Protecting sensitive data is a top priority for defense contractors, and encryption plays a key role in meeting CMMC requirements. As businesses work toward CMMC compliance requirements, their encryption policies must align with current security standards to safeguard Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Federal Contract Information (FCI). Failing to meet CMMC level 1 requirements or CMMC level 2 requirements due to weak encryption policies can expose critical data to cyber threats and regulatory penalties. Here’s what organizations should evaluate to ensure their encryption strategies are compliant and effective.
Verify That Your Encryption Methods Meet or Exceed Industry Standards Such as AES-256
Not all encryption methods offer the same level of protection. The CMMC compliance requirements emphasize using strong encryption algorithms, with AES-256 being the industry standard for securing sensitive data. Simply encrypting files isn’t enough—organizations must ensure their encryption techniques can withstand modern threats and meet CMMC level 2 requirements.
Encryption methods become outdated as cybercriminals develop new ways to crack them. Companies preparing for a CMMC certification assessment should regularly evaluate whether their encryption technology remains secure. Weak or outdated encryption leaves systems vulnerable to attacks, and failing to comply with updated standards can result in assessment failures. Businesses should integrate encryption audits into their security policies to ensure compliance and prevent data exposure.
Ensure All Data Types Are Accurately Classified to Apply Appropriate Encryption Levels
Not all data requires the same level of encryption, but misclassifying information can lead to security gaps. Organizations need to properly identify and categorize data to ensure CMMC compliance requirements are met. CMMC level 1 requirements typically apply to basic FCI, while CMMC level 2 requirements focus on stronger protections for CUI.
Applying blanket encryption policies can either leave sensitive data exposed or create unnecessary security burdens. Organizations must implement a structured data classification process to determine which encryption levels are appropriate for different types of information. Ensuring that high-risk data is protected with the strongest encryption measures will reduce compliance risks and enhance overall cybersecurity.
Assess the Robustness of Your Key Generation, Storage, and Rotation Processes to Prevent Unauthorized Access
Encryption is only as strong as the keys protecting it. Poor key management can render even the best encryption methods useless, which is why CMMC compliance requirements emphasize strict policies around key generation, storage, and rotation. If an encryption key is compromised, any data it protects becomes vulnerable.
Organizations must follow best practices such as storing encryption keys in secure environments like Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and implementing automatic key rotation schedules. Access to encryption keys should be tightly controlled, with audits in place to monitor usage. By enforcing strong key management policies, businesses improve their chances of passing a CMMC certification assessment and securing sensitive data.
Confirm That Data in Transit Is Encrypted Using Secure Protocols
Encryption isn’t just for stored data—information in transit is just as vulnerable. Businesses must implement strong encryption protocols to protect data moving across internal and external networks. The CMMC level 2 requirements highlight the importance of using Transport Layer Security (TLS 1.2 or higher) and VPN encryption to prevent unauthorized access during transmission.
Many cyberattacks exploit weak network encryption to intercept sensitive data. Regularly reviewing network security configurations ensures compliance with CMMC requirements and reduces exposure to potential breaches. Organizations should verify that all data transfers, whether through email, remote access, or internal communications, meet encryption standards to maintain CMMC compliance requirements.
Review Who Has Access to Encrypted Data and Encryption Keys
Encryption is only effective if access is properly controlled. Organizations undergoing a CMMC certification assessment must implement strict access management policies to limit who can decrypt and manage sensitive data. Without proper access controls, even strong encryption can be bypassed by unauthorized users.
Businesses should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to encryption keys and protected data. CMMC level 2 requirements recommend multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls (RBAC) to add additional security layers. Regular audits of user access logs help prevent insider threats and unauthorized access attempts, strengthening overall compliance efforts.
Maintain Comprehensive Documentation of Your Encryption Policies and Procedures
A strong encryption policy isn’t just about technology—it also requires clear documentation. Organizations must maintain up-to-date records detailing their encryption practices, key management policies, and compliance verification methods. These records serve as proof of adherence to CMMC compliance requirements during audits and assessments.
Failure to document encryption strategies properly can result in compliance failures, even if security measures are in place. CMMC level 1 requirements and CMMC level 2 requirements mandate ongoing reviews of security policies to ensure they reflect evolving regulations and cyber threats. Keeping well-organized, easily accessible documentation ensures that teams understand encryption requirements and follow best practices for data protection.