3 Key Differences: CMMC 2.0 vs. NIST 800-171

1. CMMC 2.0 Includes a Level-Based Model

 CMMC 2.0 classifies organizations into three levels, each with its own set of criteria
CMMC Level 1
CMMC Level 2
CMMC Level 3
Some DoD contracts may specify particular levels, necessitating compliance with the corresponding criteria
Unlike NIST 800-171, CMMC 2.0 mandates third-party assessments to validate adherence to its standards
NIST 800-171 lacks certification requirements and relies on self-assessments, given its non-regulatory status

2. CMMC 2.0 Focuses on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Standards

CMMC 2.0 features over 130 cybersecurity guidelines at the highest compliance level, with 110 directly aligning with NIST 800-171 standards
CMMC 2.0 predominantly centers on CUI controls, with an extensive emphasis on their protection
NIST 800-171, while also emphasizing CUI protection, includes standards for Non-Federal Organization (NFO) controls

3. CMMC 2.0 Includes Additional Domains Over NIST 800-171

NIST 800-171 encompasses 14 requirement families, covering aspects such as access control, personnel security, risk assessment, and security assessments
CMMC 2.0 elevates the importance of cybersecurity assets and the ability to recover from breaches
Organizations adopting CMMC 2.0 must be more attuned to the threats they face and their potential impact on the handling of CUI
CMMC 2.0 goes further by incorporating three new cybersecurity domains into its standards:

i) Asset management

ii) Recovery

iii) Situational awareness

Regardless of where you are in your CMMC compliance journey, Coalfire Federal can help. Our Suite of Certification, Compliance and Advisory Services Include:

CMMC
NIST 800-171
FedRAMP

Contact Coalfire Federal today.