The System Security Plan (SSP) and CMMC Certification

The System Security Plan (SSP) is the foundational document for any defense contractor seeking or maintaining Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Think of it as a blueprint that details how your organization implements and manages security controls to protect sensitive government information, specifically Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

An SSP is a mandatory requirement for CMMC Level 2 certification and above. A CMMC assessor will review it as the first step of an official assessment. Without a robust and accurate SSP, your organization cannot pass its CMMC assessment and risks losing eligibility for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts.

How we put together your SSP

We don't just provide guidance; we act as your CMMC-compliant Managed IT Service Provider (MSP), offering end-to-end support for your compliance journey. The following is a breakdown of the key steps we take to build your SSP as part of our comprehensive services:

  1. Define your system boundaries
    The SSP must clearly define the scope of your information system, identifying all assets that process, store, or transmit CUI. We help you define which systems, networks, and applications are "in-scope," as well as any connections to external systems. This prevents unnecessarily expanding your compliance scope and costs.

  2. Describe your security controls and processes
    For CMMC Level 2, your SSP must detail how your organization addresses all 110 security practices outlined in NIST SP 800-171. As your MSP, we help you document and implement the required security measures, including:

    • Access controls: How users are granted access, use multi-factor authentication, and adhere to the principle of least privilege.

    • Data protection: How CUI is protected at rest and in transit through methods like encryption.

    • Configuration management: How your systems are securely configured and monitored.

    • Incident response: Your plan for handling and recovering from security incidents.

  3. Document roles and responsibilities
    The SSP clearly identifies the individuals responsible for managing and implementing cybersecurity controls. This includes listing key stakeholders, system administrators, and other personnel, clarifying their roles and security privileges related to handling CUI. This shows an assessor that accountability is clearly defined within your organization.

  4. Reference supporting evidence
    Every claim in your SSP about an implemented control must be supported by evidence. As your managed IT provider, we ensure all actions we take on your behalf—such as security configurations, policy updates, and log reviews—are properly documented and referenced in your SSP.

  5. Address plans for future implementation (POA&M)
    For any controls that are not yet implemented, a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) is used to document the gaps. We develop this roadmap for you, outlining specific steps, assigned responsibilities, and clear timelines to achieve full compliance.

  6. Create a "living document"
    A CMMC SSP is not a one-time project. It must be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes to your systems, personnel, or security policies. As your Managed IT Service Provider, we continuously monitor and maintain your systems, ensuring your SSP remains accurate and ready for assessment at any time.

The benefits of a well-crafted SSP

A strong SSP is a strategic asset for your business. It serves not only to satisfy CMMC requirements but also to:

  • Mitigate risk proactively: It forces you to take a comprehensive look at your security posture and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

  • Enhance operational security: The process of creating an SSP formalizes your security practices, leading to a more secure and resilient organization.

  • Protect against False Claims Act violations: A detailed and accurate SSP demonstrates due diligence and protects your company from potential liability.

By developing a robust and comprehensive SSP with us, you are building the foundation for your CMMC certification and securing your future success in the Defense Industrial Base.