Why IT Companies Are Missing Out on CMMC Revenue

by Jacob Acker | Mar 13, 2025 | Compliance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance

The demand for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance is growing rapidly as defense contractors and suppliers scramble to meet the Department of Defense (DoD) requirements. Yet, many IT service providers—especially MSPs (Managed Service Providers) and MSSPs (Managed Security Service Providers)—are missing out on a major revenue stream because they haven’t developed the capability to offer CMMC compliance services.

The Growing Market for CMMC Compliance

CMMC compliance is now a must-have for companies working with the DoD. Thousands of businesses in the defense supply chain must meet CMMC requirements, and they need IT providers who can help them navigate the complex process.

The issue? Many IT companies don’t have the knowledge, resources, or personnel to deliver these compliance services. Instead of capturing this lucrative market, they are referring clients elsewhere—or worse, losing business to competitors who have adapted.

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Why IT Companies Are Missing Out

1. Lack of In-House CMMC Expertise

CMMC compliance isn’t just about cybersecurity—it’s about understanding a structured compliance framework. Many IT service providers are well-versed in cybersecurity best practices but lack knowledge of CMMC’s specific controls, documentation requirements, and assessment processes.

Without an in-house compliance expert, IT companies struggle to provide CMMC assessments, gap analyses, or readiness plans.
Building a CMMC compliance practice from scratch requires training, hiring, and certification costs—resources many IT providers are hesitant to allocate.

2. Losing Clients Who Need Compliance Solutions

Companies in the DoD supply chain need both IT services and CMMC compliance. If your IT company doesn’t provide CMMC services, your competitors will—and once a client finds an all-in-one provider, they may move all of their business there, including standard IT support.

IT firms that fail to offer CMMC compliance alongside cybersecurity services risk losing long-term clients.
Competitors who bundle compliance with IT services are securing multi-year contracts while others are left behind.

3. Assuming CMMC is Too Complicated to Offer

Many IT companies assume that offering CMMC services is too complex or that they must become a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization) to enter the market. This misconception leads to IT providers avoiding the opportunity altogether.

The reality? You don’t need to become a C3PAO to generate revenue from CMMC.
IT companies can partner with a specialized CMMC compliance provider like ICS Data (i.e. Cyber Harbor) to offer CMMC services without the need to build an in-house compliance team.

How IT Companies Can Capture CMMC Revenue

If your IT company isn’t offering CMMC solutions, you’re leaving money on the table. The good news? You don’t need to develop a CMMC practice from scratch.

1. Partner with a CMMC Compliance Provider

Instead of turning away CMMC opportunities, team up with a dedicated compliance provider. A partner like Cyber Harbor can handle CMMC assessments, documentation, and certification prep under your brand, allowing you to offer CMMC services without the overhead.

2. Offer CMMC Compliance as a Service (CaaS)

By bundling CMMC compliance with your IT services, you can offer a recurring revenue model where clients pay for continuous monitoring, policy updates, and compliance management.

3. Target the Right Clients

IT companies should proactively market CMMC services to:

Existing clients in the DoD supply chain who must meet CMMC requirements.
New prospects in manufacturing, aerospace, and government contracting who need compliance solutions.

Don’t Let CMMC Revenue Slip Away

CMMC compliance is a high-growth market, and IT providers that adapt will win bigger contracts, strengthen client relationships, and grow revenue.

If you don’t have the internal expertise to offer CMMC, ICS Data (i.e. Cyber Harbor) can help. Partner with us and start monetizing CMMC compliance today—without the complexity.

Contact us to learn how to add CMMC compliance to your service offerings today!

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Why West Michigan Manufacturing Companies Trusts ICS Data for CMMC Compliance

by Jacob Acker | Jan 15, 2025 | Compliance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance

Achieving Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 compliance is critical for West Michigan manufacturers working in or with the defense industry. At ICS Data, we combine decades of industry expertise with a client-first approach to provide unparalleled support on your compliance journey.

1. Expertise Rooted in Manufacturing

With over 30 years of experience as a Managed Service Provider for the manufacturing sector, we understand the unique challenges you face. Uptime, reliability, and profitability are priorities that cannot be compromised—even as you meet complex compliance requirements.

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2. Affordable, Tailored Solutions

Compliance doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing monthly costs. We deliver solutions customized to your needs, avoiding cookie-cutter approaches that don’t fit your operations. Our focus is on maximizing the value of your existing resources and team while implementing cost-effective technical controls.

3. Policy-First Approach

When possible, we prioritize addressing policy over implementing technical controls. This strategy ensures compliance is achieved without unnecessary investment in new systems—saving you time and money while leveraging your current infrastructure.

4. Comprehensive Coverage

Our solutions cover all 110 NIST Controls, giving you peace of mind that your business is fully prepared to meet CMMC 2.0 standards. Whether you’re aiming for Level 1, Level 2, or higher compliance, we provide the tools and expertise you need.

5. Dual-Layered Gap Analysis for Maximum Insight

Our gap analysis process is led by both a Certified CMMC Professional (technical resource) and a Certified CMMC Assessor (policy resource). This dual-layered approach ensures you receive a thorough evaluation of your compliance gaps and clear guidance on how to address them effectively.

Partner with ICS Data in 2025

When it comes to CMMC 2.0 compliance, ICS Data is the trusted partner for West Michigan businesses. We understand your industry, deliver tailored solutions, and offer the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity compliance—all while keeping your operations running smoothly.

Contact us today to start your CMMC compliance journey.

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CMMC 2.0 – Now Live in 2025

by Jacob Acker | Jan 10, 2025 | Compliance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance

As of 2025, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 is officially live, marking a significant step in strengthening cybersecurity across the defense supply chain. For businesses working with the Department of Defense (DoD), compliance with CMMC 2.0 is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. We’re here to help you navigate this essential transition.

What is CMMC 2.0?

CMMC 2.0 simplifies and refines the original framework, focusing on protecting sensitive data while reducing compliance burdens. The model introduces three certification levels, each tailored to the type and sensitivity of information a contractor handles. Whether your organization processes Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Federal Contract Information (FCI), CMMC 2.0 ensures the proper cybersecurity standards are in place.

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Why It Matters in 2025

Compliance with CMMC 2.0 is now a contractual requirement for DoD contractors and subcontractors. Failing to meet these standards could result in lost contracts or being excluded from bidding opportunities. Moreover, the implementation of CMMC 2.0 underscores the DoD’s commitment to securing the defense industrial base against evolving cyber threats.

How We Can Help

At ICS Data and Cyber Harbor, we specialize in guiding organizations through the complexities of cybersecurity compliance. Our team provides:

Readiness Assessments: Evaluate your current cybersecurity posture against CMMC 2.0 requirements.
Compliance Strategies: Tailored roadmaps to achieve certification efficiently.
Continuous Support: Tools and expertise to maintain compliance and safeguard your systems.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The rollout of CMMC 2.0 is a critical opportunity to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity while staying competitive in the defense industry. ICS Data and Cyber Harbor are your trusted partners in achieving compliance and protecting your business from emerging threats.

Contact us today to get started on your CMMC 2.0 journey.

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Why Partnering with a Compliant IT Company is Critical for Your Business

by Jacob Acker | Sep 3, 2024 | Compliance, IT Services

Compliance remains a critical priority for organizations, especially as evolving technologies introduce new challenges in IT compliance.

While collecting business data has become more accessible, this data poses significant risks for companies that fail to adhere to compliance regulations.

Neglecting regulatory and security standards can lead to costly data breaches, resulting in steep penalties and disruptions to productivity and finances.

Partnering with a trusted IT security and compliance provider ensures effective management of digital communications, data security, and technological infrastructure, helping businesses operate efficiently while avoiding financial and operational setbacks.

Ready to get started on your cybersecurity journey?

IT Compliance Made Simple

IT compliance refers to the set of regulations that organizations must follow to protect their processes, people, and data. These rules define the standards for a company’s technical environment.

Failing to comply with these regulations can result in penalties from the governing bodies that enforce them.

What exactly is IT compliance?

IT compliance involves implementing practices to ensure business technology aligns with legal and regulatory standards. Nearly all businesses, knowingly or not, are subject to compliance requirements.

These standards dictate the security measures businesses must adopt to safeguard their people, processes, and sensitive data. Following compliance guidelines is crucial to avoid violations and minimize risks such as data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and other technology-related threats.

Why is partnering with a compliant IT company critical?

Partnering with a compliant IT company is essential to protect sensitive data, reduce security risks, and meet regulatory standards. A trusted IT partner implements robust cybersecurity measures, safeguarding your business from data breaches, fines, and reputational damage. This allows you to focus on growth while ensuring your operations remain secure and compliant.

Understanding the Difference Between IT Compliance & IT Security

IT security and IT compliance are interconnected but distinct. IT compliance focuses on adhering to regulatory standards, including cybersecurity measures to protect user data and ensure privacy. In contrast, IT security covers broader strategies to safeguard the entire technical environment.

Both are essential for protecting company and customer data. While compliance ensures businesses meet strict regulatory requirements with defined penalties for non-compliance, it also guides best practices in cybersecurity and data protection. To stay secure and compliant, companies should enhance their cybersecurity defenses while preparing to meet compliance standards.

Why IT Compliance Should Matter to Every Business

IT compliance is crucial for all businesses, not just large corporations or financial institutions. Any company using technology or handling customer data must prioritize compliance. With cybersecurity incidents gaining public and regulatory attention, organizations face increased oversight from governments and agencies worldwide. In this new era of cybersecurity, staying compliant is essential to protect data and maintain trust.

3 Regulations Every Business Should Be Aware Of

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC):
Focused on protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) within the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain, CMMC ensures contractors implement strong security measures. Certification is becoming a requirement for all DoD vendors.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA):
Ensures healthcare providers and related businesses protect sensitive patient information. HIPAA prevents unauthorized sharing of data without patient consent, safeguarding privacy.
System and Organizational Controls (SOC 2):
Establishes best practices for companies managing digital customer data. SOC 2 focuses on trust principles like security, availability, and privacy, requiring annual audits to maintain compliance.

How can my business achieve IT compliance?

IT compliance requirements often overlap, so businesses should focus on core cybersecurity elements. Key steps include identifying relevant standards, staying updated on changes, and implementing the following measures:

Access Management: Control authentication and authorization.
Data Controls: Safeguard shared data.
Incident Response: Plan for cyberattack recovery.
Disaster Recovery: Ensure operational restoration.
Data Loss Prevention: Protect against data loss risks.
Malware Protection: Use endpoint detection tools.
Security Policies: Define measures in a compliance policy.
Activity Monitoring: Detect threats through environment tracking.

By focusing on these basics, businesses can build a strong compliance foundation.

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How to identify if you need CMMC?

by Jacob Acker | Feb 15, 2023 | Compliance, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance

Identify CMMC

Before we identify CMMC, we must understand Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

CUI is an important factor in achieving CMMC, because protecting CUI is a key component of cybersecurity.

The CMMC model is a framework that helps organizations assess and improve their cybersecurity posture. It’s designed to help organizations achieve a baseline level of cybersecurity maturity that aligns with their risk management goals and objectives.

One of the key security controls in CMMC is the protection of CUI. Organizations that handle CUI must ensure that they are safeguarding this information in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and guidance. This includes identifying and marking CUI appropriately, as well as implementing the appropriate security controls to protect it.

Understanding CUI (Classified Uncontrolled Information)

CUI is a category of sensitive but unclassified information that is regulated by the US government. To ensure that CUI is appropriately safeguarded, specific markings and controls are used to identify it. They are:

1. Banner & Footer Markings

These markings may include a statement indicating that the document contains CUI and should be handled accordingly. For example, a banner marking might read “Controlled Unclassified Information – Do Not Release Without Authorization.” Footer markings may include the specific CUI category and subcategory.

Pro-tip: There is no requirement to add the “U,” signifying unclassified, to the banner and footer as was required with the old FOUO marking (i.e., U//FOUO).

CUI markings in classified documents will appear in paragraphs or subparagraphs known to contain only CUI and must be portion marked with “(CUI).” “CUI” will not appear in the banner or footer.

Last tip – there will be an acknowledgement added to the warning box on the first page of multi-page documents to alert readers to the presence of CUI in a classified DoD document.

2. Category & Sub-Category Markings

These are used to identify the type of information and the level of protection it requires. Categories may include areas such as “Legal,” “Financial,” or “Defense.” Subcategories provide further specificity within each category. For example, within the “Defense” category, subcategories may include “Weapons Systems Design” or “Military Operations.”

3. CUI Basic vs. CUI Specified

CUI Basic refers to information that is not specifically listed in the CUI Registry but still requires safeguarding. CUI Specified refers to information that is specifically listed in the CUI Registry and has a designated category and subcategory. CUI Specified will also be marked with (SP-) on the document.

4. Limited Dessimination Controls

Limited dissemination controls are used to restrict the distribution of CUI to authorized individuals only. This may include controls such as password protection, access controls, or encryption.

5. Portion Markings

Portion markings are used to identify specific sections of a document that contain CUI. This allows individuals to quickly identify which portions of the document are sensitive and require protection. Portion markings may include labels such as “CUI,” “FOUO” (For Official Use Only), or “Limited Distribution.”

Quick side note: if Portion Markings used in one part of the document, they must be used throughout the entire document.

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What is CMMC and How Does it Affect Me?

by Jacob Acker | Jan 16, 2023 | Compliance

WHAT IS CMMC?

Any organization (manufacturing company) hoping to work within the defense contract supply chain will need to meet the standards set by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Compliance (CMMC). Managed by the Department of Defense (DoD), the CMMC is a tiered system of compliance measures, which are intended to evaluate the maturity of the organization’s cybersecurity systems, processes, and contingencies. CMMC was introduced in 2020, refined in 2021, and will be fully required by 2026.

Even if you’re a (manufacturing) organization that’s not looking to work with the DoD – being CMMC compliant can benefit you because it works to actively improve your cybersecurity measures.

CMMC describes a (manufacturing) company’s preparedness against key security issues. A low score on the CMMC model means that your organization is ill-prepared for potentially malicious actions, whereas a high score on the CMMC model will mean that your organization has taken active, critical steps toward mitigating malicious actors.

There are three tiers of certification in the CMMC 2.0 model:

CMMC level 1, “Foundational,” is the most basic level of compliance. This includes basic security practices, including access controls, implementing identity controls, and performing password protection. Level 1 companies don’t have a complete security strategy, they only know the basics. Many organizations start here, then improve their security solutions.
CMMC level 2, “Advanced,” is a reasonably advanced level of security compliance. If your (manufacturing) organization is hoping to work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), then you will need this level of compliance. Organizations hoping to achieve Level 2 will need to follow the 110 best security practices aligned with NIST SP 800-171.
CMMC level 3, “Expert,” is the highest level of certification and what most organizations should aspire to be at. Organizations should be practicing advanced and progressive cyber hygiene, continually optimize their security processes, and analyze their network traffic. Organizations will need a sophisticated understanding of auditing, accountability, access control, and incident response. Achieving CMMC Level 3 will require an organization to follow a set of 110+ practices based on NIST SP 800-172. It will also require government-led audits, as opposed to the third-party audits necessary for achieving Level 2.

HOW DOES IT AFFECT ME?

It’s important to focus on the maturity part of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification: compliance is everchanging.

New threats and defenses are established all the time, so an integral part of compliance at any level is maintaining that compliance. This can be challenging, and it is a major process to meet CMMC requirements.

Creating, enforcing, and maintaining security controls take time and when certification is available, manufacturers (you) don’t want to be left behind.

We may experience a backlog from those that are ready for certification between now and when the certification goes live. And remember that meeting CMMC Level 2 will be required for all Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, with self-attestation being minimum for Level 3 capabilities with third-party certification being required for some contractors.

There is also a complete culture shift involved with achieving the above levels of certification. Everyone needs to be aware of their role upholding compliance at every level of your organization. Therefore, these new compliance requirements mean more than just a change to the policies of your IT department. More importantly, there will be changes to how information is handled throughout your organization, and IT will underpin these changes across each department.

PRO TIP: HOW ICS DATA HELPS WITH CMMC COMPLIANCE

A business can think of CMMC as a measure of their general cybersecurity health. While CMMC has been designed specifically for DoD contracts, most of the requirements of CMMC apply to any organization dealing with critical, personally identifiable or protected information.

To tackle most DoD contracts, organizations will need basic CMMC compliance. But, that doesn’t mean that achieving better compliance shouldn’t be the ultimate goal of an organization and its IT team.

By working with us, a business can ensure that they are moving toward better cybersecurity — including CMMC compliance requirements. An organization won’t need to devote significant amounts of internal time toward compliance and will be able to achieve better compliance faster.

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