Introduction
In today’s corporate environment, many companies prioritize information security and secrecy, particularly those with ties to the Department of Defense (DoD). The purpose of this research is to identify and explain three essential business factors related to security policy frameworks in the context of a Department of Defense-centric company (Bowne, 2023). Because DoD contracts, security standards, and deadlines are sophisticated and demanding, due diligence is necessary. To overcome these problems, businesses must implement robust security policy frameworks that are specifically designed to meet Department of Defense specifications. This paper examines three important DoD security policy frameworks and relates them to our company’s specific requirements as it prepares to become a significant DoD supplier.
Business Considerations
Compliance with DoD Regulations and Standards
Factors
Contractors handling restricted unclassified information (CUI) must follow cybersecurity guidelines outlined in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Special Publication 800-171 and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) (Liu et al., 2020).
Implications
If we want to compete for and win DoD contracts, we must verify compliance with DoD requirements. If we comply, we avoid losing our contract, having to pay fines, and losing our reputation as a trusted DoD vendor.
Protection Level Required
Factors
Security classifications for DoD contracts range from “Unclassified” to “Top Secret.” For each security level, there are specific criteria for data security, access management, and encryption mechanisms.
Implications
To protect sensitive data, strict adherence to a range of security regulations is required. Failure to achieve these standards could result in a security breach, data integrity loss, or even legal consequences.
Rapid Response to Security Risks
Factors
Contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD) require rigorous project delivery and completion dates. The ability to respond quickly to security breaches and adjust to developing hazards determines how quickly contracts are fulfilled.
Implications
To respond to security issues rapidly without hindering other activities, agile security policies and incident response procedures are required. We could lose money and ruin ties with the Department of Defense if our projects are completed on time.
DoD Security Policy Frameworks
| Framework | Description | Alignment with business considerations |
| NIST SP 800-171 | Standards for the protection of confidential user information (CUI) utilized by organizations other than the federal government. | Maintains compliance with Defense Department rules and guidelines.
There are guidelines for obtaining the necessary level of security (Bote, 2019). Provides a logical structure for responding quickly to security concerns. |
| NIST SP 800-53 | Complete rules for implementing security protections in government data systems. | Maintains adherence to Defense Department policies and instructions.
Provides a variety of security options to meet varying risk levels. Its adaptive control mechanism allows for quick responses to |
| Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) | A standardized framework for cybersecurity deployment in the defense industrial base. | They were explicitly designed to meet DoD security level norms.
Provides a clear path to accreditation. Underlines the value of adaptable security measures and constant refining. |
Conclusion
To become a significant DoD supplier, our company must adopt security policy frameworks that are appropriate for our operations. The NIST SP 800-171 framework is critical for maintaining DoD compliance, achieving security level requirements, and acting rapidly in the event of a security breach. Because of the complete set of controls given by the NIST SP 800-53 architecture’s various layers of security, we are better able to manage a wide range of DoD contracts. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) provides a transparent path to compliance and continuous development by adapting a methodology to fulfill the severe security standards imposed by the Department of Defense (DoD). We can confidently pursue DoD contracts, achieve their security standards, and maintain our image as a trusted and secure DoD supplier since we have thoroughly incorporated these concepts into our security procedures. This proposal will boost our competitiveness while also reinforcing our commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining national security.
References
Bote, D. (2019). The South African national cyber security policy framework: A critical analysis (Doctoral dissertation, North-West University (South Africa).).
Bowne, A. (2023). Attracting Commercial Artificial Intelligence Firms to Support National Security through Collaborative Contracts (Doctoral dissertation).
Liu, Y., Lee, J. M., & Lee, C. (2020). The challenges and opportunities of a global health crisis: the management and business implications of COVID-19 from an Asian perspective. Asian Business & Management, 19, 277-297.
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