As technology continues to drive growth in manufacturing, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for manufacturers. Safeguarding digital infrastructure is not only about protecting our own assets, but also about ensuring the security and trust of you, our customers. Wisconsin Metal Parts saw a lot of value in investing in the systems to do so, and last year we became NIST compliant and are currently upgrading to CMMC 2.0.
However, these programs include a lot of jargon and background that is less understood. We collected some of the common terms and questions we get about cybersecurity and answered them for you.
Terms & Definitions
What is CUI?
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is sensitive but unclassified information that requires protection. It’s information that needs safeguarding but isn’t classified as top-secret or confidential.
What is NIST 800-171?
NIST 800-171 is a set of guidelines designed to protect sensitive information in non-federal systems and organizations. It focuses on ensuring that data is kept secure through practices like strong access controls and regular system monitoring.
What is CMMC 2.0?
CMMC 2.0 (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is an updated framework that helps ensure companies handling government contracts have strong cybersecurity measures in place. It builds on NIST but introduces more levels of maturity to demonstrate how advanced a company’s security practices are.
Why it Matters
Why is CUI important for national security and security in our industry?
CUI is crucial for national security because it includes data that could be harmful if exposed or misused. In our industry, protecting CUI ensures we handle sensitive information properly, which helps maintain trust and integrity in our operations.
How long has this been going on? When did the government mandate come along?
The guidelines for handling CUI have been in place since 2015 with the publication of the first revision of NIST 800-171. The DoD first started requiring compliance in 2017 with the introduction of the DFARS 7012 clause. The government’s cybersecurity mandates have evolved over time, with CMMC 2.0 soon to be finalized to strengthen these requirements.
What are we doing?
What is WMP doing to protect from ransomware attacks and shutting down our business?
We have proactive measures in place to defend against ransomware and other cyber threats. This includes regular security updates, employee training, and advanced threat detection systems to safeguard our business operations and data integrity.
How does Wisconsin Metal Parts comply with NIST 800-171?
Our company meets NIST 800-171 standards with our robust security measures, such as protecting data with encryption, controlling who has access to sensitive information, and regularly auditing our systems for vulnerabilities.
How is Wisconsin Metal Parts preparing for CMMC 2.0?
We are actively preparing for CMMC 2.0 Level 2 by not only meeting the current NIST requirements but also advancing our cybersecurity practices. This includes adopting more sophisticated security technologies and processes to ensure we meet the new maturity levels required by CMMC 2.0.
How does this benefit you?
Why is this important for our clients?
By complying with NIST 800-171 and preparing for CMMC 2.0, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting sensitive information, which enhances trust and reduces risks for our clients. It ensures that we are ready to handle both government and commercial data securely and efficiently.
Besides creating a secure drive for CUI info, what benefits might non-ITAR customers find happening in the background to secure their data?
Even for non-ITAR customers, we implement strong security measures like encryption, regular system updates, and access controls. These practices enhance overall data protection, making our systems more secure against potential threats.
All in all, cybersecurity compliance brings great value to both the company and the customer, keeping information and infrastructure safe. When working with Wisconsin Metal Parts, you can have peace of mind that your information, production data and proprietary designs are secure all throughout the process. Whether you have a project that requires a high level of security or not, contact us and let’s get started. We are here to serve you with purpose pride and passion.