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Top 10 Cyber Hygiene Practices Every Defense Contractor Needs To Know


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Start Here If You’re Serious About Compliance and Security 


Good Cyber Hygiene Isn’t Optional Anymore 

The cybersecurity bar has been raised, and staying clean is no longer a nice-to-have. With CMMC 2.0 becoming part of 48 CFR, the Department of Defense has drawn a hard line: if you want to do business in the defense ecosystem, you must prove you’re following strict cyber hygiene protocols. 


Unfortunately, many contractors assume they’re covered because they have antivirus or a firewall. But in reality, DoD contractors must demonstrate ongoing, auditable practices across multiple control areas. 


So, where do you start? With the essentials. 


The Top 10 Cyber Hygiene Practices for DoD Contractors 

Below are the non-negotiables if you want to stay compliant, win contracts, and avoid becoming an easy target. 


1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

Protect all user accounts, especially those with administrative access, with MFA. No exceptions. CMMC Alignment: Access Control, Identification & Authentication 


2. Timely Patch Management 

Apply security updates to software, OS, and firmware within 30 days (or faster for critical issues). CMMC Alignment: System & Information Integrity 


3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) 

Ensure employees only access the data they need, and nothing more. CMMC Alignment: Access Control 


4. Data Encryption in Transit & at Rest 

Encrypt all sensitive information, whether it’s stored locally or being transmitted. CMMC Alignment: System & Communications Protection 


5. Security Awareness Training 

Provide training at least annually, and track completion. Include phishing simulations.  CMMC Alignment: Awareness & Training 


6. Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) 

Antivirus isn’t enough. You need advanced tools that detect and respond to threats in real time. CMMC Alignment: System & Communications Protection 


7. Regular Backups with Testing 

Back up critical data and systems regularly, and test restoration procedures. CMMC Alignment: Maintenance, Recovery 


8. Incident Response Plan 

Have a formal, documented plan for responding to cyber incidents. Know who does what, when.  CMMC Alignment: Incident Response 


9. Audit Logging & Monitoring 

Monitor all critical systems and maintain logs for at least 90 days. CMMC Alignment: Audit & Accountability 


10. System Security Plan (SSP) and POAMs 

Maintain an up-to-date SSP and formal Plan of Action & Milestones (POAM) for any gaps. CMMC Alignment: Planning, Risk Management, Documentation 


How Does This Connect to CMMC? 

These 10 practices align directly with the 17 CMMC domains and the 110 NIST 800-171 controls that most Level 2 contractors must implement and prove. 

CMMC assessors don’t just want to know what you do; they want to see evidence of how you do it. That’s why good cyber hygiene isn’t just a checklist. It’s a culture. 


TMGC Doesn’t Just Monitor IT, We Build Compliant, Secure Operations 

At The Millennium Group Computing, we help defense contractors put cyber hygiene on autopilot: 

  • We implement these practices across your network, tailored to your systems and risk. 

  • We document every control and keep logs ready for inspection. 

  • We continuously monitor, patch, train, and report, so your compliance is sustained, not scrambled. 


Don’t Wait for a Breach, or a Failed Assessment, to Act 

Poor hygiene leads to: 

  • Failed CMMC assessments 

  • Missed contract awards 

  • Breaches that could lead to regulatory fines and reputational damage 


The cost of inaction is far higher than the cost of preparation. 


Join Us Live: CMMC 2.0 & 48 CFR Readiness Webinar 


Topic: What’s Changing and How to Stay Eligible

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Time: 11:00–11:30 AM


 
 
 
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