For contractors engaged in business with the Department of Defense (DOD), achieving compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 requirements is a critical priority. To simplify the compliance journey, contractors can turn to the Microsoft GCC (Government Community Cloud). The Microsoft GCC Cloud, as compared to the higher-cost GCC High cloud, offers small contractors a straightforward and cost-efficient solution to becoming CMMC 2.0 compliant.
Understanding the Difference
It’s important to understand the distinction between Microsoft GCC Cloud and GCC High Cloud. Microsoft GCC Cloud is designed to meet the compliance needs of government agencies, providing robust security features and certifications such as FedRAMP High, DISA IL4/5, and CJIS. On the other hand, GCC High Cloud offers an even higher level of security and compliance controls, specifically tailored for handling more sensitive information, including any ITAR requirements. So while GCC High may be necessary for certain contractors with ITAR requirements, it comes with a higher price tag and may not be essential for all small contractors seeking CMMC 2.0 compliance.
Microsoft GCC Cloud Benefits
- Comprehensive Compliance Capabilities
The Microsoft GCC Cloud is purpose-built to meet the stringent compliance requirements of government agencies. With certifications such as FedRAMP High, DISA IL4/5, and CJIS, it provides a robust foundation for small contractors to address the necessary controls and practices mandated by CMMC 2.0. By leveraging the cloud platform’s comprehensive compliance capabilities, small contractors can streamline their compliance journey and focus on their core business operations. - Cost-Efficient Infrastructure
Small contractors often face budget constraints and need cost-effective solutions to meet compliance requirements. The Microsoft GCC Cloud offers a favorable pricing structure that is more in line with their commercial cloud licensing. By choosing the GCC Cloud, small contractors can achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance without incurring the additional expenses associated with migrating to the higher-priced GCC High cloud. This cost efficiency allows small contractors to allocate their resources strategically and invest in other areas critical to their growth. - Seamless Migration Process
Migrating to the Microsoft GCC Cloud is a straightforward process with minimal disruption to your operations. Nimbus Logic provides a cost-effective migration solution that migrates your accounts and data from Exchange Online, Teams, Sharepoint & OneDrives. We specialize in migrating your data, whether it resides on-premises or in any commercially hosted platform.
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The Microsoft GCC Cloud offers a range of built-in security features that align with the CMMC 2.0 requirements. These features include robust access controls, encryption at rest and in transit, continuous threat monitoring, and identity management capabilities. Small contractors can leverage these security measures to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The built-in security features reduce the burden on small contractors to implement and maintain complex security controls independently. - Compliance as a Service
Let Nimbus Logic configure your Microsoft GCC tenant to maximize your security posture and allow you to more easily satisfy up to 75% of the NIST 800-171 controls. For a fixed monthly price, your Microsoft GCC tenant will be configured, leveraging all of the security features that come with a G5 license. Once configured, Nimbus Logic will onboard devices for all in-scope users for full compliancy and security monitoring & management. We will then take you through a complete Gap Analysis, providing policy templates and configuration documentation, to generate a SPRS score, Plan of Action & Milestone (POAM), and System Security Plan (SSP).
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For organizations seeking to achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance while maintaining cost-efficiency, migrating to the Microsoft GCC Cloud is an ideal solution. The comprehensive compliance capabilities, cost-efficient infrastructure, seamless migration process, built-in security features, and ongoing compliance support make the Microsoft GCC Cloud a simplified and accessible option. By leveraging the capabilities of the GCC Cloud, small contractors can streamline their compliance efforts, meet DOD requirements, and focus on growing their business with confidence in their cybersecurity posture.