Utilizing the context of the organization clause of an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) can allow for a more resilient ITAR compliance program. This can be accomplished by integrating export compliance into an existing management system s that includes all the tasks required to ensure that business is conducted in accordance to federal regulations. … Read more
NIST SP 800-160 provides guidance on engineering trustworthy secure systems and developing cyber-resilient systems. This National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publication focuses on integrating security into engineering processes throughout the product’s life cycle. It aims to foster a common mindset for delivering security across various system types and complexities. Engineering Secure Systems It … Read more
Export regulations effectiveness in the protection of U.S. national security and promotion of foreign policy objectives has become a growing concern given the pace of regulatory changes. Recently, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Center for Strategic and International Studies have published reviews of their findings on the issue. U.S. Semiconductor Controls Center … Read more
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing control overlays for securing Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks associated with various AI use cases, including generative AI and predictive AI. These overlays are designed to help organizations manage cybersecurity risks associated with various AI applications. The NIST AI control … Read more
The Department of Defense (DoD) has proposed a Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFAR) amendment for contractor implementation of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). DFARS case 2019-D041 was first published in September 2020 with an effective date of November 20, 2020 to allow for the development of CMMC 2.0. CMMC 2.0 establishes a framework for … Read more
NIST Special Publication 800-53 is a catalog of security and privacy controls released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for U.S. federal information systems. It includes key steps in the Risk Management Framework for the selection of appropriate security controls for information systems. This framework standards and guidelines is a requirement for federal … Read more
Global challenges for cybersecurity resilience were outlined in a recent report from the World Economic Forum. The report, Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024, analyzes the state of inequity in achieving cyber security, the impacts of geopolitics on the cyber risk landscape, the effects of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the shortage of qualified people … Read more
A secure software development attestation form has been approved by the Federal Government in an attempt to ensure that contracted developers of software assume responsibility for the security risks in the protection of federal information. The form was released by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on April … Read more
The FBI has disrupted a KV botnet malware infection instigated by Volt Typhoon, a state sponsored threat actor affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The KV botnet was first identified in December of 2023. It targeted Cisco and NetGear routers that were were no longer supported by manufacturer software updates. The court-authorized operation, conducted … Read more
The Washington Post reported that China is targeting U.S. infrastructure with cyberattacks in a continuing effort to increase its ability to disable critical systems. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) first announced these attacks in May of 2023. CISA identified the source as Volt Typhoon, a state sponsored hacking group affiliated with China. Chinese … Read more
Recent reports from the Department of Defense (DoD) outline common cybersecurity weaknesses for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) protection by contractors. CUI is information that is possessed or created for the U.S. government that, by law, requires dissemination controls and safeguarding. These required security controls are specified in NIST SP 800-171. When prospective contractors respond to … Read more
DHS cybersecurity assessment criteria has been released that will set the bar for businesses seeking contract awards from the agency. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released this information to ensure that appropriate levels of “cyber readiness” are in place by its vendors. The DHS plan, released by Chief Information Security Officer Kenneth Bible, is … Read more
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) document marking requirements apply to a wide range of users who access information related to the U.S. government. CUI is unclassified information that requires safeguards or dissemination controls in accordance with governmental regulations and policies. CUI is categorized into 20 “Organizational Index Groupings” to address sectors such as Defense, Export Control, … Read more
Managing an Export Compliance Program (ECP) properly ensures its effectiveness. These programs are essential to the sustainability of a business. However, any plan, no matter how well conceived, is only as effective as its execution. Planning the Export Compliance Program Specific requirements for an Export Compliance Program are contingent on the types of products an … Read more
As 2023 opens it appears that there may be further delays in CMMC 2.0 reaching a final ruling as the Pentagon considers additional revisions of the proposed rule. These reconsiderations are, as reported on ClearanceJobs, the result of internal politics and concerns on the impact on businesses. Because the rule is in proposed status, it … Read more
Maintaining a CMMC program requires that organizations engage management system principles in their daily cybersecurity programs. These activities will be essential for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors to remain compliant. Current CMMC Requirements Currently CMMC 2.0 requirements are divided into three levels of compliance: CMMC Level 1 – Foundational is comprised of the 17 practices … Read more
