HOW SNARE CAN SUPPORT YOUR NIST 800-171 AND CMMC 2.0 COMPLIANCE

Organizations working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must comply with strict cybersecurity standards to protect controlled unclassified information (CUI). NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 define security requirements, but CMMC 2.0 also introduces a structured certification process. 

Previously, contractors self-assessed compliance with NIST 800-171. CMMC 2.0 now requires third-party certification at certain levels, meaning organizations must formally prove their security controls meet required standards. Companies that fail to comply risk losing DoD contracts and exposing sensitive information to cyber threats. 

Snare helps organizations meet compliance requirements by strengthening security controls, automating audit processes, and improving incident response. 

To check whether your organization falls under CMMC 2.0 requirements, please follow the link below: 

https://dodcio.defense.gov/cmmc/About/ 

WHAT HAS CHANGED AND HOW CAN YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?

NIST 800-171 outlines security controls for organizations handling CUI; however, compliance has traditionally been based on self-declaration. Organizations that previously followed NIST 800-171 may now need third-party certification under CMMC 2.0 to maintain eligibility for DoD contracts. Businesses should review their compliance status and prepare for the new requirements. 

CMMC 2.0 introduces three certification levels based on the sensitivity of the CUI being handled: 

  • Level 1 (Foundational) applies to organizations handling less-sensitive CUI and requires an annual self-assessment. 
  • Level 2 (Advanced) aligns with NIST 800-171 and requires third-party assessments for organizations handling critical CUI. 
  • Level 3 (Expert) builds on NIST 800-171 and introduces government-led audits for organizations working with highly sensitive data. 

Organizations should assess their CUI handling requirements and determine whether third-party certification is now required under CMMC 2.0. 

ACCESS CONTROL AND AUDIT READINESS

“Limit information system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, or devices (including other information systems).” – NIST 800-171, 3.1.1 

Organizations handling CUI must maintain strict access controls and audit logging to comply with NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0. Snare provides centralized log collection from desktops, servers, applications, and network devices. Role-based access controls ensure that only authorized users can perform critical operations. 

Snare tracks session activity and user behavior continuously to detect unauthorized access attempts. Organizations can use pre-configured reports to audit compliance with access control requirements, helping them prepare for third-party assessments. Snare also integrates with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms like Splunk, IBM QRadar, and SecureWorks, providing enhanced monitoring and threat detection capabilities. 

CMMC 2.0 requires organizations handling critical CUI to undergo third-party assessments. Snare provides clear, auditable records that demonstrate continuous compliance. 

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT REPORTING

“Define, establish, and implement an incident response capability that includes preparation, detection, analysis, containment, and recovery.” – NIST 800-171, 3.6.1 

Organizations must detect, report, and respond to security incidents within strict regulatory deadlines. CMMC 2.0 introduces a 72-hour reporting requirement for certain incidents. Snare enhances incident detection by identifying indicators of compromise (IoCs) and tracking security incidents in real time. 

Organizations can use Snare to store logs in a tamper-proof format, ensuring data integrity for forensic investigations. Built-in reporting templates help generate compliance-ready reports for regulatory submission. Snare also supports CMMC 2.0’s plan of actions and milestones (POAM) to help businesses document progress toward full compliance while working under DoD contracts. 

Failing to meet incident reporting requirements could result in audit failures and lost contracts. Snare ensures organizations maintain continuous monitoring and real-time alerting to stay compliant. 

CERTIFICATION PREPARATION AND ONGOING COMPLIANCE

NIST 800-171 required organizations to self-attest compliance, while CMMC 2.0 introduces formal certification. Businesses working toward compliance may need to refine their cybersecurity strategies and documentation to meet certification requirements. 

Snare helps organizations prepare for certification audits by providing real-time security visibility, automating compliance reporting, and strengthening incident response capabilities. 

Snare provides over 850 pre-configured compliance reports covering NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 requirements. Organizations use Snare to document security maturity, reducing the risk of audit failures. 

CMMC 2.0 will soon become a requirement for defense contracts. Organizations must prepare now to avoid compliance gaps. Continuous monitoring, access controls, and incident management help businesses reduce risk and meet evolving DoD cybersecurity requirements. 

MEET NIST 800-171 AND CMMC 2.0 REQUIREMENTS WITH SNARE

The DoD is shifting from self-assessed compliance to verified certification. Organizations must act now to avoid disruptions and secure their contracts. 

Snare provides comprehensive access control monitoring to protect sensitive information. Automated audit trails streamline compliance reporting, while real-time incident detection and response help organizations meet strict regulatory deadlines. Organizations must prepare now for CMMC 2.0 and start their compliance journey. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact our team to book a demo: 

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