The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently released the final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, which is set to take effect on December 16, 2024. This rule mandates that defense contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) comply with specific cybersecurity requirements. For companies that must comply with Level 3 this includes regular penetration testing as outlined in control CA.L3-3.12.1E.
Specifically, CA.L3-3.12.1E requires companies to leverage automated scanning tools and to also employ ad hoc tests using subject matter experts. While you are preparing for compliance with Level 3, it is a good idea to consider now who you want to perform these tests and what the anticipated results will be. The Coalfire Federal team of CMMC advisors and assessors works closely with the Coalfire Federal penetration testing (PT) team and our penetration testers understand the purpose and control requirements for CMMC so you are assured that the outcomes will provide clarity on your security posture and related update requirements. Our PT team specializes in conducting comprehensive testing related to multiple frameworks, ensuring your organization is well-prepared for certification. By leveraging our expertise, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the CMMC framework and enhance your cybersecurity posture.
Pen testing goes deeper than your standard vulnerability scans. While automated tools can catch common issues, they’re often blind to more complex risks. Our team can go beyond the surface, catching vulnerabilities that might get missed in a basic scan. We look at real-world scenarios and figure out exactly how an attacker might try to reach your data—and what you can do to stop them. For instance, in a recent test, we uncovered an insecure API endpoint that exposed customer data. We demonstrated how an attacker could exploit this weakness to exfiltrate data, then worked the client implement stricter role-base access controls (RBAC) to secure it.
Manual testing can assess risks and see the bigger picture in ways that software just can’t. We’re able to test real scenarios, look for hidden issues, and prioritize risks according to your environment. For example, we simulate attacks tailored to your specific industry, whether it’s exploiting vulnerabilities in custom software, testing endpoint security in a remote workforce setup, or assessing how well your defenses hold up against phishing attacks. This targeted approach ensures we address the risks that matter most to your organization. Meeting CA.L3-3.12.1E requires this level of human expertise, and it’s a huge asset for staying compliant and secure.
CMMC Level 3 means ensuring your organization is prepared to face more advanced threats. With our approach to penetration testing, we’re using tools and techniques that go beyond surface-level issues. Our tests uncover hidden problems within your network, apps, and endpoints.
As a unified team that works with CMMC standards, we take a big-picture approach to both assessment and mitigation, making sure you meet compliance requirements while providing meaningful recommendations to shore up your defenses.
The most important part of a penetration test is a report that’s actionable. We don’t just list a bunch of technical vulnerabilities. Instead, we prioritize what’s most critical and give you practical, step-by-step recommendations. The goal is for you to act on what we find—our reports are all about helping you make real improvements.
For organizations working toward CMMC compliance, we align our findings directly with CMMC Level 3 requirements, including CA.L3-3.12.1E, so you’re prepared for certification and well-protected against threats.
Meeting the CA.L3-3.12.1E requirement for Level 3 certification gives your organization real security benefits, like:
There’s often a worry that penetration testing might be too costly or disruptive. Our approach minimizes any impact on daily operations, so the process is smooth and keeps your team’s workflow intact. Proactive testing like this can prevent more costly breaches down the line, giving you peace of mind and ultimately saving time and money.
If you’re serious about stepping up to CMMC Level 3, our team is ready to help you get there. Achieving this certification and meeting CA.L3-3.12.1E is more than just checking a box—it’s about putting strong defenses in place to keep your data safe. Reach out to us today to see how we can help make your certification process as smooth and effective as possible.
Let’s work together to secure your organization for the future.
Coalfire Federal is a trusted leader in cybersecurity with nearly two decades of experience supporting highly regulated industries, including the Defense Industrial Base. As a certified CMMC Third-Party Assessor Organization (C3PAO), we specialize in guiding organizations through compliance, offering services like penetration testing, risk management, and vulnerability assessments.
This blog highlights the recent release of the CMMC Final Rule, effective December 16, 2024, and how we can help organizations meet critical requirements like CA.L3-3.12.1E. Our expert team delivers tailored, comprehensive testing—both automated and manual—to ensure you're ready for CMMC Level 3 certification while strengthening your overall security.
Ready to take your security to the next level? Let’s talk about how we can help your organization succeed in cybersecurity compliance.
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