MAD Security Blog | Cybersecurity For Defense Contractors

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

Written by MAD Security | December 30, 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. 

  • 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. 

CMMC Level 2 Certified MSSP 
Perfect SPRS Score of 110
Top 250 MSSP (4 years in a row)
U.S.-Based 24/7 SOC in Huntsville, AL
Staffed by U.S. citizens 
15+ Years of cybersecurity and compliance 
Works with your existing tools: Microsoft, Fortinet, AWS, etc.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
The same experts who passed our assessment support your assessment 

We combine security operations and compliance consulting into one integrated, DIB-specific solution. 

Why You Should Act Now Before Compliance Deadlines Tighten

CMMC 2.0 enforcement is underway. Waiting introduces real risk: 

Assessment backlogs are growing 
Prime contractors are setting SPRS score deadlines 
Missed controls result in contract losses or delays 
Rush remediation costs more and creates audit stress 

Starting now allows: 

More time for documentation and fixes 
Real audit simulations and dry runs 
Reduced surprises and costs
Higher pass rates with less pressure 

The earlier you act, the stronger your compliance posture and the lower your risk. 

 

Free Resources and Next Steps

MAD Security offers proven tools to jumpstart your CMMC strategy: 

CMMC Master Bundle Enclaving, scoring, scope tips 
CMMC Assessment Guide – Audit prep roadmap
Free 30-Question Pre-Assessment – Instant scoring 
Schedule a Free Consultation – Talk to a CMMC expert 

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. 

 

Original Published Date: December 30, 2025

By: MAD Security