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Disclaimer: This article was originally published on May 10, 2023 but has since been updated for comprehensiveness.
Your MSP must have genuine CMMC expertise, proper certifications, and comprehensive services to help you achieve certification successfully. Many providers claim CMMC readiness but lack the knowledge, service scope, or certification level you need, which can delay your timeline and cause assessment failures.
You should verify their credentials, maintain internal expertise, and ensure they align with your required CMMC level before committing to a partnership.
They make or break your CMMC success.
Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a managed security services provider with over 20 years of experience. We help companies make smart choices about compliance and technology. Our team includes certified CMMC professionals who understand what contractors need to succeed.
This article covers five common problems with MSPs and CMMC certification. More specifically, we’ll help you learn topics such as:
- What are the Common Problems When Working with MSPs for CMMC? (+ Solutions)
- How Can You Make Sure Your MSP Can Help with CMMC Compliance?
By the end of your reading, you will learn how to spot red flags and fix issues with your provider.
What are the Common Problems When Working with MSPs for CMMC? (+ Solutions)
1. Your MSP Does Not Understand CMMC Requirements
Many MSPs claim they can help with CMMC, but lack real expertise. The framework is complex. It requires deep knowledge of cybersecurity and compliance standards.
Sean Harris, ITS Chief Security Risk Officer, holds certifications including CMMC Registered Practitioner and Certified CMMC Professional. His experience shows that true CMMC knowledge takes dedicated study and hands-on work.
If your MSP cannot explain your specific CMMC requirements, that is a red flag.
Solution: Check their certifications before hiring. Ask about Registered Practitioners or Certified CMMC Professionals on their team. Request references from clients who got certified. According to Harris, you should verify that the MSP understands CMMC and has its own certification.
2. The MSP Cares More About Sales Than Your Success
Some MSPs focus on selling services instead of helping you achieve certification.
This creates wrong goals.
Your MSP should care about what you need for CMMC, not what makes them money.
Solution: Set clear goals at the start. Ensure your MSP understands that CMMC certification is your top priority.
Ask them to show how each service addresses specific CMMC controls. Get a project plan that focuses on your certification needs.
3. Limited Services Leave Gaps in Your Compliance
CMMC covers many security areas. However, some MSPs only offer network security. They often overlook physical security or access controls, leaving gaps that can lead to failure during the assessment.
"It's like if you wanted me to renovate your house, and you're just sending me emails asking how much time and money will it take to bring my house to the latest building code standard," Harris explains.
Solution: Check their services before signing a contract. Ensure the MSP covers all compliance requirements, which include technical controls, policies, training, and documentation.
According to the Department of Defense, CMMC assessments check that contractors have security measures for Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information. If your MSP cannot cover everything, consider finding a provider that offers comprehensive CMMC services.
4. Your MSP Doesn't Involve You in the Process
Some companies depend entirely on their MSP for cybersecurity. This creates problems. You need internal knowledge about your security and compliance status.
Your team should understand the controls you use. Do not just trust that the MSP handles everything.
Solution: Build internal expertise alongside MSP support. Ask your MSP to train your team on the controls they set up. Write down everything so your staff knows how systems work. Stay involved in compliance decisions. Review reports regularly.
5. Your MSP Has a Different CMMC Level
The CMMC level gap between you and your provider matters. Harris says if you need Level 3 certification, your MSP should be at the same level or higher.
When your MSP has a lower level, they might need to upgrade first. This takes time and delays your compliance timeline.
Solution: Check your MSP's CMMC level before starting. If they have a lower level, ask when they will upgrade. Obtain a written confirmation regarding their certification timeline. If they have a higher level, make sure they know how to work at your level without making things too complicated.
Related blog: What CMMC 2.0 Level Do I Need? (+ A Step-by-step Guide for Choosing)
How do you make sure your MSP can help you with compliance?
When selecting an MSP to assist with compliance, there are several things you can do to ensure success.
1. Check the MSP's certifications
Look for Registered Practitioners or Certified CMMC Professionals on their team.
2. Assess their experience
Ask for references from clients who got certified. Find out how many companies they helped and their success rate.
3. Verify their scope of services
Your MSP must be capable of handling all compliance requirements, including controls, policies, training, and documentation.
Related reading: Can an MSP Help You with Regulatory Compliance?
4. Determine their communication and reporting capabilities
Strong communication keeps projects on track. Your MSP should give regular updates and respond quickly. communication and reporting capabilities.
5. Evaluate their approach to compliance
Good MSPs look beyond technical controls. They understand your business needs. When it comes to planning for CMMC compliance, Harris says: "[Getting a price] starts with a thorough gap analysis."
Your MSP should assess your current security before recommending solutions.
Ready to Find the Right MSP for CMMC Compliance?
Working with an MSP helps you achieve CMMC certification faster. However, you must choose the right partner and fix problems early.
Each of the five problems has a solution, namely:
- Check certifications
- Verify service scope
- Set clear goals
- Keep internal expertise
- Confirm CMMC level alignment
ITS has the tools and experience to assess your security and create a complete plan. We monitor progress, fix issues, and provide detailed reports during your CMMC journey. Our certified CMMC professionals stay current on all framework updates.
Schedule a meeting with one of our consultants to start your CMMC certification path.
Learn more about CMMC compliance from the ITS Learning Center:
- What CMMC 2.0 Level Do I Need?
- How Much Does CMMC Compliance Cost?
- eBook: CMMC 2.0 Compliance Made Simple: A 7-Step Guide for Executives
Frequently Asked Questions About MSPs and CMMC Compliance
Q: What is the biggest problem when choosing an MSP for CMMC?
A: The biggest challenge is finding an MSP with genuine CMMC expertise. Many providers claim they can help, but they often lack the necessary training, certifications, or experience.
Q: Can an MSP at a lower CMMC level help my business?
A: An MSP at a lower level might need to upgrade their security first. This delays your timeline and creates problems during assessment.
Q: How do I verify my MSP understands CMMC requirements?
A: Ask about their CMMC certifications and client success stories. Request references and check for Registered Practitioners or Certified CMMC Professionals on staff.
Q: Should I handle some CMMC compliance internally?
A: Yes. You should keep internal knowledge about your security practices. This helps you maintain compliance and respond to audits.
Q: What happens if my MSP only provides partial CMMC services?
A: Partial services create gaps in your compliance. CMMC assessments check all required controls. Missing one area can make you fail certification.
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