Understanding ITAR, NIST 800.171, and CMMC

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations)

• What it is: ITAR is a set of US government regulations that control the export, import, and brokering of defense articles and services. This includes everything from firearms and missiles to technology used in drones and satellites.
• Who it applies to: ITAR applies to anyone or company who develops, manufactures, or exports “defense articles” listed on the US Munitions List (USML).
• Requirements: Companies subject to ITAR must implement strict security measures to protect controlled information and technology. This includes things like background checks for employees, physical security measures, and data encryption.

NIST 800.171

• What it is: NIST 800-171 is a voluntary cybersecurity framework created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI) in nonfederal government systems and organizations. CUI refers to sensitive information that belongs to the government but is not classified (like Social Security numbers or medical records).
• Who it applies to: NIST 800-171 applies to anyone or company who holds, processes, or transmits CUI, including contractors working with the government.
• Requirements: NIST 800-171 outlines 110 security controls that organizations can implement to protect CUI. These controls cover a wide range of topics, including risk management, identity and access management, incident response, and system security.

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)

• What it is: CMMC is a five-level certification program developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the cybersecurity maturity of its contractors. Each level represents increasing cybersecurity requirements.
• Who it applies to: CMMC is currently being rolled out gradually, but eventually, all DoD contractors will be required to achieve a certain CMMC level to be eligible for contracts. The exact level will vary depending on the sensitivity of the information and systems they will be working with.
• Requirements: CMMC requirements are based on NIST 800-171 and other cybersecurity best practices. They cover a wide range of topics, including risk management, access control, data security, and incident response.
• Timeline: The full implementation of CMMC is still in progress, but it is expected to become mandatory for most DoD contracts by Q4 2024.

Our Roadmap to Compliance

• ITAR Registration and NIST 800.171 Compliance by Q2 2024: We are working towards establishing robust data protection mechanisms, with PreVeil playing a key role in ensuring end-to-end encryption and secure communication.
• CMMC Level 2 Certification by Q4 2024: Achieving this certification will validate our comprehensive cybersecurity practices and processes, bolstered by the security measures provided by PreVeil.

Implementing Enhanced Security Measures

• Robust Data Protection: PreVeil’s encryption technology will be pivotal in enhancing our data security, ensuring compliance with ITAR and NIST 800.171.
• Streamlined Training and Awareness: Our team is gearing up to adapt to these enhanced security protocols, ensuring company-wide adherence to the new standards.
• Continuous Compliance and Monitoring: The intuitive interface of our chosen security tools will aid in maintaining ongoing compliance, aligning with CMMC Level 2 requirements.

Client Benefits

• Trust and Reliability: Our adoption of advanced security solutions like PreVeil underlines our commitment to handling sensitive projects with the utmost care and compliance.
• Expanding Our Project Scope: These compliance milestones will enable us to engage in more specialized defense and aerospace projects, assuring clients of our capability to handle sensitive information securely.
• Dedication to Data Security: Our journey towards these compliance standards reflects our commitment to safeguarding client data, a cornerstone in the defense and aerospace sectors.

Looking Ahead

As we make strides towards these compliance goals, our partnership with a secure communication provider like PreVeil is a testament to our dedication to security and excellence. At MicroType Engineering, we are not just aligning with industry standards; we are actively enhancing our capability to deliver secure, reliable, and cutting-edge technology solutions in the aerospace and defense industries.

Join Us on a Journey of Compliance and Security

Looking for a reliable and security-focused partner in aerospace and defense technology? MicroType Engineering is your go-to collaborator. Contact us today to discuss how our commitment to stringent security standards and compliance can contribute to the success of your projects.