Security regulations are an increasingly prevalent consideration for modern businesses. One of the most stringent is the U.S. Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
The CMMC covers government contractors working for the DoD and their subcontractors. While not every business needs to comply with the standard, it’s a prerequisite for securing lucrative DoD contracts. Organizations pursuing these opportunities should consider how RFID solutions could help them boost their CMMC compliance.
The Basics of CMMC Compliance
The DoD first announced the CMMC in 2020, and it finally took effect in December 2024, so all government contractors should now consider it. The regulation protects sensitive information that aligns with previous National Institute of Standards and Technology standards.
Most of the specific requirements come from NIST 800-171 and include things like risk assessments, access restrictions and continuous monitoring. These rules fall into three tiers depending on the contract’s sensitivity, with each tier requiring stricter security measures. Regardless of what level a company belongs in, it must regularly conduct assessments to ensure CMMC compliance.
Many of the CMMC regulations across these tiers leave some room for interpretation. They don’t always pinpoint specific technologies or strategies, so businesses must decide how to meet the standards. Consequently, RFID solutions are a helpful piece of that puzzle, even if the CMMC doesn’t explicitly mention them.
RFID’s Role in CMMC Compliance
While RFID may be best known as a tool for efficiency or visibility, it has meaningful security implications. Here’s how it can enhance CMMC compliance.
1. Limiting Physical Access. One of RFID’s most significant use cases under the CMMC is restricting access to sensitive data. The CMMC covers a staggering 320 requirements and 110 controls for protecting controlled unclassified information, including several physical safeguards. These may be easier to overlook than more prevalent digital protections, but they’re still crucial.
RFID systems are ideal for limiting access to server rooms or other areas where companies store CUI and the devices that use it. One example is using RFID badges to lock and unlock restricted areas. Unlike a conventional key, an RFID badge shows who entered the room at what time, providing a paper trail of all access patterns.
Misuse of keys is less likely with such a straightforward way to hold people accountable. This system also makes it a snap to prove to assessors how the business restricts access to its most sensitive servers.
2. Tracking Assets. Supply chain transparency is essential for manufacturers’ CMMC compliance, especially when using potentially vulnerable Internet of Things devices. RFID tags can provide this visibility.
Level Three CMMC contractors must assess and monitor supply chain risks that could impact sensitive systems and information. An RFID tracking solution helps by providing real-time data on devices’ origins, current location and other supply chain information. It then becomes easier to find and fight threats like fraud and theft throughout logistics networks.
Requiring RFID tags containing such information is an intelligent way to promote higher security among a company’s partners. That’s crucial for CMMC compliance, as many regulations apply to contractors and the businesses they rely on.
3. Streamlining Compliance Audits. The visibility RFID systems provide makes them optimal auditing tools. Even the lowest tiers of the CMMC require annual self-assessments, and higher levels mandate third-party inspections. Such reviews are painless when information is readily available through a digital system.
RFID’s real-time updates mean any system using the technology can present the latest information available. Assessors can review an RFID badge log or scan a tag to see what they need. Removing the need to manually leaf through documents and compile the data saves considerable time and money.
Using RFID for monitoring and documentation also minimizes the risks of human error. Businesses can gain confidence in their records for a smoother CMMC audit.
Government Contractors Must Prepare for the CMMC
DoD contractors have had ample time to get ready for CMMC compliance, but the deadline to take action is finally here. Now that the regulation is in full effect, covered organizations must do whatever they can to remain compliant and ease the process.
RFID technology is not mandatory under the CMMC, but it is a considerable help. Taking advantage of these systems can make compliance easier and faster, helping businesses qualify for higher-value contracts.