Cybersecurity in today’s defense contracting landscape demands more than just checking compliance boxes. The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 underscores this shift, prioritizing robust security practices that actively protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive data. While compliance is a vital step, it’s the actionable security measures that truly safeguard organizations from threats such as ransomware, intellectual property theft, and digital sabotage. 

At Alchemi Data Management, we believe that the path to real security begins at the data layer—the heart of any enterprise’s operations. This philosophy is embedded in our ShieldCRS platform, which transforms cybersecurity from a perimeter-focused approach to one that radiates protection from the data layer outward. 

Insights from the NCSU CMMC Event 

Alchemi CTO and co-founder Rob Sims recently participated in the CMMC Implementation Workshop hosted by North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Military Business Center. During the workshop, he shared valuable insights on the importance of balancing compliance efforts with meaningful security measures. 

As Rob  emphasizes, ’Achieving compliance isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about building trust, ensuring resilience, and safeguarding critical data. A robust solution that integrates real-time threat detection, data integrity, and automated compliance workflows transforms cybersecurity from a checkbox into a strategic advantage.’

Sims emphasized that while CMMC 2.0 and associated DFARS clauses are vital, the focus on implementing NIST 800-171 policies can often get diluted in the race to simply “pass the audit.” 

Insider Security Breaches: A Growing Concern 

Insider security breaches pose a significant threat to organizations, accounting for approximately 31% of all data breaches. This means nearly one-third of security incidents originate from within, emphasizing the need for proactive measures that extend beyond traditional perimeter defenses.  Even more concerning is the detection timeline: it takes an average of 85 days to identify and mitigate an insider threat, with only 12% of such incidents being contained within 31 days. 

These alarming statistics highlight the importance of solutions like ShieldCRS, which addresses insider threats by focusing on the core data layer where sensitive information resides. 

ShieldCRS: Proactive Defense from the Data Layer 

Unlike conventional cybersecurity tools that primarily defend the perimeter or analyze post-breach forensics, ShieldCRS protects from the inside out. Its capabilities include: 

• Proactive Threat Detection: Identifying and neutralizing insider and external threats in real time. 
• Data Resilience: Rapid rollback and recovery of affected files, minimizing downtime and loss. 
• Comprehensive Protection: Addressing vulnerabilities at the data layer, ensuring compliance with NIST 800-171 while maintaining operational integrity. 

By safeguarding critical data and isolating malicious activity before it escalates, ShieldCRS helps organizations reduce the time and cost associated with managing insider threats. 

The evolving cybersecurity landscape demands a shift in mindset—from viewing compliance as the finish line to embracing security as an ongoing commitment. Platforms like ShieldCRS exemplify this approach, offering defense contractors the tools they need to achieve not only compliance with CMMC 2.0 but also the confidence that their data is protected, no matter what. 

As the CMMC framework continues to evolve, Alchemi Data Management remains at the forefront, delivering innovative solutions that redefine what it means to secure the enterprise. By starting at the data layer and expanding outward, ShieldCRS offers the kind of comprehensive protection that today’s defense contractors need to thrive in an increasingly complex and hostile cybersecurity environment.  

Interested in learning more? Discover how ShieldCRS can help your organization move beyond compliance to true security. Contact us today!