EP 38 — CMMC Compliance and Cybersecurity Challenges [Webinar]

In this special episode of DIB Innovators, RADICL’s CEO, CTO and Co-founder, Chris Petersen steps in to host a webinar about all things CMMC. Chris welcomes five CMMC experts who can speak about why it originated, how it might evolve, and the impact on businesses in the DIB as they plan to address the impact of CMMC on their business. The guests include Gen. Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, Retired, USAF, former President & CEO of the National Defense Industrial Association; Regan Edens, Founder, CISO & Chief Compliance Officer of DTC Global; Scott McDaniel, CEO of Simple Helix; Matthew Titcombe, CEO & Sr. Information Security Consultant at Peak InfoSec; and Alex Whitworth, Director of Sales at Carahsoft. 

 

These industry experts discuss the critical importance of CMMC compliance for the defense industrial base, emphasizing the escalating cyber threats from nation-state actors and the need for a cultural shift towards cybersecurity awareness across all levels of an organization. They highlight the hidden costs of delaying compliance, stressing that early investment can prevent lost contracts and enhance operational efficiency. They also share insights on the role of certified external service providers in mitigating risks. 

 

Topics discussed:

• The critical role of CMMC compliance in enhancing cybersecurity for companies within the defense industrial base and protecting sensitive national security information.
• The increasing cyber threats posed by nation-state actors and how they impact the operational landscape for defense contractors and their supply chains.
• The necessity for a cultural shift towards cybersecurity awareness among all employees, emphasizing that compliance is not just an IT issue.
• The hidden costs of delaying CMMC compliance, including potential loss of contracts and increased expenses for last-minute remediation efforts.
• The importance of engaging with certified external service providers to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with handling sensitive data.
• Strategies for CEOs and leadership teams to effectively communicate the importance of cybersecurity and compliance throughout their organizations.
• The evolving landscape of CMMC, including potential expansions to other federal contracts and the implications for all government contractors.
• Insights into the operational technology (OT) aspect of cybersecurity and its integration with information technology (IT) in defense manufacturing processes.
• The significance of early investment in compliance measures as a strategic move to enhance business competitiveness and operational efficiency.
• The need for collaboration and information sharing among companies to combat cyber threats and improve overall cybersecurity resilience in the defense sector.