In an era where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, achieving and maintaining compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has become a priority for organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD). SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management) stands out as the ultimate solution for safeguarding your business, offering a suite of robust features that not only enhance data security but also streamline compliance processes. By aligning with CMMC standards across various maturity stages, PDM empowers contractors to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements effectively. Let’s explore how SOLIDWORKS PDM supports organizations in fulfilling several key domains of the CMMC framework.

"With the implementation of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 program, the Department is introducing several key changes that build on and refine the original program requirements." Pulled from the Chief Information OfficerU.S. Department of Defense website - click here for more information.

Controlled Access and Permissions (AC)

User authentication and authorization ensure that only authorized personnel have access to specific data and files. By utilizing role-based access controls, it enforces strict permissions, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. Granular permission settings allow administrators to establish comprehensive access controls at various levels, including files, folders, and workflow states. This approach guarantees that confidential data is only available to those with the appropriate permissions, thereby enriching overall data security.

Audit and Accountability (AU)

Audit trails help maintain detailed logs of all user activities, including file accesses, modifications, and deletions. These audit trails are crucial for demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards and for investigating any security incidents that may arise. By providing a clear record of who did what and when, audit trails affirm accountability and boost security oversight. Version control tracks all document alterations, maintaining an extensive history of changes. This feature is essential for auditing purposes, as it allows organizations to review and verify every modification made to a document. With version control, companies can affirm the integrity of their data and meet all requirements.

Configuration Management (CM)

SOLIDWORKS PDM offers powerful document control features, ensuring that only the latest, approved versions of documents are in use. This functionality prevents the use of outdated or unauthorized documents, thereby maintaining the reliability and accuracy of the data. With effective document control, organizations can streamline their workflows and verify that all team members are working with the most current information. Controlled baselines help with maintaining and tracking configuration baselines by preserving a detailed version history from the inception of the file. This capability allows organizations to manage changes systematically and guarantees that every modification is documented and traceable. By maintaining controlled baselines, companies can improve their configuration management processes and align with industry standards and regulations.

Identification and Authentication (IA)

PDM integrates seamlessly with active directories and other verification systems to support multi-factor authentication (MFA), providing an additional layer of security. By requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access, MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and enhances the overall security posture of the organization. In addition, each user is assigned a unique identifier, affirming that all actions are accountable and traceable. This unique identification system enables precise tracking of user activities, facilitating better auditability and accountability. By ensuring that each user's actions can be individually traced, SOLIDWORKS PDM heightens security and supports compliance.

What's New In SOLIDWORKS PDM 2024

Media Protection (MP)

Secure Storage is at the forefront, confirming that all digital files are stored in a protected environment with access strictly controlled based on user roles and permissions. This role-based access management prevents unauthorized personnel from retrieving sensitive information. Also, Data encryption strengthens security by encrypting data both at rest and in transit. This means that sensitive information is encoded when stored on the server and during transmission, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Together, these features ensure that your valuable digital assets are protected within the PDM system.

System and Communications Protection (SC)

Network security plays a crucial role in this domain, with SOLIDWORKS PDM being configurable to function within secure network parameters. This configuration assures data transmissions are shielded from potential interception and tampering, thereby safeguarding sensitive information as it moves between users and systems. By operating within a secured network, PDM fortifies its defense against cyber threats, guaranteeing that the communication of data remains confidential and intact throughout its lifecycle.

"A report on cybersecurity predicted that the cost of cybercrime would reach a massive $9.5 trillion in 2024 and exceed $10.5 trillion in 2025.⁵ In the United States alone, an FBI report predicted the potential loss resulting from cyberattacks and fraud would hit over $10.2 billion in 2022." - Pulled from an article by USA Today.

Physical Protection (PE)

Secure access to facilities confirms that the physical infrastructure supporting PDM, such as servers and storage devices, is protected according to stringent security standards. This involves restricting physical access to authorized personnel only, aligning with the security requirements outlined by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). By protecting the physical premises where critical hardware is housed, PDM enhances the overall security posture, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected from physical threats as well as digital ones.

By implementing the required controls and procedures, PDM helps organizations meet criteria set forth by the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) across its various maturity levels. From secure storage and data encryption to robust network security and physical protection of critical infrastructure, SOLIDWORKS PDM offers a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding sensitive information. This not only fortifies the organization's defenses against potential cyber threats but also streamlines the path to achieving and maintaining accordance with DoD standards, thereby fostering a secure and resilient operational environment.

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