What is CMMC compliance and why do defense contractors need it?

“CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a U.S. Department of Defense framework requiring all defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to meet specific cybersecurity standards. Starting November 2026, CMMC Level 2 certification via an accredited C3PAO assessment becomes mandatory for all DoD contracts involving CUI — meaning contractors who are not prepared risk losing contract eligibility entirely.”