GDPR
EU regulation for personal data protection and privacy
CMMC
DoD certification for DIB cybersecurity maturity compliance
Quick Verdict
GDPR mandates global personal data privacy for EU residents with hefty fines, while CMMC certifies US DoD contractors' cybersecurity for sensitive info via tiered assessments. Organizations adopt GDPR for legal compliance, CMMC for contract eligibility.
GDPR
Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation)
Key Features
- Extraterritorial scope applies to non-EU entities targeting EU data
- Fines up to 4% of global annual turnover for violations
- Accountability principle requires demonstrable compliance via DPIAs and records
- 72-hour mandatory personal data breach notification
- Enhanced data subject rights including erasure and portability
CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0)
Key Features
- Three tiered maturity levels 1-3 for risk alignment
- 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls at Level 2
- C3PAO third-party assessments for certification
- POA&Ms limited to 180-day closure timelines
- Flow-down requirements to subcontractors via DFARS
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
GDPR Details
What It Is
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), or Regulation (EU) 2016/679, is a directly applicable EU regulation modernizing data privacy. It protects personal data of EU individuals with global reach, using a principles-based, accountability-driven, risk-oriented approach.
Key Components
- Seven core principles: lawfulness, fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Data subject rights: access, rectification, erasure ('right to be forgotten'), restriction, portability, objection.
- Obligations include DPIAs for high-risk processing, DPO appointment, Records of Processing Activities, 72-hour breach notifications.
- Enforced by DPAs with fines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; no formal certification, but demonstrable compliance required.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for any processing EU data to avoid severe penalties, manage breach risks, ensure lawful global transfers. Enhances trust, supports Digital Single Market, sets gold standard influencing worldwide laws like LGPD, CCPA.
Implementation Overview
Gap analysis, process redesign, training, tech upgrades like pseudonymization. Applies universally to controllers/processors handling EU data, all sizes/industries. Ongoing via internal audits, DPA oversight; two-year transition highlighted complexity for SMEs.
CMMC Details
What It Is
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certification framework verifying cybersecurity protections for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). It employs a tiered, cumulative model with three levels, mapping FAR and NIST standards to practices.
Key Components
- **Three levelsLevel 1 (17 FAR 52.204-21 controls), Level 2 (110 NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2), Level 3 (+24 NIST SP 800-172).
- 14 domains (e.g., Access Control, Incident Response, Risk Assessment).
- Built on NIST frameworks; assessments via self, C3PAO, or DIBCAC.
- SPRS/eMASS reporting with annual affirmations.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for DoD contracts, ensuring eligibility.
- Reduces supply chain risks and breach costs.
- Boosts competitive bidding and primes' preferences.
- Builds resilience, trust, and market access.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping/gaps, remediation, SSP/POA&M, assessment, sustainment. Applies to all DIB entities; 3-year validity with evidence focus.
Key Differences
| Aspect | GDPR | CMMC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal data protection, privacy rights | Cybersecurity for FCI/CUI in defense |
| Industry | All sectors, global reach to EU data | Defense Industrial Base, US DoD contractors |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, fines enforced | Certification program, contract-required |
| Testing | DPIAs, audits by DPAs | Self/C3PAO/DIBCAC assessments every 3 years |
| Penalties | Up to 4% global turnover fines | Contract ineligibility, no direct fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about GDPR and CMMC
GDPR FAQ
CMMC FAQ
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