What’s the most critical cybersecurity step for OC defense contractors?
A comprehensive gap assessment to meet CMMC and NIST 800-171 requirements. HD Tech offers this strategic evaluation to help identify vulnerabilities before they become compliance failures.
How does HD Tech ensure compliance?
We utilize advanced tools like Fortinet SIEM and Microsoft Azure, combined with our 24/7 remote IT support, to secure Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and ensure your firm is audit-ready.
Why OC Defense Contractors Need a Cybersecurity Checklist
Orange County is a pivotal hub for the defense and aerospace industries. From the logistics operations near Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base to the manufacturing giants surrounding Boeing’s Huntington Beach facilities and the innovation centers in Irvine’s tech corridor, the region is dense with sensitive data.
For defense contractors in these zones, cybersecurity is not just about protecting intellectual property; it is about national security and maintaining the ability to win government contracts. With the Department of Defense (DoD) rigorously enforcing CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) standards, reliance on basic firewalls is no longer sufficient. You need a structured, verifiable approach to security.
HD Tech’s 10-Point Cybersecurity Checklist for CMMC & NIST 800-171
To help you navigate the complexity of NIST 800-171 and CMMC compliance, we have compiled the essential controls every contractor must implement.
- Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all users, especially for remote access and cloud environments.
- Implement Access Control: Follow the Principle of Least Privilege. Limit access to CUI to only those employees who strictly need it.
- Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Periodically scan your network vulnerabilities and remediate gaps immediately.
- Secure CUI Data: Use FIPS-validated encryption for CUI both in transit and at rest.
- Deploy Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): utilize tools that monitor devices for suspicious behavior, not just known viruses.
- Establish Incident Response Plans: Have a documented, tested plan for how your team will react to a breach within mandated reporting timelines.
- Mandate Security Awareness Training: Train employees to recognize phishing and social engineering attacks.
- Maintain Configuration Management: create baseline configurations for all systems and track changes meticulously.
- Ensure Physical Security: Control and log physical access to server rooms and storage media containing CUI.
- Monitor Systems 24/7: Use SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools to log and alert on unauthorized activity in real-time.
Why Choose HD Tech in OC?
With 30 years of service in Southern California, HD Tech understands the unique pressures faced by defense contractors. We are a Microsoft Silver Partner capable of deploying the high-level architecture required for secure defense contracting.
Our team doesn’t just fix computers; we build compliance frameworks that allow you to bid on contracts with confidence.
Smart FAQs
What’s the timeline for CMMC compliance in OC?
CMMC implementation is rolling out in phases, but the DoD expects contractors to be ready now. Waiting until a contract requires certification often leads to rushed implementations and potential failure. Early preparation is key.
How does HD Tech’s remote help desk support defense contractors?
Our remote IT support team resolves issues instantly, ensuring your secure environments remain operational. We understand the specific constraints of defense-related IT, including secure file sharing and compliant remote access protocols.
What are the risks of non-compliance for OC firms?
Beyond the immediate risk of data theft and ransomware, non-compliance leads to the loss of contract eligibility. If you cannot prove alignment with NIST 800-171, you risk being disqualified from DoD supply chains entirely.
Get Your Firm Audit-Ready
Don’t leave your compliance status to chance. Navigating the complexities of CMMC and NIST 800-171 requires expert guidance to ensure every aspect of your network meets the rigorous standards of the DoD.
Instead of guessing where your vulnerabilities lie, partner with HD Tech for a comprehensive compliance gap assessment. We will help you identify risks and implement the necessary controls to protect your contracts.
Ready to secure your contracts and your data?
📞 Call us at 877-540-1684
