The Challenge

A Small to Medium-Sized Business (SMB) DoD Manufacturer faced a critical situation with outdated IT, a lack of essential security, and a non-existent compliance program. This exposed them to significant cybersecurity risks and jeopardized their ability to meet stringent government compliance requirements, particularly CMMC. They urgently needed a rapid and comprehensive solution to modernize their IT and establish a strong security and compliance foundation.

Key Issues:

  • End-of-Life Technology/Solutions: Outdated hardware and software creating security vulnerabilities.
  • Lack of Cybersecurity Stack: Absence of essential security tools and configurations.
  • No Compliance Program: Failure to implement necessary policies and controls for CMMC.
  • Weak Administrative Oversight: Deficiencies in risk management and incident response.

The Solution

To address the critical technology and compliance deficiencies, a swift and effective overhaul was implemented. This involved a rapid and comprehensive approach to modernize the IT infrastructure and establish a strong security and compliance foundation, ensuring the SMB DoD Manufacturer could meet stringent requirements and mitigate immediate cybersecurity risks.

Key Actions Taken:

  • System Baselining: Conducting a thorough assessment of the existing IT infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and creating a detailed inventory of hardware and software assets.
  • Tech Refresh: Replacing outdated hardware and software with modern, secure alternatives and implementing standardized configurations to optimize network performance.
  • Implemented Administrative Functions/Controls: Developing and implementing comprehensive security policies, a risk management framework, an incident response plan, and access control/data encryption measures, including creating a System Security Plan (SSP).
  • Technology Implementation: Deploying a comprehensive security stack (endpoint protection, SIEM, vulnerability scanners, backup/recovery) and configuring/installing next-generation firewalls and secure network segmentation.

Technology Used:

> Security Stack: A comprehensive suite of endpoint protection, SIEM, vulnerability scanners, and backup/recovery solutions.

> Firewall and Networking Devices: Next-generation firewalls, routers, and switches for network security and performance.

> Modern IT Infrastructure: Upgraded operating systems and server applications.

> Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Tools: For efficient remote management and monitoring.