Common questions about cybersecurity compliance frameworks and how Threat Zero Cyber helps organizations get audit-ready.
CMMC
What is CMMC and who needs it?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a DoD framework that requires defense contractors to demonstrate cybersecurity practices before being awarded contracts. Any organization in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) that handles Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) needs CMMC certification. Level 1 covers basic FCI safeguarding (17 practices), while Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 (110 practices) for CUI protection.
What's the difference between CMMC Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 requires a self-assessment against 17 basic safeguarding practices and an annual SPRS score submission. Level 2 maps to all 110 practices in NIST SP 800-171 and — for most contracts — requires a third-party assessment by a C3PAO (Certified Third-Party Assessment Organization). Level 2 is required when your contract involves CUI.
How long does CMMC certification take?
Timeline depends on your starting point. Organizations with mature security programs can be assessment-ready in 3–6 months. Those starting from scratch typically need 6–12 months for gap remediation before scheduling a C3PAO assessment. The ZeroGap Methodology accelerates this by providing environment-specific remediation steps rather than generic checklists.
What happens if I fail a CMMC assessment?
If your C3PAO assessment identifies gaps, you'll receive a report detailing the findings. You can create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for certain practices, but not all — some practices cannot have open POA&Ms. You'll need to remediate and schedule a reassessment. This is why pre-assessment readiness with a firm like Threat Zero Cyber is critical.
FedRAMP
What is FedRAMP 20x and how is it different from traditional FedRAMP?
FedRAMP 20x is the modernized authorization framework that shifts from static, document-heavy assessments to continuous, automated security validation. It uses Key Security Indicators (KSIs) across 12 categories to demonstrate ongoing security posture. The 20x approach aligns with DevSecOps practices and emphasizes automated evidence collection over manual documentation.
How long does FedRAMP authorization take?
Traditional FedRAMP authorization has taken 12–18 months historically. FedRAMP 20x aims to streamline this significantly. With Threat Zero Cyber's 5-phase workflow, we deliver package readiness 30–50% faster than industry averages. Timeline depends on your cloud service offering's complexity and existing security maturity.
Do I need an agency sponsor for FedRAMP?
Yes — FedRAMP authorization requires an agency sponsor, which is a federal agency that intends to use your cloud service offering. The sponsoring agency works with you through the authorization process. Threat Zero Cyber assists with agency sponsorship coordination and package development.
NIST & General Compliance
What is the relationship between NIST 800-171 and CMMC?
NIST SP 800-171 is the technical foundation for CMMC Level 2. Its 110 security requirements map directly to the 110 CMMC Level 2 practices. If you're compliant with NIST 800-171, you're substantially ready for CMMC Level 2 assessment. CMMC adds the verification mechanism — independent third-party assessment — that NIST 800-171 self-attestation lacked.
What frameworks does Threat Zero Cyber support?
We support CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, FedRAMP 20x, NIST RMF, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, HIPAA, FISMA, DFARS, NIST SP 800-37, and ISO 27001. Our ZeroGap Methodology scales across all these frameworks — the same rigorous process whether you're doing a CMMC Level 1 self-assessment or preparing for FedRAMP authorization.
What is a vCISO and why would I need one?
A virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) provides executive-level cybersecurity leadership on a fractional basis. Instead of hiring a full-time CISO, you get strategic security guidance, governance oversight, board-level reporting, and compliance leadership at a fraction of the cost. This is especially valuable for small and mid-size defense contractors who need senior security leadership but can't justify a full-time executive hire.
Working with Threat Zero Cyber
What is the ZeroGap Methodology?
The ZeroGap Methodology is our compliance execution framework. It follows four phases: Discover (map your environment), Analyze (gap assessment using your actual tools), Execute (close gaps with environment-specific remediation), and Deliver (action plan handoff). Every question, finding, and evidence checklist is generated from your intake data — we reference your actual tools by name, not generic templates.
How is Threat Zero Cyber different from other compliance firms?
Most firms hand you a gap assessment spreadsheet and walk away. We close the gaps. Our AI-powered ZeroGap Methodology generates environment-specific findings, references your actual technology stack, and provides prioritized remediation steps. Every engagement gets better through our continuous quality feedback loop.
What does an engagement typically look like?
It starts with a discovery call to understand your compliance requirements and current environment. From there, we conduct intake to map your technology stack, CUI boundaries, and organizational context. Then we execute the ZeroGap Methodology — gap assessment, remediation planning, evidence collection, and deliverables. You get a complete package with scoring, heatmaps, evidence checklists, and a stakeholder briefing.
Get Started
Still have questions?
Let's discuss your compliance requirements and find the right path forward.