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PARAVA – NEW WEBSITE – WHY DFARS AND CMMC
Why the US DoD Introduced DFARS and CMMC
Why is Defense Acquisition Regulation Used to Address DIB Cybersecurity Compliance?
Cybersecurity is Weapon System Security. Cybersecurity National Security
The DoW has a simple Mission: it provides the military forces needed to deter war, ensure the nation’s security, and support U.S national policy. At the heart of its role is protecting the U.S from threats, whether they come from nation-states, terrorist groups, or new and emerging domains such as cyber warfare. To achieve this, the DoW maintains a constant state of readiness; troops, equipment, intelligence, and technology must all be prepared to respond at any moment. This readiness translates into confidence: knowing that the nation can defend itself when necessary.
In achieving its mission, the DoW relies on the security of its weapon systems. Weapon systems that rely on IT systems for their design, manufacture, operability, and interoperability in and across the battle space. The security of digital data is critical for the DoW and the success of its mission. Data security has a direct impact on national security, military readiness, and technological superiority. How does the security of DIB data support the DoW’s mission?
- Technological Advantage in the battle space is lost if data is stolen from the Global Defense Industrial Base; adversaries will use it to weaken U.S. military capabilities.
- Exploitation of data about U.S weapon systems poses serious risks to national security, military readiness, and technological superiority.
- Military Readiness depends on uninterrupted access to data, systems, and supply chains.
- Supply Chains create, process, store, and transmit DoD data. Data that is used to design, manufacture, service, and support DoD Weapon systems.
- Economic Advantage is lost if data is stolen. As DIB contractors and subcontractors consume resources on weapon systems design and manufacture.
- Erosion of Trust. The U.S. frequently shares sensitive defense information with Trusted allies. This trust is eroded if data cannot be secured.
Cyberattacks are a Threat to National Security
Cyberspace has become as critical to national security as land, sea, air, and space. Nations rely heavily on digital networks for economic stability, defense operations, and the functioning of critical infrastructure. While technology has enabled remarkable progress, it has also introduced a dangerous new domain of conflict. Cyber threats now pose some of the most pressing challenges to national security, as they can undermine government institutions, destabilize economies, and even disrupt daily life. There are several reasons cyber is a threat to national security.
- Critical National Infrastructure(CNI) – Cyber attacks are a threat to vulnerable CNI, such as power grids, oil and gas, healthcare, water treatment plants, transportation systems, and communication networks that are increasingly connected to the internet. If successful, a cyber attack on a power grid could plunge millions into darkness, crippling hospitals, businesses, and emergency services.
- Espionage and Data Theft – Hackers are known to have stolen classified government information, military secrets, and sensitive research, weakening a nation’s defense capabilities and giving adversaries an advantage.
- Reputation Damage – A successful cyber-attack can erode customer trust, especially if sensitive personal data is exposed. Poor management of a cyber attack can lead to negative media coverage, damaging a company’s image, and driving customers and business partners away.
- Operational Disruption – Cyber attacks can disable critical business functions, affecting IT, supply chains, communication, or manufacturing. Ransomware can lock networks, stopping operations completely. Extended downtime results in lost revenue, damages relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers.
Cyber attacks are a threat to Corporate Security
The global economy relies on public and private sector organisations to sell products and services. Products and services that rely on digital infrastructure for their research, development, design, manufacture, and maintenance. The public sector is heavily reliant on the private sector for tax income, sustainable jobs, technology & innovation, and most of its national infrastructure, such as CNI, supply chains, and logistics. Without which society does not function. Corporations are of all shapes and sizes. Many firms are interconnected, with large companies relying on small companies for products and services. All companies rely on CNI, which is often provided by the private sector. There are several reasons cyber is a threat to corporate security.
Nation-state management of public and private sector cybersecurity
Cyber risks are complex risks to manage. Cyber attacks can affect supply chains and national security. NATO recognises Cybersecurity is a domain of operation alongside kinetic warfare. Cyber threat actors can work for Nation States, Nation State Proxies, while also working as cyber criminals. Cyber weapons developed to attack nation-states have been repurposed to attack commercial companies and a nation’s citizens. Our digitally connected and dependent society creates opportunities to launch cyber attacks that are only limited by the number of devices connected to the internet. Nation-state governments, organisations, and the public’s awareness of cybersecurity are relatively low, as is the maturity of cybersecurity risk management. There are not enough experienced and qualified resources available to manage cybersecurity risk. With these points in mind, how do nation-states protect their public and private sectors and their citizens from the effects of cyber attacks? There are few levers available other than using regulation and the law.
Why did the US DoD adopt CMMC
In 2018, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) wrote a report called “DOD Needs to Clarify Cybersecurity Oversight Roles and Improve Safeguards for Controlled Unclassified Information”, and published a report in 2019, “Weapon Systems Cybersecurity: DOD Just Beginning to Grapple with Scale of Vulnerabilities”. Reports that raised concerns over the management of cybersecurity by the DoD’s Defense Industry Base (DIB), the theft of weapon systems data, and the use of data by nation-states. This initiated the US DoD’s program to improve the cybersecurity of the Defence Industry Base (DIB). A process that resulted in the publication of the DFARS 252.204-7021 CMMC rule on the US Federal Register. on the 10th September 2025. The DFARS 252.204-7021 effective date is the 10th November 2025. Following this, the DoD can adopt the CMMC clause in DoD contracts.
