The Department of Defense’s ( DoD)expectations for contractors handling government information have strengthened while cybersecurity threats continue to target organizations of all sizes. The Cybersecurity maturity model certification (CMMC) is a system that outlines those expectations. For small to midsized organizations Level 1 is the first and possibly the only qualification they’ll need to reach compliance
In this article we will break down what CMMC Level 1 is, who needs it, and how to achieve it in a simple way .
What is CMMC Level 1?
CMMC Level 1 is the entry level certification within the model. The purpose of this is to safeguard Federal Contract Information ( FCI) by implementing basic Cybersecurity measures. CMMC level 1 is applicable to small DoD contractors who handle FCI but not Controlled Unclassified Information ( CUI) , remember the difference is that FCI is information provided by the government for contract purposes, whereas CUI is more sensitive data that requires additional protection .
When beginning level 1 the goal is to ensure your organization has the foundational safeguards needed to protect and prevent unauthorized disclosure of government information.
What’s the purpose of CMMC Level 1?
Although with CMMC Level 1 you’re not handling classified information your organization still needs to be protected from common cybersecurity threats such as password attacks, phishing, and malware for example:
A user receives what looks like a legitimate email from a trusted organization (e.g., Microsoft 365 or an internal IT department). The email asks the user to click a link to “verify their account.” When the user clicks the link, they are taken to a fake login page where their username and password are captured by an attacker. This would allow a hacker to access information, access your company, and send more phishing emails from inside the company.
The primary objective is to protect the confidentiality of FCI which can be information created for or provided by the federal government. Level 1 is designed so small contractors can still reach compliance without needing advanced measures or large budgets.
The 17 required practices
CMMC Level 1 includes 17 basic practices drawn from NIST SP 800-171. These are fundamental security measures most organizations should already have in place.
These include:
- Access control
Four access control practices involve managing who has access to organizational resources.
- Identification and Authentication
Two Identification and Authentication practices focus the authentication and identification of system users for example things like strong passwords and 2 step authentications.
- Media protection
Manage who has access to removable data such as USB drives or printed information.
- Physical protection
Four physical protection practices focus
on restricting facility access to authorized personnel for example secure workstations and devices in controlled areas.
- System and communication protection
Two system and communication protection practices Implement safeguards such as firewalls and encryption where appropriate .
- System and information integrity
Four system and information integrity practices ensure antivirus software stays updated, monitor security alerts and patch systems regularly. The goal is to identify, report, and correct system flaws in a timely manner.
All these practices are straightforward but are essential to any organization for reducing the risk of threats.
How is CMMC Level 1 assessed?
Level 1 uses an annual self-assessment to evaluate compliance. Contractors measure their own compliance and submit results to the Supplier Performance Risk System ( SPRS). Unlike Levels 2 and 3 , third party assessments are typically not required at this level. However, organizations should maintain evidence in case the DoD requests verification.
Who needs it?
Any company that processes, stores, or transmits FCI is required to meet Level 1 requirements. This includes:
- Prime contractors
- Subcontractors
- Manufacturers
- Service providers
- Small businesses and niche suppliers
Level 1 is required for any organization that supports prime contractors or performs defense related work.
Final thoughts
CMMC Level 1 is achievable and necessary for organizations of any size involved in securing government information. By using the 17 required practices, contractors can easily protect FCI, safely transfer data, and maintain eligibility for critical DoD opportunities.
Keep in mind, staying compliant is not a one-time effort—CMMC requirements, DoD guidance, and cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. To ensure you stay informed and prepared, subscribe to our newsletter for clear, practical updates on CMMC, compliance best practices, assessment changes, and actionable cybersecurity guidance tailored for small and midsized contractors.
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