Behind every $45,000 assessment week stands a mandate, not a markup - three certified professionals whose expertise costs what the DoD says it must cost. The true burden of CMMC compliance isn't in the assessors' fees; it's in the tangled cost of security itself, paid in full by the small businesses least equipped to afford it. 

On July 13, 2026, the Department of Defense suspended CMMC Phase II and opened a 60-day review of the program. It's easy to read "suspended" as "off the hook” but while the certification step is paused, the requirement to protect defense data, and to prove it when the government asks, did not. Here's what stayed in force and how to use the pause before it closes.

Being technically ready for your CMMC assessment is only half the battle. Weak or incomplete documentation - policies that don't accurately reflect your environment, an underdeveloped SSP, or unclear accountability - is one of the most common reasons organizations struggle during assessment week. Learn why strong documentation is one of the most valuable tools you have for passing your CMMC Level 2 assessment, and what you can do to get it right.

It’s been a long time since the  CMMC rule was just theoretical. Over the past several months, we’ve seen a clear shift from companies asking “What is CMMC?” to trying to understand whether they’re actually ready for an assessment.

Printing CUI is one of the biggest hidden risks in a CMMC Level 2 assessment. Learn how paper-based CUI affects physical security, network scope, media protection, and destruction requirements - and what defense contractors can do to stay compliant without slowing the business down.

Failing a CMMC Level 2 assessment often comes down to POA&M mistakes. Learn which CMMC controls cannot be deferred, which requirements must be implemented before assessment, and how to avoid an automatic CMMC failure.

CIRCIA is reshaping how critical infrastructure sectors, including the DIB, must respond to cyber incidents. With the rulemaking deadline now extended to May 2026, organizations have more time to prepare, but also more pressure to get compliance right.

Recent False Claims Act settlements against defense contractors prove that overstating cybersecurity compliance can carry real financial penalties. Learn what these cases mean for your SPRS score, CMMC readiness, and how to reduce your liability risk.

DoD’s final DFARS rule makes CMMC enforceable on November 9, 2025. Learn how awards will hinge on SPRS status, which levels apply, the phased rollout, and how to use conditional status and POA&Ms.

Didn’t pass your CMMC assessment? You’re not alone - and it’s not the end. Learn what happens next, how to fix gaps, and how Hive Systems can help get you back on track.

Didn’t pass your CMMC assessment? You’re not alone - and it’s not the end. Learn what happens next, how to fix gaps, and how Hive Systems can help get you back on track.

Struggling with CMMC Level 2 compliance? You’re not alone. Our latest post breaks down the most common roadblocks companies face - from multi-tenant confusion to documentation gaps - and how to get ahead before your assessment.

The CMMC final rule is now under review by the Office of Management and Budget - a major milestone in making cybersecurity compliance mandatory for DoD contractors in the Defense Industrial Base. Learn what this means for your timeline, your contracts, and your next steps.

A Google Drive permissions mistake at the GSA exposed Controlled Unclassified Information - including White House blueprints - to over 11,000 staff. Hive Systems breaks down what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening in your organization.

Quantum threats are real - and your cryptographic assets are at risk. QrytpoCyber, one of our leading products, shows why creating a full cryptographic inventory is step one in futureproofing your organization’s cybersecurity. Watch the video to see how we’re solving one of cybersecurity’s most complex challenges.

If you work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), the new proposed rule implements new requirements, including NIST 800-171 revision 2 compliance, for all federal contractors. Read our article to see how this could impact your company in the coming years.

CMMC is here and C3PAO assessments began on January 2, 2025. So what should you expect from an assessment, and how can you set your company up for success?

As the CMMC program takes effect, understanding what qualifies as Federal Contract Information (FCI) is critical. This guide breaks down FCI definitions, offers practical tips for identifying and handling FCI across your organization, and walks you through applying CMMC Level 1 controls—ensuring you stay compliant, secure, and ready for the new era of defense contracting.

A JSVA could be the answer your company has been looking for to get ahead of CMMC. Katie, a CCA on our team, helps outline everything you need to know about getting CMMC Level 2 certified - giving your company the advantage before CMMC even starts!

The long-awaited CMMC rule has finally been officially published and is accompanied by some beneficial changes from the original draft. We break them down for you so you and your organization can begin to prepare for the imminent enforcement.