Organizations that produce equipment for the US Department of Defense (DoD) must adhere to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement’s cybersecurity requirements or DFARS in short. Under the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Special Publication 800-171 requirement to preserve Controlled Unclassified Computer, these standards are established to guarantee that data networks handling subcontractor data are secure (CUI).
What is the purpose of a DFARS compliance checklist for manufacturing contractors?
Small manufacturers may find it challenging to meet particular security requirements. Non-compliance, on the other hand, will result in disciplinary action, contract termination, or the loss of the right to work with the Department of Defense.
To prevent the repercussions, manufacturing businesses can hire DFARS consultant or use the following techniques to check the authenticity and security of their data systems:
Checklist 1: DFARS Compliance
Contractors utilize the DFARS compliance self-assessment questionnaire to determine if the current security procedures in their data systems meet DFARS requirements. Depending on the NIST MEP Cybersecurity Self-Assessment Handbook offers rules that must be followed.
Contractors can use this self-assessment protocol to go over important compliance issues such as, but not limited to:
Accessing system resources entails determining which users can be granted access and which system resources they are permitted to utilize.
Information security education and understanding are to raise users’ and managers’ knowledge of the need to safeguard systems, make employees aware of how their activities affect system security, and educate users on proper procedures.
Independent auditing and evaluation of records and actions are done to ensure that functional processes adhere to policies, usually by continuously monitoring logs for illegal or suspicious behavior.
Other relevant issues –
One should consider issues such as data system maintenance, standard operating protocols execution in the event of security incidents, risk evaluation for CUI transmission, and so on.
You may either employ in-house resources and experience to complete your firm’s DFARS compliance evaluation or outsource the process to a competent DFARS consultant who specializes in assisting DoD contractors in satisfying compliance regulations.
Checklist 2: Risk Assessment
One of the DFARS’ compliance obligations is to assess occupational safety. DoD subcontractors may use a threat evaluation protocol to monitor workplace risks, calculate the possibility of changes happening, and put in place steps to mitigate or eliminate them. The type and size of activities and other elements stipulated by regulatory agencies all play a role in risk assessment.
Companies must consider the following aspects when doing a risk assessment:
At-risk demography requires determining whether specific groups inside the organization are in danger. You might include workers on the production line, scientists and engineers, or any similar group.
Existing preventive measures – now that you’ve identified the susceptible demographic(s), you’ll have a better idea of how to decrease the risk of workplace injuries.
Adjustments to control techniques – businesses must recognize existing controls that need to be upgraded or substituted with more effective management.
Person-in-charge and timelines: To create responsibility in the company, one should assign a person to execute the new assessment methods and establish timelines.
One should regularly conduct evaluations in your workspace and IT environment to find and investigate your systems’ weaknesses to virtual and real hazards. If your company doesn’t have the employees to do this, it’s a good idea to recruit outside help.