Advertise on podcast: Cyberspin

CMMC is moving fast, and the questions from the DIB are getting more specific... In this January 2026 replay of Redspin's live CMMC Connect, our CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs) unpack the latest updates from the field and answer real-world questions OSCs are facing as CMMC Level 2 assessments ramp up. This episode (literally) covers: Recent DoD CMMC FAQ updates and what they clarify (and don’t) ISACA’s new role as CAICO and what it means for CCP and CCA certifications The growing pace of completed CMMC assessments and what that signals for 2026 Scoping challenges: virtual machines, shared resources, boundaries, and asset definitions Flow-down realities. Why primes are increasingly requiring Level 2 from subs CMMC vs. FedRAMP, and how to tell if you’re an ESP or a CSP CUI marking, mishandling, and what to do when CUI shows up where it shouldn’t FIPS validation pitfalls assessors see all the time Evaluating AI-enabled tools when CUI is involved Common reasons organizations struggle or fail during assessment NIST 800-171  The session wraps with live audience Q&A, candid assessor perspectives, and practical advice drawn directly from active CMMC engagements, no theory, no fluff. If you’re supporting DoD contracts, preparing for CMMC Level 2, or navigating compliance decisions in real time, this episode delivers clarity where it matters most. CMMC Connect happens on the last Thursday of every month at 1 PM ET. Register for the series and submit questions here: https://redspin.com/cmmc-connect-hub/ Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

In this holiday edition of CMMC Connect, the Redspin team wraps up a busy year by tackling real questions from the Defense Industrial Base, sharing practical best practices, and looking ahead to what 2026 may bring for CMMC. From lessons learned in the field to what contractors should be thinking about next, this session covers a wide range of timely topics — with a little holiday fun mixed in. We also share what’s new for CMMC Connect in 2026. Sessions will continue on the last Thursday of every month, starting January 29, but with a simplified registration process. Going forward, you’ll only need to register once for the year, and calendar invites will be sent out quarterly to make planning easier. Whether you joined us live or are catching up on the replay, this episode is a great way to close out the year and get oriented for what’s ahead in CMMC. Listen now and be sure to register for CMMC Connect to stay on the list for upcoming 2026 sessions. CMMC Connect happens on the last Thursday of every month at 1 PM ET. Register for the series and submit questions here: https://redspin.com/cmmc-connect-hub/ Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

Phase 1 of CMMC is officially here, and this month’s CMMC Connect dives straight into what contractors are experiencing on the ground. Redspin’s panel of CCAs break down the newest DoD updates, rising assessment backlogs (or is it rising false-starts?), early Level 2 contract requirements, and the most common “not met” trends they’re seeing in real assessments. They also unpack key findings from Redspin’s new Momentum but Slow Movement report, based on data from 180 DoD contractors, including the growing wave of flow-down demands from primes. If you want clear, practical answers on scoping, evidence, encryption, specialized assets, subcontractor management, or what counts as a “significant change,” this episode has it. Plus: Redspin is hiring CCAs as demand skyrockets. CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

In this special Halloween edition of CMMC Connect, the Redspin team swapped their suits for costumes and dove into what’s next as CMMC Phase 1 officially begins on November 10. Join Dr. Thomas Graham, Jeremy Mares, Rob Teague, and Phil Conrad, hosted by Lauren Frickle, as they unpack: Why November 10 marks the start of CMMC, not the finish line What to do before the rollout — including updating your SPRS scores When service providers (like CPA firms) come into scope Key insights from the field — over 430 Level 2 assessments completed and counting Tips to prepare for the 2026 Phase 2 rollout and avoid assessment backlogs Sooooooo much more Of course, things got a little fun — proving once again that CMMC doesn’t have to be scary.   CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

CMMC timelines, DFARS 7025, FedRAMP CRM responsibilities, interim compliance signals, and what’s next for NIST 800-171 Rev. 3, our team of CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs) covered the hottest questions the DIB is asking right now. If you’re aiming for Level 2 or fielding customer requests for proof of certification in Phase 1, this conversation is your quick-hit guide to what matters most.   CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

The long-awaited final 48 CFR DFARS 7021 rule has dropped, and CMMC is officially headed into contracts. In this special live call-in edition of Cyberspin, the Redspin team gives their quick breakdown to the finalized rule before answering audience questions on everything from SSO/MFA and joint ventures to whether small contractors can realistically achieve Level 2 certification. We also dive into separation of duties, prime pressure on subs, and the most cost-effective paths to certification, and so much more   Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

In this live CMMC Connect session, Redspin’s experts tackle audience questions head-on: How soon after 48 CFR finalization will CMMC Level 2 show up in contracts? What’s the best way to secure printers in hybrid work environments? And what happens when CMMC shortfalls trigger False Claims Act investigations? Tune in for real-world answers, practical tips, and a candid look at the signals DoD contractors can’t afford to miss. CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

In this episode, we unpack one of the most common questions in the CMMC space: What actually triggers a reassessment? From changes in CUI flow to infrastructure shifts and company acquisitions, we break down when you might need to re-certify—and what’s still awaiting clarity from the DoD. We also share lessons learned from the field, including common missteps organizations are making in cloud environments. Misconfigured policies, inherited templates, and SSPs that don’t reflect reality are tripping up otherwise prepared teams. Next, we take a closer look at the Shared Responsibility Model. Your External Service Provider (ESP) can’t carry the full weight of compliance. We explain what controls can be inherited, what’s shared, and where your organization is ultimately accountable. Then we dive into key updates on 48 CFR—the rule that puts CMMC into contracts. With final review underway, we discuss what the phased rollout may look like, enforcement timelines, and how this will impact existing agreements. Finally, don’t miss the live Q&A segment, where we tackle everything from overseas CUI control obligations to M365 scoping confusion and the new six-year evidence retention rule. Tune in & take notes! CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

Big moves in CMMC rulemaking are happening, and the signals from DoD leadership are loud and clear. In this episode, we break down the recent milestone that sent 48 CFR to OIRA for final review, the critical July 18th memo from THEE Secretary of Defense, and what it all means for the Defense Industrial Base. We’ll talk terminology ("effective" vs. "enforceable"), and timelines for contractors.   Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

In this CMMC Connect replay episode, we dive into the most pressing questions facing the Defense Industrial Base right now. Kicking things off with a state-of-the-ecosystem update, our panel tackles the big-ticket items—how much CMMC actually costs, where we are in the implementation timeline, and how many assessments have already been completed. We also break down the current stats on authorized C3PAOs and certified professionals in the ecosystem. After setting the stage, we shift into audience-driven content, answering pre-submitted questions and opening the floor for a lively live Q&A with defense contractors across the country. Whether you’re prepping for your assessment or just trying to wrap your head around what CMMC means for your business, this episode is packed with insight and candid guidance from the front lines. Tune in & take notes! CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

This month, our expert panel tackles the real-world challenges of CMMC compliance, from getting started and surviving assessments to sustaining success. We break down training must-haves, insider threat risks, MFA requirements, retroactive CUI headaches, and how tools like VDI and FedRAMP fit into your strategy. Tune in for practical tips, pitfalls to avoid, and audience Q&A that dives into the details you actually care about. CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

A long time ago (okay, April 24, 2025), in an ecosystem not so far away… Redspin hosted a CCA and CCP Q&A packed with practical advice for navigating CMMC compliance. Topics spanned NIST 800-171 Rev. 3 updates, ERP system management, SSP maintenance, CUI handling in Azure GCC vs. GCC High, remote access security, and cost distribution across federal contracts.   Panelists also explored user privileges, FedRAMP equivalency, and how CUI management differs between civilian and DoD contexts. Listen in for real-world insights and strategies to conquer the complexities of CMMC!   CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

With headlines swirling about the new DoD nominee reviewing 48 CFR( the rule that puts CMMC in contracts), is CMMC on the chopping block? Rob Teague, Dr. Thomas Graham, and special guest David Bailey break down the headlines and clear up the confusion. Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

Insights from our CMMC Assessor team on: Preparing for CMMC assessments The implications of using AI in compliance Requirements for cloud services. The session also addresses common questions regarding vulnerability data, SPRS compliance, and the differences between GCC and GCC High environments. The conversation concludes with a live AMA session where participants can engage directly with the panelists.  CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.

This month, we cover important updates regarding CMMC compliance, including a JSVA update and Katie Arrington's return to the driver's seat.   Our panelists delve into the complexities of compliance with CUI regulations, the challenges of recovering costs in future contracts, and the importance of customer responsibility matrices in FedRAMP. It also addresses the nuances of CMMC compliance, particularly regarding subcontractor challenges and the integration of ERP solutions, plus so much more.   CMMC Connect happens every last Thursday at 1 PM ET. Register: redspin.com/events/cmmc-connect Subscribe to Cyberspin on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can always stream the latest episodes at redspin.com.