The Charles IT Blog

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DIY No More: MSPs Redefining Compliance for SMBs

DIY No More: MSPs Redefining Compliance for SMBs

April, 2024 | Charles IT

It’s safe to say that these days, compliance isn’t just an IT industry buzzword but a critical component for the success and security of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As regulations [...]

DFARS Compliance Checklist for Manufacturing Companies

DFARS Compliance Checklist for Manufacturing Companies

March, 2023 | Foster Charles

Companies that manufacture products for the US Department of Defense (DoD) must comply with cybersecurity standards set by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). These [...]

DFARS 252.204-7012: 14 Control Families You Can’t Afford to Overlook

DFARS 252.204-7012: 14 Control Families You Can’t Afford to Overlook

March, 2023 | Foster Charles

Any Department of Defense (DoD) contractor must comply with the security standards of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) before it can be given access to controlled [...]

DFARS vs CMMC: What's the Difference?

DFARS vs CMMC: What's the Difference?

March, 2023 | Foster Charles

If you’re an existing US Department of Defense (DoD) contractor, then you’ve probably achieved Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) compliance by now. But did you know that CMMC [...]

Understanding the Purpose of NIST CSF Controls

Understanding the Purpose of NIST CSF Controls

October, 2021 | Foster Charles

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework was first released in 2014 with the purpose of promoting better risk management and innovation across the critical infrastructure sector in the US. Since then, it has [...]

Why is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Important?

Why is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Important?

September, 2021 | Foster Charles

Organizations of all types and sizes face unrelenting threats from malicious actors, including organized cybercrime, corporate espionage, and state-sponsored attackers. Every business owes it to [...]

The Basics of Designing A System Security Plan

The Basics of Designing A System Security Plan

July, 2021 | Foster Charles

The DFARS 252.204-7012 clause requires that all contractors and subcontractors of the US Department of Defense maintain an up-to-date system security plan (SSP). You will likely be asked to provide [...]

What Are the Consequences of Noncompliance?

What Are the Consequences of Noncompliance?

June, 2021 | Foster Charles

Navigating DFARS 252.204.7012 compliance requirements can be challenging. It requires tightening DFARS-specific security controls, an area in which the expertise of compliance experts who can help [...]

What Exactly is Considered CUI?

What Exactly is Considered CUI?

June, 2021 | Foster Charles

Signing off contracts with the US Department of Defense, either in the capacity of a contractor or subcontractor, can be highly lucrative. After all, the DoD is an enormous market consisting of [...]

When Do You Need to Meet the Requirements of NIST 800-171?

When Do You Need to Meet the Requirements of NIST 800-171?

June, 2021 | Foster Charles

Every business that works with the US Department of Defense needs to be compliant with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). This includes both contractors who work directly [...]

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