If you’re in manufacturing, you’re in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.
Manufacturing has been the number one-targeted industry for four consecutive years. Nearly 30% of attacks involve extortion, and 25% specifically target your data.
If your company is involved in the defense supply chain, compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is no longer optional. The Department of Defense is tightening expectations across the board by shifting from self-attestation to mandatory third-party assessments, accelerating rollout timelines, and embedding CMMC requirements directly into contract eligibility.
The framework protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI), and contractors must now provide documented evidence, such as a live System Security Plan (SSP) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), to demonstrate ongoing compliance. If you’re handling sensitive information tied to aerospace or federal defense contracts, meeting the latest requirements is non-negotiable.
Most manufacturers that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the Department of Defense will need to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification, with requirements beginning to appear in contracts as early as 2025 and widespread enforcement expected by 2026. Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and includes all 110 security requirements, which must be verified through a formal assessment by an accredited third-party assessor.
Whether you are a subcontractor or a prime contractor, timely alignment with the CMMC framework is critical, not only to secure new and renewal contracts but also to protect sensitive data and avoid costly disruptions to your supply chain eligibility as compliance becomes mandatory across the defense industrial base.
Key takeaways
- Don’t wait for the audit to act; build real-time visibility into your security measures now. Continuous monitoring and audit logging aren’t just checkboxes; they’re your best defense against blind spots that derail compliance and disrupt contracts.
- Treat every service provider like a potential risk vector. Apply the same vendor review standards you use internally, and require documented compliance with CMMC-aligned security measures to avoid supply chain exposure.
- Gap assessments aren’t just prep; they’re leverage. A structured self-assessment gives you control over your timeline, costs, and implementation strategy before third-party assessors or DoD officials weigh in.
- Compliance is a company-wide mindset, not just an IT checklist. You need procurement, HR, and operations aligned with your security measures to pass CMMC scrutiny and maintain long-term resilience.
- Documentation is your quiet advantage in winning contracts. Having a real-time POA&M and SSP not only satisfies CMMC assessors but signals professionalism and reliability to prime contractors evaluating potential partners.
Why CMMC compliance matters for manufacturers
If you’re a manufacturer seeking or maintaining DoD contracts, CMMC compliance isn’t just a best practice; it’s a business requirement. Without it, the DoD can bar you from handling contracts that involve CUI or FCI.
CMMC safeguards sensitive defense data across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Unlike previous models based on self-assessment, CMMC requires third-party assessments for Level 2 and above. It builds on the foundation of NIST SP 800-171 and includes controls for access management, incident response, encryption, training, and other key areas of security.
Why is this essential? Consider:
- Supply chains remain a prime target for cyberattacks, often serving as the weakest link in the chain. A single compromised subcontractor can jeopardize the entire ecosystem.
- In 2025, third-party involvement accounted for 30% of data breaches, nearly double the rate of the previous year, while ransomware was involved in 44% of all violations.
- In 2024, ransomware attacks on U.S. critical infrastructure increased by 9%, with critical manufacturing being among the most severely affected sectors.
Non-compliance incurs real costs, including lost revenue, disqualified bids, reputational damage, and potential legal exposure.
In short, CMMC compliance not only protects national security but also safeguards your company’s ability to compete.
Key CMMC requirements manufacturers need to address
Now that you understand why CMMC matters, let’s discuss its requirements. The CMMC framework under version 2.0 simplifies certification into three levels. Most DoD contractors will need to meet CMMC Level 2 certification, which aligns closely with NIST SP 800-171 and incorporates some aspects from NIST SP 800-172 for higher-tier threats.
Level 2 comprises 110 practices that focus on safeguarding sensitive information, enforcing controls, and building resilience against modern cyber threats. These practices aren’t just for auditors; they’re practical cybersecurity measures that help protect your people, data, and bottom line.
Here are the key compliance requirements you’ll need to address:
Access control and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
You need to know precisely who has access to your systems and when they have access to them. Limit access to only those who need it, and secure those accounts with MFA. This process prevents unauthorized entry and adds a critical layer of protection against internal and external threats.
Risk assessments and vulnerability management
Conduct routine risk assessments and vulnerability scans to identify and address weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. Track trends, prioritize remediation, and document everything, because your assessors will likely request to review it.
Incident response planning
When a breach occurs, how quickly can your team respond? Every company needs a written, tested incident response plan that outlines steps for containment, notification, and recovery. It’s not just a policy; it’s your blueprint for survival in the face of a breach.
Secure data storage and encrypted transmission
You must protect your CUI and other sensitive information both at rest and in transit. Use encryption standards that meet DoD and DFARS requirements, and ensure that only authorized users can view or share the data.
System monitoring and audit logging
Establish continuous monitoring across your network. Log every access attempt, anomaly, and change. These cybersecurity measures aren’t just helpful for compliance; they’re crucial for identifying threats early.
Employee cybersecurity training
Even the best systems fail if users make mistakes. Equip your team with the knowledge to detect phishing, avoid malware, and report suspicious activity. Ongoing cybersecurity training is a foundational requirement of the CMMC framework.
Vendor and third-party risk management
Your security is only as strong as the least-prepared vendor in your supply chain. Evaluate each supplier’s cybersecurity posture and document their compliance with DFARS and federal acquisition regulations. Make sure they’re prepared to protect sensitive data and support your CMMC goals.
According to the DoD OIG 2025 audit, assessors will require evidence for every one of these practices during your certification review. Documentation, process maturity, and consistency across your environment are non-negotiable.
Why CMMC prep is easier with Keystone Technology Consultants
For over 25 years, Keystone Technology Consultants has supported manufacturers with their complex IT and compliance needs. Unlike generic firms, Keystone understands the manufacturing environment and the specific expectations of the Department of Defense.
They’ve helped countless manufacturers translate technical requirements into real-world operational success, without slowing down production.
Here’s how they help:
- Local, responsive teams who know your business
- CMMC readiness services, including self-assessment coaching, POA&M development, and security control implementation
- Assistance with remediation, staff training, and supporting documentation
- Ongoing support to maintain your CMMC-compliant status
Schedule your free CMMC readiness consultation with Keystone Technology Consultants today.
FAQ section
What is the current status of CMMC?
As of 2025, CMMC 2.0 is nearing full implementation under the DoD’s final rule. Most manufacturers seeking DoD contracts must meet Level 2, which requires compliance with 110 practices and a formal third-party assessment by a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO).
Who needs CMMC certification?
Any manufacturer or subcontractor in the defense supply chain handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI) must achieve CMMC certification. This includes prime contractors and specialty suppliers across the manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering sectors.
What are the costs of non-compliance?
Non-compliance can disqualify you from DoD contracts and expose your business to financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. You may also be flagged as a high-risk vendor in government systems, which can hinder your long-term competitiveness.
