How MSPs can Implement Compliance-Mandated Access Management Controls
The article outlines how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can implement compliance-mandated access management controls, particularly under the updated CMMC 2.0 and NIST SP 800-171 r3 frameworks effective December 2024, emphasizing the use of Privileged Access Management (PAM) to secure just-in-time admin accounts, limit access to sensitive data, enforce identity verification, and prepare for increasing enforcement and audits amid rising sophisticated phishing threats.
How MSPs can Implement Compliance-Mandated Access Management Controls
Due to changing compliance framework requirements for both privileged administrator and end-user accounts under NIST and CMMC, CyberQP has created a complete guide to help you address each type of identity and understand how these changes impact you.
A Complete Outline: How MSPs Can Secure JIT Admin Accounts Under CMMC with Privileged Access Management
The Department of Defense recently published the final version of the CMMC program’s rules. According to the Federal Register, these rules began their effect on December 16th, 2024, after the government finalizes the pre-existing DFARS clauses. Following initial implementation, the United States will begin ramping up enforcement and rollout of CMMC standards and require all contractors to meet NIST SP 800-171 r3’s 110 cybersecurity requirements and achieve CMMC Maturity Level 2 and pass a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO)’s audit.
Phishing Attacks Are Growing More Sophisticated
On October 29th, 2024, Microsoft issued reports on Russian state-sponsored threat actors sending highly targeted spear-phishing emails to thousands of targets based in the government and other sectors. In these campaigns, the malicious actors impersonated Microsoft employees and created social engineering lures based on AWS.
Examples of CMMC 2.0 Security Controls That PAM Supports
Access Control (AC)
Privileged Access Management solutions will help you limit access to sensitive information, keeping the number of security risks as low as possible and minimizing your attack surfaces.
Identification and Authentication (IA)
This requirement calls for security measures to safeguard CUI and only grant access to authorized users, which specifically calls for identity verification before granting access to an organization’s digital environments or devices.
Inform Your 2025 Compliance Strategy
Related
QGuard
The QGuard whitepaper by CyberQP, authored by Jim Jessup, presents a Zero Trust security platform that enforces least privilege access with tools like QGuard for secure, time-limited technician access and QDesk for end-user privilege management, aiming to reduce risks such as ransomware and credential-based attacks, while also detailing how CyberQP assists partners in aligning with the updated 2024 CMMC framework, particularly addressing changes affecting Cloud Service Providers as Security Protection Assets and helping IT teams navigate compliance requirements.
MSP Resources
The article explains how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) face significant security risks due to shared privileged credentials, highlighting alarming statistics on rising cyberattacks and breaches, and advocates for CyberQP’s Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions that enforce least privilege access and real-time monitoring to protect against credential-based cyber threats.
How CyberQP Helps Partners Align with the CMMC Framework
CyberQP is assisting IT teams and channel partners in navigating the updated October 15, 2024 final CMMC rule by clarifying that Cloud Service Providers acting as Security Protection Assets no longer need FedRAMP authorization unless they handle Controlled Unclassified Information, thereby helping vendors understand their scope in CMMC audits and achieve compliance without unnecessary burdens.
How CyberQP Helps Partners Align with the CMMC Framework
CyberQP is assisting IT teams and channel partners in navigating the updated October 15, 2024 final CMMC rule by clarifying that Cloud Service Providers acting as Security Protection Assets are not required to be FedRAMP authorized unless they handle Controlled Unclassified Information, thereby helping vendors understand when they fall within CMMC audit scope and how to achieve compliance without unnecessary burdens.
CMMC Responsibility Matrix for Audit Preparation
The CMMC Shared Responsibility Matrix from CyberQP clarifies and documents the division of control ownership between CyberQP and customers for NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 requirements—especially in privileged access management, access control, and identification/authentication—enabling organizations to streamline audit preparation, demonstrate clear responsibility, and confidently meet compliance standards.
CMMC vs. FedRAMP Explained: Why Compliance Matters for MSPs
The article explains the distinctions between CMMC and FedRAMP compliance frameworks, emphasizing the importance for Managed Service Providers to understand their alignment with CMMC's five-level cybersecurity maturity model, NIST SP 800-171 standards, and related regulations like DFARS-252.204-7012, especially as the U.S. Department of Defense prepares to enforce CMMC certification for defense contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).