Securing Your DIB Business: Leveraging Managed Microsoft 365 for CMMC 2.0 Compliance

If you work in the DIB space, then the CMMC 2.0 compliance framework is about to change how you do almost everything. If you are not compliant you will not be able to pursue additional DoD contracts. CMMC 2.0 is going to be a phased rollout, so as things go into effect, it will affect different types of DoD contracts and while your business may not be affected at first, it could down the line. Furthermore, misrepresentation of compliance could lead to penalties under the False Claims Act.  

More than likely, if you work in the DIB sphere, you have to collaborate with partners, sharing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To remain CMMC compliant, those collaborations need to be NIST SP 800-171 compliant. 

Managed Microsoft 365 is one tool that can help. Let’s dive into CMMC-compliant collaboration and how Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 fits into the overall compliance plan. 

Understanding Least Privileged Access and Its Role in CMMC Compliance 

A critical element of secure access for CMMC compliance is the “least privileged access” principle, which can be effectively implemented using Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365. This principle ensures that each collaborator or subcontractor is granted access only to the resources necessary to perform their job, minimizing exposure to sensitive data. 

Understanding CMMC 2.0 and its Collaboration Requirements 

Two crucial types of information must be securely protected. The first is Federal Contract Information (FCI), generated under a government contract with an external party and not intended for public release. The second is CUI, created by either your organization or the government during a contract and can only be handled by authorized entities under strict safeguarding or dissemination controls. Both types of information require robust protection to ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards. 

It’s important for you to know what level of compliance you need. For example, when it comes to collaboration, there are collaboration requirements mandated by CMMC 2.0 Level 2, including:   

• Controlled access to sensitive data 
• Data encryption and protection 
• Incident response and reporting 
• Third-party risk management 

For businesses within the DIB, ensuring secure collaboration can be complex and challenging. To meet CMMC compliance, it’s essential to have the right tools in place to safeguard sensitive data across all collaborations. This is where solutions like Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 become indispensable to your compliance strategy, providing 85 of 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls to protect information and maintain regulatory standards. 

The Benefits of Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 for CMMC 2.0 Compliance 

Now that you understand why security among your collaborators and partners is so important to your CMMC 2.0 compliance, let’s talk about what Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 offers DIB businesses.  

1. NIST SP 800-171  

• Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 supports compliance by complying with 85 out of the 110 controls that CMMC 2.0 has incorporated from NIST SP 800-171.  

2. Enhanced security:  

• Built-in security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and advanced threat protection 
• Regular security updates and patches 
• Compliance with various security standards and regulations 

3. Improved collaboration:  

• A unified platform for seamless communication and collaboration across teams 
• Shared workspaces and document collaboration tools 
• Integration with other business applications 

4. Simplified management  

• Centralized administration and management of user accounts and data 
• Reduced IT burden and costs 
• Proactive monitoring and threat detection 

5. Scalability and flexibility:  

• Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 supports small and large DIB companies, offering scalability and support without the need for extensive IT resources. 
• Ability to adapt to changing business needs and growth 

6. Cost-effectiveness  

• Predictable pricing and subscription-based model 
• Reduced capital expenditures on IT infrastructure 

7. Dedicated “Meet Me Tenant” for Controlled Collaboration 

• An isolated tenant environment in Microsoft’s FedRAMP-authorized Microsoft 365 GCC High, managed by Exostar, reduces the risk of unauthorized access to internal systems. 
• A solution that allows companies to collaborate and work together effectively through robust data protection.  
• Enables secure, compliant collaboration with external partners without compromising primary business systems. 

8. Integrated Identity and Access Management (IAM) 

• Seamless integration with Exostar’s IAM systems (MAG) supports secure user provisioning, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access. 
• Ensures only authorized users can access sensitive CUI, meeting CMMC’s stringent access control requirements. 

9. Custom Roles and Permissions Supporting Least Privileged Access 

• Allows for specific, role-based access, ensuring users only access resources necessary for their role, however, the organization must configure and enforce these policies. 
• Minimizes risk of data breaches and strengthens compliance with CMMC standards. 

10. Compliant File Drop for Secure Data Exchange 

• Enables file sharing without additional licenses for external collaborators, facilitating secure data exchange while reducing complexity. 
• Prevents data leaks and accidental over-sharing, supporting compliance with CMMC data-handling requirements. 

11. Advanced Compliance and Security Controls 

• Supports high-security requirements like ITAR and EAR, ensuring CMMC-aligned data protection. 
• Includes multi-factor authentication, data encryption, document labeling, and geographic restrictions to control data access. 

12. Comprehensive Support and Monitoring 

• Exostar provides ongoing management, monitoring, and compliance support, helping organizations maintain a strong security posture. 
• Reduces burden on internal teams and ensures compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards. 

13. Cost-Effective, Managed Service 

• The subscription-based model minimizes costs associated with infrastructure and management. 
• Exostar handles setup, monitoring, and security, enabling aerospace and defense organizations to focus on core operations. 

What is GCC High?  

GCC High is Microsoft’s secure cloud environment designed to meet stringent U.S. government compliance standards, which is ideal for defense contractors and organizations handling sensitive government data. Some of the key features it offers are: 

• Purpose-Built for Compliance: Supports key regulations like FedRAMP High, ITAR, and DFARS, ensuring secure data handling for government contractors. 

• Data Sovereignty & Security: Data stored exclusively within the continental U.S. Ensures data sovereignty and protection of CUI. 

• Robust Security Features: Offers advanced security tools, including multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and strict access controls—guards against unauthorized access and data breaches. 

• Integration with Exostar Managed Microsoft 365: Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 extends GCC High’s secure environment by enabling defense contractors and regulated industries to collaborate safely with external partners, ensuring compliance with U.S. government standards while providing additional tools for identity management, access control, and secure file sharing. 

For Collaboration that Meets CMMC Standards, Consider Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 

CMMC 2.0 compliance is essential for DoD contracts, but it shouldn’t slow you down. Exostar’s Managed Microsoft 365 ensures secure, seamless collaboration while meeting compliance requirements. With GCC High, least privileged access, and compliant file-sharing, you can work efficiently with partners without compromising security.  

Stay productive while staying compliant. Explore Exostar’s CMMC Ready Suite and see how easy secure collaboration can be. Visit our website to get started today.