Audit-Proofing CMMC 2.0 Compliance | MAD Security Town Hall Recap – December 2025

Watch the December MAD Security Town Hall Webinar replay 👇

As 2025 ends, MAD Security’s final Cybersecurity Webinar of the year focused on a critical topic for defense contractors: how to audit-proof your CMMC 2.0 compliance strategy for 2026. 

Hosted by Adam Starnes (Account Manager) and Jaclyn Jones (CMMC Compliance Lead), this December Town Hall brought together Defense Industrial Base (DIB) stakeholders for a candid discussion on what real assessments taught us, what to expect next, and how to ensure success under NIST 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012. 

As a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP with a perfect SPRS score of 110, MAD Security continues to lead the way in compliance and audit readiness across the DIB. 

Key Takeaways from December Town Hall

	Documentation Gaps Remain the Top Compliance Killer Even with a solid tech stack, failure to maintain accurate, aligned, and fully developed documentation is the most common audit failure point.  Ensure your System Security Plan (SSP), policies, and procedures match your environment  Use specific timeframes like “every 90 days” instead of vague terms like “annually”  Confirm all documents are signed, versioned, and consistently worded  CMMC 2.0 success hinges on documentation that proves maturity and repeatability.
	Staff Readiness Is Often Overlooked Teams that couldn’t explain their processes during interviews, even if technically compliant struggled to pass.  Prep HR, IT, and vendors to speak confidently in live assessments  Conduct internal dry runs to test knowledge and presentation  Assign control-specific spokespeople to demonstrate clear separation of duties  A well-documented policy is only effective if your team can explain it.
	Scoping Confusion Leads to Audit Risk Inaccurate or incomplete CUI scoping affected everything from documentation to control applicability.  Map where CUI flows, resides, and is protected  Include offsite backups, printers, USBs, and endpoints  Confirm scope matches your enclave design and boundary definitions  Your CMMC readiness starts with knowing where your CUI is.
	Audit Success Requires Translator-Level Clarity Assessors don’t always recognize non-standard implementations, even when they’re compliant.  Clearly articulate how you meet the objective  Prepare to walk through evidence and justify control interpretations  Have a knowledgeable partner present to defend your solution  Success often depends on your ability to explain and align, not just implement.
	Regulatory and Prime Pressure Are Escalating With the 48 CFR ruling finalized in November 2025, the DOD has shown its intent to enforce compliance. Many primes are already setting SPRS score deadlines.  If your contract includes DFARS 252.204-7012, CMMC Level 2 applies  Check for hidden requirements in acknowledgments, task orders, or forms  Don’t wait for the word “CMMC” to appear, look for DFARS indicators  Contract loss due to missed CMMC obligations is already happening.

Q&A Highlights

Why Defense Contractors Trust MAD Security 

MAD Security is a CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP with a perfect SPRS score of 110 and deep roots in supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), where 85% of our clients are defense contractors. 

Why You Should Act Now Before Compliance Deadlines Tighten

CMMC 2.0 enforcement is underway. Waiting introduces real risk: 

Don’t wait for audit deadlines or contract pressure to take action. Whether you're building a roadmap or finalizing your readiness, these resources will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. 

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

MMC compliance isn’t a box to check; it’s a strategic posture that protects your mission and future contracts. The most successful defense contractors treat cybersecurity as a continuous journey, not a once-a-year scramble. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or prepping for your C3PAO assessment, MAD Security is here to help. From documentation to real-time audit support, we’re the partner that ensures you’re not just compliantbut confident. 

Let’s simplify the cybersecurity challenge, together.