Passing CMMC Level 2 Is the Starting Line for Defense Contractors
Some organizations view CMMC Level 2 as the finish line. In reality, it is the starting point for a more mature cybersecurity program. The assessment confirms that baseline practices are in place to protect sensitive government information, but cybersecurity does not stop once the audit is complete.
As new vulnerabilities emerge, attackers evolve, employees come and go, systems change, and new contracts or suppliers expand the attack surface, defense contractors must continue managing risk over time.
Watch the video to learn why passing CMMC Level 2 is only the foundation, and why continuous compliance is where the real work begins.
Managed Security Service Provider
Managed Security for Defense Contractors and Regulated Environments
24×7 threat detection, evidence-aligned monitoring, and compliance-ready security operations engineered for CMMC, NIST 800-171, and DoD contractor needs.
Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and maintaining audit-ready security operations requires more than commodity monitoring. ISSE Services delivers engineering-led managed security built for defense environments – aligning real-time detection and response with compliance requirements and operational resilience.
This sets expectation and aligns with your strategic positioning.
ISSE Services stands apart:
- CMMC Level 2 certified MSSP (one of the first nationally)
- Extensive engineering and operations experience in DoD-grade environments
- Woman-Owned Small Business with multidisciplinary cybersecurity talent
- Tailored compliance-aligned security vs. commodity monitoring
Who is ISSE Services?
ISSE Services has supported Department of Defense systems for more than two decades, including mission-critical environments where controls must operate continuously and withstand scrutiny. That operational discipline informs how we approach CMMC readiness and managed security for defense contractors today.
Our goal is not just to help you “pass.”
It is to help you pass without rework, and build a defensible security posture that supports long-term contract growth.
How Can an MSSP Help with IT Security?
Many organizations partner with a Managed Security Services Provider, or MSSP, to deal with the increasingly common threat of cybercrime. MSSPs provide professional monitoring of information systems, assist with developing cybersecurity programs, and help manage risk.
As an organization’s third-party provider of managed security services, an MSSP can monitor and manage:
- Spam and Virus Protection
- SIEM (system monitoring)
- Scanning networks for intruders
- Vulnerability Scans
- Monitoring system performance
- Incident Response
- Consultancy services
Also, MSSPs regularly monitor the security devices and systems in the organization. Most MSSPs offer a wide range of services, including:
- Device management
- Log monitoring and management
- Vulnerability management
- Consultancy services
Basic Cybersecurity Solutions?
Companies must mount a solid defense in this battle against cybercrime and hackers by implementing cybersecurity best practices. These are vital strategies every company should adopt to avoid attacks and become less exposed.
Use a Network Firewall
Properly implemented firewalls can help keep unwanted connections from gaining access to your network, and ensure that only approved connections are getting out.
Have a Plan for Mobile Devices
Researchers report that as many as 59% of businesses allow some form of Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) in the workplace. Be sure your company has a documented BYOD policy.
Use Safe Password Best Practices
Nobody enjoys changing passwords. Nonetheless, a Verizon report found that 63% of data breaches happen due to lost, stolen, or weak passwords. Having a password policy in place at your business—and actively reinforcing its use—is a tremendous boon for your organization’s security.
Run Phishing Simulations
As some of the most prevalent forms of cybersecurity threats, Phishing scams should not be taken lightly. Companies should educate employees on how to avoid falling prey to these malicious cyberthreats. By raising awareness, you’ll be one step ahead of this particular risk.
Conduct Privileged Access Audits
Granting privileged access is a necessary risk in most businesses. But your company should routinely look at permissions—even among head management—and review who has access to any sensitive areas of your company’s private information and other data.
Patch Management
Patch management helps keep computers and networks secure, reliable and up to date with features and functionality the organization considers important. Automating patch management makes this a seamless and effective process to help secure your organization.