CMMC
DoD framework certifying cybersecurity for FCI and CUI
SAMA CSF
Saudi regulatory framework for financial cybersecurity
Quick Verdict
CMMC mandates tiered NIST-based certification for US defense contractors protecting FCI/CUI via assessments, ensuring supply chain security. SAMA CSF requires maturity Level 3+ governance/controls for Saudi financial firms, enabling regulatory compliance and resilience.
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0
Key Features
- Three tiered levels aligned to FCI/CUI/APT risks
- C3PAO third-party assessments for Level 2/3 verification
- Direct mapping to 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls
- Mandatory flow-down requirements to subcontractors
- 180-day POA&M remediation with annual affirmations
SAMA CSF
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework
Key Features
- Six-level maturity model with Level 3 baseline
- Four domains including third-party cybersecurity
- Board oversight and independent Saudi CISO
- Risk-based controls for payment systems
- Periodic self-assessments and SAMA 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 verifying cybersecurity practices for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It protects Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) through a tiered, risk-based model with three levels: foundational (Level 1), advanced (Level 2), and expert (Level 3).
Key Components
- 14 domains like Access Control, Incident Response, mirroring NIST SP 800-171 (110 controls at Level 2) and 800-172 (24 enhancements at Level 3).
- Cumulative levels requiring lower-level compliance.
- Assessment via self-assessments (Level 1/2), C3PAO third-parties (Level 2/3), or DIBCAC (Level 3), reported to SPRS/eMASS.
- POA&Ms limited to 180 days.
Why Organizations Use It
DoD contractors must comply for contract eligibility, reducing breach risks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and enabling market access. It builds resilience, lowers insurance costs, and provides competitive edges via verified maturity and stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, remediation, assessment preparation, certification, sustainment. Applies to all DIB firms handling FCI/CUI; complex for multi-tier chains. Requires SSP, evidence collection, annual affirmations; timelines 6-12 months for SMEs.
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF), Version 1.0 (May 2017), is a mandatory regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, including banks, insurers, and finance companies. It ensures resilience against cyber threats through governance, controls, and maturity assessment, using a principle-based, risk-based, outcome-oriented approach with a six-level maturity model.
Key Components
- Four domains: Cyber Security Leadership and Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Operations and Technology, Third-Party Cyber Security.
- Subdomains with principles, objectives, and ~114 control considerations.
- Maturity Levels 0-5 (minimum Level 3: structured policies, standards, procedures, KPIs).
- Aligned with NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS; self-assessment and SAMA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids fines, audits, operational halts.
- Enhances resilience, reduces incidents, supports Vision 2030 digital growth.
- Builds trust, enables partnerships, lowers insurance costs.
- Provides risk intelligence, efficiency via standardized controls.
Implementation Overview
Phased roadmap: gap analysis, risk assessment, control deployment, monitoring. Applies to all SAMA entities; iterative for maturity progression. Requires board sponsorship, CISO, evidence for self-assessments/SAMA reviews. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | CMMC | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | NIST-based cybersecurity practices across 14 domains for FCI/CUI | 4 domains: governance, risk mgmt, operations, third-party for financial assets |
| Industry | Defense Industrial Base (DIB) contractors, US-focused | Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, fintech), Kingdom-specific |
| Nature | Mandatory DoD certification program with tiered levels | Mandatory regulatory framework with maturity model (min Level 3) |
| Testing | Self-assess/ C3PAO/ DIBCAC every 3 years + annual affirmations | Periodic self-assessments + SAMA audits/ reviews |
| Penalties | Contract ineligibility, debarment, no direct fines | Regulatory actions, fines, operational restrictions |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CMMC and SAMA CSF
CMMC FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
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