The CMMC framework represents a critical evolution in securing the DIB. For organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the highest-risk contexts, achieving CMMC Level 3 compliance requires defenses against sophisticated adversaries like nation-state APTs.
Traditional compliance checks and penetration testing are insufficient to validate these controls. Instead, red teaming—a full-scope, adversarial simulation—is essential to stress-test an organization’s ability to detect, respond to, and mitigate APT-style campaigns.
This article discusses red team penetration testing in the context of CMMC compliance and provides insights into using it to ensure an effective security posture.