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Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M): A CMMC Level 2 Essential
by Jake Dwares on June 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Every CMMC Level 2 compliance program involves two documents that work in tandem: the System Security Plan (SSP) and the Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M). The SSP describes how practices are implemented. The POA&M documents what is not yet implemented and what the organiz …
How to Reduce CMMC Scope: A Practical Guide for Defense Contractors
by Jake Dwares on May 15, 2026 at 4:37 PM
For defense contractors preparing for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), scope is the single biggest lever you have over cost, timeline, and audit complexity. The smaller and more clearly defined your scope, the fewer systems your assessor has to evaluate, the fewer co …
How Human Error Causes Cybersecurity Breaches
by Jake Dwares on February 4, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Most organizations invest in firewalls, encryption, and sophisticated security tools. Yet despite these technological defenses, humans remain the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. A single misplaced click, a reused password, or a moment of distraction can unravel even the most …
Which Industries Need Cybersecurity Risk Assessments Most?
by Jake Dwares on December 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Cybersecurity isn't just a concern for tech companies anymore. In today's interconnected world, every organization that handles digital data faces potential threats from hackers, ransomware, phishing attacks, and insider threats. While all businesses should prioritize cybersecurity, c …
Cybersecurity Culture + Technology: Why You Need Both
by Jake Dwares on October 14, 2025 at 3:15 PM
In cybersecurity, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology. Every year, new tools promise sharper visibility, faster detection, and tighter control over threats. Organizations invest heavily in endpoint protection, firewalls, SIEM platforms, and automation syste …
DoD Cloud Impact Levels Explained: IL2, IL4, IL5 & IL6
by Jake Dwares on January 15, 2025 at 12:59 PM
The security of information is a cornerstone of the Department of Defense's (DoD) operations. To safeguard sensitive data, the DoD has developed Impact Levels (ILs), a framework that categorizes information systems based on their sensitivity and the potential impact of a compromise. T …