Hill Tech Solutions’ Principal Consultant, Ron Hill, CISSP spoke at the RAMP (Regional Additive Manufacturers Partners) MD symposium in Harford County, MD, about the coming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC 2.0) and its importance to manufacturers. Here are his remarks:
Good morning,
I’m Ron Hill with Hill Tech Solutions. I want to talk about something crucial to the future of manufacturing—cybersecurity. More specifically, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC.
In today’s interconnected world, manufacturing has evolved beyond just physical production. From advanced robotics to industrial IoT systems, manufacturing has embraced technology in ways we could never have imagined. But with this digital transformation comes a serious risk: cyber threats. Unfortunately, the manufacturing sector has become a primary target for cyberattacks, and the impact can be devastating—ranging from stolen intellectual property and operational disruptions to reputational damage and financial loss.
CMMC is not just a regulatory hoop to jump through; it’s a critical framework designed to protect our supply chains and the sensitive information we work with. For manufacturers working within the Defense Industrial Base or those contracting with the Department of Defense, CMMC compliance is now a requirement. But the value goes beyond that. Even manufacturers outside of this space can benefit from adopting CMMC practices, as it raises the standard for cybersecurity across the board.
Why is this so important? First, CMMC provides structured cybersecurity safeguards that help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before cyberattacks occur. It introduces multiple levels of security, ensuring that even smaller companies, with limited resources, can adopt the appropriate level of protection suited to their risk profile.
Second, CMMC strengthens trust within the supply chain. In manufacturing, the ability to work seamlessly with partners, suppliers, and customers depends on the assurance that their data, as well as yours, is secure. CMMC certification not only demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity but also gives you a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Lastly, embracing CMMC helps protect innovation. In manufacturing, where intellectual property and proprietary designs often give companies their competitive advantage, it’s vital to safeguard this information from cyber espionage.
CMMC is much more than just compliance. It is an investment in the resilience of your business, the security of your data, and the future of the manufacturing industry. By adopting the CMMC framework, we not only reduce the risk of cyber threats but also build stronger, more secure partnerships across the manufacturing landscape.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you today.
For more information on CMMC 2.0 and achieving compliance, contact Hill Tech Solutions.
