Government contractors—are under increasing pressure to comply with stringent cyber risk regulations. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) 800-171 guidelines, and other government mandates have created a labyrinth of compliance requirements that many struggle to navigate. Eric Jenkusky, CEO and Owner of T.J. Clark International, shares his insights on how small businesses and government contractors can stay afloat in this regulatory maze.
The Growing Complexity of Cyber Regulations
As a government contractor, Eric understands the significance of cybersecurity compliance firsthand. He describes the difficulty many businesses face in keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of regulations and the inconsistency with which they are applied across different government agencies. “The constant changes in rules and regulations—and their uneven application—concern me most,” Eric says. “There are small businesses that are unaware of these regulations and will soon face the consequences. They’ll submit a bid and be rejected because they haven’t met the compliance standards required.”
Eric reflects on his own experience when T.J. Clark International faced this challenge. “We were given the opportunity to correct our NIST 800-171 evaluation, but many small businesses don’t even realize this is a requirement until it’s too late.”
The stakes are high. Failing to meet cybersecurity requirements doesn’t just result in rejected bids; it can jeopardize long-standing contracts and opportunities for future government work. With increasing national security concerns and heightened government scrutiny, understanding and complying with regulations like CMMC and NIST 800-171 has never been more crucial.
The Struggle of Small Business Contractors Navigating the Regulatory Maze
One of the most significant barriers for businesses in the government contracting space is the complexity and technicality of regulations. For many, understanding what needs to be done and how to meet these cybersecurity standards feels like deciphering a foreign language. According to Eric, companies need experts to help them understand these regulations and navigate through the confusion. “Reading these regulations can feel like reading Sanskrit,” Eric notes. “The government websites are not intuitive, and it’s not always clear what you need to do. That’s where experts come in to help.”
For businesses trying to comply with CMMC and NIST, relying on knowledgeable professionals is crucial to ensure the company meets its obligations and avoids compliance pitfalls. Eric emphasizes that failure to comply can cost businesses both in the short-term (revenue loss) and the long-term (damage to reputation and future contracts).
For small businesses, the pressure to stay compliant with regulations like CMMC can be overwhelming. The reality is that many don’t have the resources or expertise to handle cybersecurity on their own. Eric highlights the challenges faced by small businesses when dealing with cybersecurity regulations, especially with the growing complexity of government requirements. “Smaller businesses may not have the budget or staff to focus on cybersecurity compliance,” Eric explains. “When they go to submit a bid, they find out too late that they don’t have the proper evaluations in place or haven’t met the necessary cybersecurity standards.” This presents a major problem for government contractors trying to stay competitive. As Eric points out, the demand for compliance is only going to rise, and without the right strategies and tools in place, small businesses may struggle to remain in the game.
Outsourcing Solutions for Cyber Risk Compliance
One solution for businesses without the resources to handle compliance internally is outsourcing. By partnering with experienced cybersecurity consultants, government contractors can ensure they meet compliance standards while avoiding the costs of hiring a full-time cybersecurity team. “There are experts out there who can guide businesses through the compliance process,” says Eric. “Outsourcing to the right professionals can save time, reduce risk, and ensure that your business meets all regulatory requirements.” However, the challenge remains for many businesses that aren’t aware of the need for expert guidance. It’s vital that companies recognize the importance of proactive compliance to avoid becoming another statistic in the growing list of businesses affected by regulatory shortcomings.
A critical aspect of both CMMC and NIST 800-171 is ensuring the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). For many businesses, the biggest challenge lies in properly classifying and safeguarding this sensitive data. Eric explains how the lack of understanding regarding data security can expose contractors to significant risks. “Many contractors fail to properly classify and secure their CUI,” Eric explains. “If you don’t know where your sensitive data is, how can you protect it?” To mitigate this risk, Eric suggests that contractors take a more proactive approach to data protection. “Start by securing your data, then ensure your systems are equipped to protect it. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about securing your business and protecting the information that matters most.”
The Future of Cybersecurity Compliance
Looking forward, Eric is optimistic about the future of cybersecurity, although he recognizes that more work needs to be done. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong, consistent approach to compliance and building a culture of cybersecurity within organizations. “The more we move toward a data-centric approach, the better equipped we’ll be to protect ourselves,” Eric says. “As we continue to see increased threats from nation-state actors and other malicious entities, it’s essential that businesses understand that cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a business necessity.”
Eric’s advice to businesses facing the cybersecurity regulatory maze is clear: “Don’t wait for a breach to realize the importance of cybersecurity compliance. Start now, learn the regulations, and protect your most valuable asset: your data.”
In the world of government contracting, the implications of failing to meet cybersecurity standards are far-reaching. But with the right strategies, expert guidance, and a proactive approach to data protection, businesses can not only stay compliant but also remain competitive in an increasingly secure digital world. Navigating the regulatory maze of cybersecurity risks isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing journey. As Eric Jenkusky stresses, businesses must remain vigilant, stay informed about new regulations, and adopt a culture of compliance to stay ahead of cyber threats.
By focusing on data protection, engaging experts, and implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also secure their future in an ever-changing digital landscape.
—
Important Links
- T.J. Clark International
- Turn the Ship Around!
- Twitter – Eric Jenkusky
- Instagram – Eric Jenkusky
- LinkedIn – Eric Jenkusky
About Eric Jenkusky
Impactful Disruptive Innovator with extensive Program Management and Global Business Development Experience who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive industries. Strong technical and business qualifications with an impressive track record of 30 years of hands-on experience in strategic planning, key stakeholder relationship management, business unit development, project and product management, and system engineering/integration strategies. Specialties: Business Development, Relationship Management, Project Management, Operations Management, Key US and Foreign Government Accounts Management, Product Development, Training and Team Building. Received Corporate Citizen Award Issued by TVI Corporation · Jan 2006. Received Outstanding Service Award Issued by Delaware County (NY) Chamber of Commerce · Jan 1998. Received 1995 “Growth Entreprenuer of the Year” Issued by NYS Small Business Development Center · Jan 1995. had the opportunity to speak with Steve Savage from Forbes about the cultivated meat industry and how Matrix Food Technologies, Inc. market leading plant base and animal component free scaffolds and micro-carriers provide an important enabling technology for the cultivated meat industry.
