Because cyber security is an ever-changing and evolving pursuit, there are several factors to consider when assessing a company’s risk. If you are a company that currently works for the Department of Defense or would like to, understanding what is DFARS compliance needs to be at the top of your priority list.dfars compliance business consulting firm
DFARS, or the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, is a set of guidelines that outlines security requirements for companies working for the department. The department’s goal is to ensure companies have enough security to protect sensitive information.
What Is at the Heart of Being DFARS Compliant
The basis for these regulations is that the federal government wants to make sure that any company they work with that is not under the purview of the federal government can maintain security regarding sensitive information.
If you are working with the Department of Defense or would like to, you will need to work hand-in-hand with them to ensure your current security protocols handle current threats and prepare you for any new threats. The end goal is to ensure that when a company has sensitive information, only authorized personnel can access the information.
If a company cannot meet the regulations, it most likely will not get any contract with the Department of Defense. Even companies that already have current contracts might lose them if they fail to comply with the regulations outlined in DFARS. Because the number of contractual obligation opportunities available from the Department of Defense is both vast and lucrative, companies interested in this marketplace need to make sure they understand all of the elements of DFARS.
The Basic DFARS Requirments Explained
Meeting the minimum requirements is a relatively straightforward process for most companies. In fact, meeting the basic requirements is something most companies probably already do so long as they have good network and internet security protocols.
Once you assess your system and realize you have these protocols in place, your next step will be to show the department a breakdown of your security protocols. A particular emphasis should get placed on showing the department how you limit the usage and viewing of sensitive information within your company.
In your ongoing work with the department, if there is any breach, you must notify the department immediately of this breach. When a breach occurs, you must work in tandem with the department, allowing them to access any systems, servers, and data that might have been part of a breach in your system.
One of the fundamental ways to show the department that you have adequate security in place is to conduct readiness assessments constantly. This practice will show that you are not only ready for today’s threats but also prepared for any unknown threats in the future.
Coming up with a good plan and set of procedures and systems is the best way to be DFARS compliant. With so much potential revenue on the line working with the Department of Defense, companies would do well to make sure they work diligently to maintain compliance in the future.