10 Common Mistakes Organizations Make Before a CMMC Assessment
Preparing for a CMMC assessment takes more than just implementing security tools. Many organizations discover that their biggest challenges aren’t related to technology but rather to planning, documentation and evidence.
Here are 10 common mistakes we see organizations make:
- Waiting until CMMC certification is required in a contract. Implementing CMMC isn’t something that can be done overnight and rushing often leads to costly mistakes.
- Assuming solutions or hiring a managed service provider alone will satisfy CMMC requirements.
- Failing to accurately identify where Federal Contract Information (FCI) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) reside and how they flow throughout the system.
- Relying on templates and having policies that don’t reflect actual practices.
- Not maintaining evidence to support controls. Auditors have a saying “if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen.”
- Treating CMMC as a one-time project instead of as an ongoing cybersecurity program.
- Waiting too long to schedule readiness activities.
- Underestimating the time needed to remediate gaps.
- Forgetting that employees play a critical role in demonstrating compliance.
- Selecting assessment dates before confirming they are truly ready. Self-assessments are necessary and they are only helpful when done fully and honestly.
Speak to a Compliance Specialist.
Organizations that prepare early typically experience a smoother assessment process because they have time to mature their processes, validate evidence, and resolve issues before the assessment begins. Starting early allows your organization to approach the assessment with confidence instead of urgency.
Need help understanding whether you’re assessment ready? As an Authorized C3PAO, we provide the professional third-party verification required for contractors handling FCI and CUI. We combine technical depth with a specialized understanding of the Department of Defense (DoD) and are here to help wherever you may be in your CMMC journey.
About the Author
Amber Hunley, CISA, CDPSE, CCA, PCIP
Sr. Audit Manager
Amber is a Sr. Manager at Auditwerx, specializing in IT compliance, information security, and process improvement. With extensive experience in project management and quality assurance, she works closely with organizations to navigate complex regulatory requirements, strengthen data privacy, and enhance operational workflows.
