
- Mandatory designation of privacy officer
- Meaningful consent for collection and use
- Breach reporting for real risk of harm
- Proportional safeguards by data sensitivity
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 model with three levels, mapping to FAR 52.204-21, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 (110 controls), and NIST SP 800-172 (24 enhanced requirements), emphasizing verified assessments over self-attestation.
Key Components
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response) with 17 (Level 1), 110 (Level 2), or 134 (Level 3) practices.
- Assessment paths: self-assessments (Levels 1/2), C3PAO (Level 2), DIBCAC (Level 3).
- System Security Plan (SSP), POA&Ms (limited, 180-day closure), annual SPRS affirmations.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for DoD contractors/subcontractors handling FCI/CUI, ensuring contract eligibility. Reduces supply chain risks, enhances resilience against APTs, provides competitive advantage, and builds stakeholder trust via verified maturity.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB sizes; requires evidence collection, training, continuous monitoring. Certification valid 3 years with annual affirmations.
PIPEDA Details
What It Is
PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) is Canada's federal regulation for private-sector organizations handling personal information in commercial activities. It establishes national standards to protect privacy while enabling electronic commerce. The principles-based approach relies on 10 Fair Information Principles from Schedule 1, emphasizing accountability, consent, and safeguards.
Key Components
- **10 Fair Information PrinciplesAccountability, identifying purposes, consent, limiting collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance.
- Derived from CSA Model Code; no fixed controls, flexible implementation.
- Compliance model: self-governance, OPC audits/investigations, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance for cross-border/FWUB activities; avoids OPC probes, fines up to CAD $100,000.
- Builds consumer trust, reduces breach costs, competitive advantage in digital economy.
- Enhances risk management, stakeholder confidence via transparent practices.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess gaps/PIAs, build governance/policies, deploy controls/training, audit continuously.
- Targets private-sector firms in Canada; provincial exemptions limited.
- Focuses medium-large orgs; scalable for all sizes via privacy programs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | PIPEDA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI protection | Privacy of personal information in commerce |
| Industry | US DoD contractors and subcontractors | Canadian private sector commercial activities |
| Nature | Mandatory certification for DoD contracts | Principles-based federal privacy law |
| Testing | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years | OPC investigations, audits, no formal certification |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, no direct fines | OPC findings, court orders, up to $100K fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and PIPEDA
CMMC FAQ
PIPEDA FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
PDPA Cross-Border Transfer Rules Decoded: Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan Mechanisms Compared with Practical Implementation Templates
Decode PDPA cross-border transfers for Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan. Statutory excerpts, approved mechanisms, SCC templates. Harmonize with GDPR, navigate exempt
Using CIS Controls v8.1 as a ‘Compliance On-Ramp’: Map One Security Program to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and NIS2
Use CIS Controls v8.1 as your compliance on-ramp. Map one security program to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and NIS2 without duplicating work via practical mapp
Top 10 Cost-Saving Hacks for CMMC Compliance: Budgeting Blueprints for Small DIB Suppliers
Slash CMMC costs 30-50% with top 10 hacks for small DIB suppliers. Enclave scoping, FedRAMP clouds, automation, POA&M tips & budgeting blueprints for Level 2 co
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 Australian Privacy Act
Discover LGPD vs Australian Privacy Act: Brazil's GDPR-inspired law meets Australia's APPs. Compare scopes, 10 principles vs 13 APPs, fines (2% revenue vs $50M), rights & enforcement. Navigate global compliance now!
BRC vs ISO 22301
Compare BRC vs ISO 22301: Food safety audits meet BCM resilience. Explore structures, clauses, benefits for supply chains—choose optimal compliance for risks & continuity. Discover now!
K-PIPA vs NIST 800-171
Discover K-PIPA vs NIST 800-171: Compare Korea's strict privacy law with US CUI cybersecurity standards. Unlock differences, compliance strategies, and global tips to protect data effectively.