Assessment Prep That Works | MAD Security Town Hall Recap – September 2025

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With CMMC 2.0 moving toward full enforcement and 48 CFR updates imminent, many defense contractors are facing increased pressure to ensure they are assessment-ready. In our September 2025 Town Hall, we tackled a topic that’s critical but often misunderstood when preparing for a CMMC Level 2 assessment: the difference between dry runs and mock assessments. 

Hosted by Adam Starnes (Account Manager) and Jaclyn Jones (Head of Compliance), this month’s cybersecurity webinar helped organizations understand when, why, and how to apply these valuable exercises for real-world assessment success. 

As a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP and trusted Registered Provider Organization (RPO), MAD Security works exclusively with companies in the Defense Industrial Base to align compliance with practical security operations. If your organization handles Controlled Unclassified Information, this session is a must-watch. 

Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know

	Mock Assessments Simulate the Real CMMC Assessment A mock assessment is a full-scale simulation of your CMMC Level 2 assessment, conducted in the same style and rigor as a C3PAO would—minus the official result.  Covers all 110 NIST 800-171 controls and 320 assessment objectives. Provides a readiness report, SPRS score simulation, and a detailed Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM). Identifies gaps especially those involving 3- and 5-point controls, which are not POAM-eligible under CMMC 2.0 rules. If you Are preparing for a CMMC assessment, a mock gives you the visibility to address systemic risks before they become disqualifiers.
	Dry Runs Prepare Your People to Prove Compliance A dry run isn’t about scoring; it Is about team readiness.  Coaches each department (IT, HR, cybersecurity, vendors) to speak confidently during live assessment interviews. Helps assign roles, prepare artifacts, and walk through expected scenarios. Identifies whether your staff truly understands and follows the documented processes.  Dry runs are best used when you're nearing a perfect SPRS score of 110 and want to ensure your team can confidently demonstrate compliance under pressure.
	Do You Need One, the Other, or Both? Dry runs and mock assessments serve different purposes, and both add value depending on your maturity level:
	Dry Run Mock Assessment Team rehearsal  Control validation  Live coaching  Compliance scoring  Ideal before interviews  Ideal before official assessment  No scoring  Readiness scoring and POAM  Some contractors start with a dry run to prepare their people others dive into a mock to test technical posture. Many choose both for comprehensive readiness.
	C3PAOs Can’t Help You Prepare While some assume a Certified Third-Party Assessor Organization can help them get ready with a pre-check, they’re not allowed to consult.  C3PAOs can assess, but they cannot:  Recommend fixes Coach your team Guide remediation  That’s where MAD Security steps in. As a CMMC RPO, we can prepare your team, simulate the assessment, and even sit in with you during the official process (if you’re a VCM client).
	Failing a Mock Assessment Is a Win; If You Learn from It A failed mock assessment is never reported and carries no penalty. Instead, it offers a risk-free environment to uncover gaps, fix issues, and rehearse the exact experience you’ll face with a C3PAO.  If a mock exposes a missed control, it’s better to find out now than during your official assessment when stakes are high and remediation windows are limited.

Q&A Highlights

Why Defense Contractors Trust MAD Security 

MAD Security brings unparalleled CMMC assessment support to the Defense Industrial Base: 

We combine security operations and compliance consulting into one full-spectrum solution built specifically for DoD contractors. 

Why You Should Act Now Before the Assessment Backlog Hits

As CMMC 2.0 enforcement expands and 48 CFR 52.204-21 becomes a contracting requirement, delays are already building: 

Our resources are built to help you simplify complex requirements and accelerate readiness for CMMC Level 2 assessments. 

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

CMMC success isn’t just about passing a checklist; it Is about creating a secure, resilient infrastructure your team can confidently defend and demonstrate. Whether your assessment is months or weeks away, MAD Security is ready to walk with you. Our dry runs and mock assessments have helped dozens of contractors pass on their first attempt. 

Cybersecurity is a journey, not a finish line. Let’s take the next step together!