CMMC MSP Security Standards: Is Compliance Necessary?

Disclaimer: This article was originally published on May 1, 2024 and has since been updated for comprehensiveness.

Your managed service provider (MSP) needs CMMC compliance. The Department of Defense (DoD) now requires MSPs to meet the same cybersecurity level as their clients. 

The DoD has finalized CMMC standards and with it now in effect, you must understand the standards to hold your MSP accountable to. 

Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) is a managed IT and security provider with over 20 years of experience helping organizations meet compliance requirements. We have dedicated CMMC experts who guide defense contractors through the certification process. 

Our team invited Todd Whitley (one of our CMMC experts and ITS Olympia SVP) to answer important questions about MSP compliance. 

In this article, we'll cover topics that include: 

• Why Should Your MSP Be CMMC Compliant? 
• What Are the Essential Security Standards for CMMC-Ready MSPs? 

By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for when evaluating your current or future MSP. 

Why Should Your MSP Be CMMC Compliant? 

Your MSP handles your sensitive data by accessing your systems, storing your information, and managing your network. 

Since the final rule on CMMC 2.0 took effect on December 16, 2024, Level 2 assessments can begin immediately. 

"MSPs must be at the equivalent level of a client that they're working with, which for most organizations is going to be CMMC 2.0 Level 2," explains Whitley. 

Without proper certification, your MSP becomes a weak link that puts your DoD contracts at risk. 

Understanding CMMC Levels 

The Final CMMC Ruling has three levels of Compliance: 

• Level 1 protects Federal Contract Information (FCI). It includes 15 basic rules, such as using antivirus software and creating strong passwords. Companies do a self-check every year to ensure they follow these rules. 

• Level 2 protects Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). It adheres to 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171 to safeguard data. Some companies can self-check, while others need a third-party assessment. Checks happen every three years. 

• Level 3 protects the most sensitive government programs. It implements additional security measures in accordance with NIST SP 800-172 and is reviewed by government assessors. 

Read More: What CMMC Level Do I Need? 

What Are the Essential Security Standards for CMMC-Ready MSPs? 

Although the phased rollout began in early 2025 and is currently underway, your MSP may not yet have full certification. However, they should have these eight security practices in place to support your operations.

1. CMMC Training and Certified Professionals

Forward-thinking MSPs already train their staff and hire Registered Practitioners (RPs) and Certified CMMC Professionals (CCPs). 

CCPs have deep technical knowledge and can implement, manage, and oversee advanced security protocols. RPs have a foundational understanding and can help with basic requirements. 

Your MSP should have both types of professionals on staff to show commitment to CMMC readiness. 

Read More: RP, CCP, CCA: Comparing the Different CMMC Roles

2. Dedicated Compliance Division

Look for MSPs with strong compliance departments, as this indicates that they can effectively manage complex regulations. 

"At ITS, we have a dedicated compliance landing page," Whitley explains. "We have educational compliance articles and a compliance team headed by Ed Griffin and Sean Harris." 

MSPs with clients in finance, healthcare, and law are already familiar with regulatory requirements. Verify if your MSP has a dedicated compliance team, educational resources, experience with other certifications, and security tools such as endpoint detection and response systems.

3. Strong Access Controls

MSPs need strong identity and access management systems that use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts. They should follow least privilege access, giving users only the permissions they need.

4. Regular Cybersecurity Training

Human error causes many security breaches, so good MSPs regularly train all employees on phishing identification, social engineering tactics, and CMMC-specific requirements.

5. Secure Patch Management

Patches fix security holes, but poorly managed updates can create new problems. Your MSP needs a systematic approach to testing patches before deployment and scheduling updates during off-hours.

6. Vendor Risk Management

Your MSP works with other vendors, and each of these vendors creates potential risks. MSPs should vet all third-party providers and ensure subcontractors also meet CMMC requirements.

7. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans

Your MSP keeps your business running, so they need plans for when things go wrong. They should have incident response procedures, backup systems, and regular testing in place. 

Read More: Disaster Recovery vs. Business Continuity vs. Incident Response Plans

8. Data Protection Protocols

MSPs must protect information at rest and in transit through encryption, secure storage, and access controls. 

Ready to Find Your CMMC-Ready MSP? 

Choosing a CMMC-compliant MSP protects your operations and secures your future with DoD contracts. 

At ITS, we believe in proactive cybersecurity, and CMMC preparation is part of that approach. We help defense contractors navigate complex requirements with expert assessments, gap analyses, and ongoing support. 

Our team includes Certified CMMC Professionals and Registered Practitioners with decades of experience across multiple industries. 

Schedule a meeting with our CMMC compliance experts today. We'll assess your current security posture and create a roadmap for certification that aligns with your operational needs. Don't wait until CMMC requirements appear in your next contract. 

You can also download our free eBook: CMMC 2.0 Compliance Made Simple: A 7-Step Guide for Executives for comprehensive guidance on your compliance journey. 

Read More About CMMC Compliance 

• How Much Does CMMC Compliance Cost? (& Is It Worth It?) 
• CMMC Assessment vs. CMMC Audit: What's the Difference? 
• How to Improve Your CMMC Maturity Level (6 Best Practices) 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Can MSPs get CMMC certified before their clients? 

A: Yes, MSPs can get certified first. This enables them to serve their clients more effectively and efficiently. 

Q: How long does it take an MSP to become CMMC compliant? 

A: Most MSPs require 6 to 12 months to prepare for certification. 

Q: What happens if my MSP isn't CMMC compliant when I need to bid on a contract? 

A: You could lose the contract because your MSP must also be compliant. You'll need to find a new MSP or wait for yours to get certified, which delays your operations. 

Q: Do small MSPs also need to comply with CMMC? 

A: Yes, all MSPs that work with DoD information must comply with CMMC, regardless of their size. 

Q: How much does CMMC certification cost for MSPs? 

A: CMMC certification costs between $30,000 and $100,000 for the assessment, but the total cost will likely be more once you include fixing security gaps, purchasing tools, documentation, training, and ongoing compliance.