Tips and Tricks for Cybersecurity Assessment Readiness

In this episode, Kaleigh is joined by Kelly Hood and Tom Conkle from Optic Cyber who share their expertise on the importance of proper preparation for CMMC assessments, the role of third-party validation, and best practices for organizations navigating compliance.They discuss: Role of SPRS website and attestation processCommon misconceptions about self-assessment and internal biasBest practices for preparing for a CMMC assessmentThe value of a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP)Differences between C3PAO and DIBCAC assessmentsFollow Kelly Hood on Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyhoodoc/Follow Tom Conkle on Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomconkle/Optic Cyber: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opticcyber/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Bobby and Kaleigh discuss the recent pause in the CMMC rollout and its effects on third-party assessments and C3PAOs. They explore the impact on industry dynamics and the importance of proactive engagement.Website: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this pro tip episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Bobby shares essential tips for preparing for and navigating a cybersecurity assessment, focusing on practical strategies to ensure a smooth processWebsite: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, hosts Kaleigh Floyd and Bobby Guerra welcome back Koren Wise from Wise Technical Innovations. The conversation delves into the latest developments surrounding the CMMC program, particularly the recent class deviation affecting contractors.Class Deviation: https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D561FAQGSCWrODbSmhA/feedshare-document-url-metadata-scrapper-pdf/B56aCGfVqAI8A4-/0/1788962760218?e=1789581600&v=beta&t=fLrdB7f9FoKMQJuaLxv3guuCih4B5M8Dp4DlPgARP68CUI Categories and Abbreviations: https://www.dodcui.mil/CUI-Categories-and-Abbreviations/Follow Koren on Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koren-wise/Website: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, we explore the intricacies of the CMMC self-assessment process, including scoring, POA&Ms vs OPAs, and the importance of proper documentation. Our guest, Bo Birdwell, from Elbit Systems of America, shares insights from his experience working with supply chain resilience and cybersecurity compliance.Resources mentioned in podcast: Bo Birdwell's LinkedIn: Michael Birdwell | LinkedInElbit Systems of America website: Elbit America - Aerospace & Defense Solutions32 CFR: Federal Register :: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) ProgramLevel 2 Self-Assessment Guide: CMMC Assessment Guide Level 2CIO DoD CMMC Resources: CIO - CMMC Resources & DocumentationWebsite: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Kaleigh discusses how the CCP exam components relate to real-world cybersecurity practices and practical tips for professionals preparing for certification and implementation.Resources mentioned in podcast: Sector 171 game: https://sector171.netlify.app/CMMC Resources website: https://dodcio.defense.gov/CMMC/Resources-Documentation/Cyber AB Website: https://cyberab.org/Wise Technical Innovations: https://www.wtinetworks.com/Edwards Performance Solutions: https://edwps.com/cmmc-ccp-bootcamp/Summit 7 podcast- Sum IT Up: Summit 7 - YouTubeWebsite: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In part two of this two-part episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Kaleigh and Bobby discuss their recommendations and concerns surrounding the future of CMMC following the Department of War's pause on Phase 2 implementation. They break down the challenges within the current CMMC assessment process, why industry feedback through the Request for Information (RFI) is critical, and what changes could help create a more practical and sustainable path forward for defense contractors, MSPs, and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.Website: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In part one of this two-part episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Kaleigh and Bobby break down the Department of War's decision to pause the rollout of Phase 2 of the CMMC program. They discuss what the pause means for defense contractors, why the Request for Information (RFI) matters, and share their perspective as one of the first CMMC Level 2 Certified MSPs navigating these changes. Website: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Kaleigh shares her personal experience and key insights from studying for the CCP certification, including exam categories, study resources, and tips for success.Resources mentioned in podcast: Sector 171 game: SECTOR 171 — The Assessor's GauntletCMMC Resources website: CIO - CMMC Resources & DocumentationCyber AB Website: CyberAB > HomeWise Technical Innovations: CMMC CCP and CCA and Training | Authorized C3PAO | Wise Technical InnovationsEdwards Performance Solutions: Certified CMMC Boot Camp-35-Hour Course-Live Online Instructor LedWebsite: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/

In this mid-season finale episode of Climbing Mount CMMC, Kaleigh and Bobby discuss the essentials of conducting a proper self-assessment for CMMC compliance with the new CMMC Phase II suspension in mind. They emphasize the importance of honesty, knowledge, and proper documentation to ensure successful certification.Resources mentioned in podcast:CMMC Phase II Suspension video:https://youtu.be/5JVbjrihSTsUltimate Guide to a Self-Assessment video:https://youtu.be/UVyQeMRYjRADoW CIO website: CIO - CMMC Resources & DocumentationJacob Hill video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ISndYW5WbG0Website: https://www.axiom.tech/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJagoDasNG3MqLqw2Af_ZQAxiom's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiomtech/Bobby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbyguerra/Kaleigh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleigh-floyd-079a52190/