Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

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What’s the connection between Zero Trust and CMMC compliance?

Zero Trust is the foundation of CMMC 2.0 requirements. Our military-grade implementation automatically satisfies key CMMC controls around access management and continuous monitoring. Using our ONE Platform, you get both robust security and documented compliance.

What makes the ONE Platform different from basic managed IT?

The ONE Platform eliminates the complexity of juggling multiple providers and tools. Our managed IT integrates security, compliance and infrastructure management into a single pane of glass. With automated security validation and 15-minute response times, we deliver military-grade protection without enterprise complexity or cost.

How does CrowdStrike compare to other endpoint security solutions?

Our managed IT leverages CrowdStrike's 99.9% breach prevention rate and user-friendly incident response interface. During an attack, you get clear visibility of affected systems and one-click isolation of compromised devices. Unlike competitors, CrowdStrike's advanced AI detection spots threats other tools miss, making it ideal for businesses without large security teams.

How long does cloud migration take?

Most organizations complete simple migration in 4-6 weeks. Our managed IT accelerates this through automated discovery tools and proven migration frameworks that eliminate manual processes while maintaining business operations. 

Can you migrate legacy applications?

Yes, our managed IT specializes in moving complex legacy systems to the cloud. We use advanced containerization to migrate applications without rewriting them, while reducing infrastructure costs to improve performance.

How do you minimize downtime during migration?

Our managed IT uses parallel environments and automated testing to prevent disruption. Through intelligent synchronization, we maintain business operations during migration, typically limiting downtime to minutes rather than hours.

What cloud platforms do you support?

Our managed IT supports all major providers including AWS and Azure. We help you choose the right platform through comprehensive assessment of your needs, then manage everything through a single interface.

What security controls protect our data in the cloud?

Our managed IT implements military-grade security from day one. Through Zero Trust architecture, we protect cloud workloads with continuous monitoring, encryption, and automated threat response - maintaining compliance while enabling scalability.

What happens to our existing cloud infrastructure?

Our managed IT ensures smooth transition through phased migration. We use hybrid architectures to maintain critical systems during migration, then help you optimize or decommission legacy infrastructure based on your business needs.

What makes Zero Trust architecture worth the investment?

Traditional security assumes everything inside your network is safe - that's why 94% of breaches start with compromised credentials. Our managed IT implements Zero Trust to verify every access request, reducing your attack surface by 90%. By preventing lateral movement through segmentation and continuous monitoring, we stop basic breaches from escalating into six-figure disasters.

How do you implement Zero Trust without disrupting operations?

Unlike providers that force massive changes, our phased implementation starts with your most critical assets. We use automated deployment tools to extend protection gradually while maintaining business continuity. This approach lets you strengthen security without productivity losses.

How do managed services actually ensure compliance?

We transform compliance from annual firefighting into continuous validation. Our managed IT automatically maps your controls to frameworks like CMMC, NIST, and HIPAA. Instead of scrambling before audits, our continuous monitoring and remediation maintains audit-ready documentation, with monthly reports showing your exact compliance status across every framework. Managed services, done right.

Can Zero Trust work with cloud infrastructure?

Our Zero Trust architecture is cloud-native by design. We use automated cloud security controls to protect resources whether they're on-premises or in the cloud. This lets you migrate safely to hybrid environments while maintaining consistent security.

How does Zero Trust handle third-party access?

Traditional VPNs give vendors too much network access. Our granular access controls tackles third-party risk by restricting vendors to only the specific resources they need. Combined with continuous monitoring, this prevents vendor credentials from becoming a security liability.

What makes your Zero Trust different from basic cyber security tools?

Most tools only check access once. Our military-grade platform verifies every action in real-time. We integrate identity, device, and behavior monitoring to stop threats other tools miss. Plus, you get 15-minute response times from the team that built your security.

How quickly can you implement Picus?

As part of our managed IT services, we deploy Picus with full military-grade configuration in as little as 72 hours. Our rapid deployment team handles everything from initial setup to continuous tuning.

What’s the ROI for Picus with Ridge IT?

Our clients typically see 60% reduction in security costs through tool optimization and zero successful breaches after implementation. Learn more about our security ROI and cost optimization approach.

How does Picus support CMMC compliance?

Picus helps validate CMMC controls through continuous monitoring and threat detection. Our CMMC compliance experts ensure findings translate into audit-ready documentation.

Why use Picus through Ridge IT instead of directly?

Our managed IT services transform Picus from a testing tool into complete protection. We provide 15-minute response to threats, full remediation, and seamless integration with our military-grade security stack.

How does Picus fit into a managed IT strategy?

We integrate Picus into our ONE Platform for continuous threat validation. This powers our automated security validation and ensures gaps are fixed before attackers find them.

What does Picus actually do?

Picus continuously validates your security effectiveness by simulating real-world threats. Our ONE Platform leverages Picus to test defenses against 24,000+ attack scenarios, while our security operations team fixes vulnerabilities within minutes of detection.

What is Picus in cybersecurity?

Picus is an award-winning Complete Security Control Validation Platform that powers our military-grade managed IT. While Picus provides the breach simulation engine, our 15-minute response team turns those insights into real protection.

What CMMC mistakes should my team look for?

After hundreds of defense contractors achieve certification, we've seen how costly DIY CMMC compliance mistakes can be. The DoD found only 10-15% of self-assessed companies actually met requirements. Learn which mistakes fail certification and how to prevent them.

The most critical errors include:

Can I self certify for CMMC?

Self-certification is only available for CMMC Level 1 and requires annual renewal with a senior official affirmation. Our certification requirements guide explains why Level 2 requires third-party assessment from an authorized C3PAO assessor, while Level 3 mandates direct government evaluation. The DoD implemented these stricter requirements after finding only 10-15% of self-assessed companies actually met compliance standards.

Will CMMC requirements be delayed?

No. The Final Rule is published and deadlines are set for 2025.

What happens if you miss the CMMC deadline?

After the Final Rule takes effect December 16, 2024, non-certified contractors lose DoD contracts immediately. Our military-grade compliance solutions ensure you maintain contract eligibility.

How are CMMC assessments different from self-certification?

Third-party CMMC assessments are now mandatory because self-certification proved unreliable - DoD audits found only 10-15% compliance. Review our assessment requirements guide and learn how our C3PAO certification process ensures compliance.

What’s the real difference between CMMC 1.0 and CMMC 2.0?

While CMMC 2.0 reduces levels from five to three, it demands more sophisticated controls than ISO 27001 or HIPAA. See the complete version comparison and learn how our military-grade implementation addresses these elevated requirements.

How does CMMC affect my existing NIST compliance?

CMMC enforces NIST SP 800-171 and 800-172 requirements through verification. Review our NIST compliance guide and see how our Zero Trust architecture streamlines both frameworks.

Do subcontractors need CMMC Certification?

Yes, but our unique approach can help. While flow-down typically requires matching certification levels, our subcontractor compliance guide explains how our Zero Trust architecture can eliminate this requirement.

What’s the CMMC rollout schedule after the Final Rule?

The rollout begins immediately after the Final Rule takes effect December 16, 2024. Our managed IT helps you stay ahead of key milestones through automated compliance monitoring. Early 2025 brings the first contract requirements, with full implementation expected by October 2025. Most contractors need 12-18 months for certification, so waiting risks contract eligibility.

How do you choose between CMMC compliance companies?

Look beyond basic certifications. Our military-grade CMMC compliance team delivers complete certification preparation and ongoing maintenance. While other providers focus on one-time assessments, we prevent compliance gaps through continuous monitoring and 15-minute response times. Additionally, we are RPO certified.

Can I meet CMMC security requirements with my current IT team?

Most internal IT teams lack the specialized expertise for CMMC security controls. Our managed IT brings proven security control frameworks that map directly to certification requirements. While basic security tools focus on alerts, we prevent breaches through automated remediation and continuous compliance validation.

How long does CMMC Certification take?

Most organizations need 12-18 months to achieve full certification. The process includes 3-6 months implementing military-grade security controls through our proven implementation framework. Then, as outlined in our maturity requirements guide, you must demonstrate these practices are embedded in your culture - typically requiring 3-6 months of documented operational evidence. Only then can you begin the formal assessment process.

When do DoD CMMC requirements start?

After December 16, 2024, CMMC compliance becomes mandatory for DoD contractors. See critical timeline mistakes contractors make during implementation.

What are the DoD CMMC compliance standards?

DoD contractors need specific security controls based on their CMMC level. Learn which compliance standards most contractors misinterpret.

How do I meet DoD CMMC requirements?

85% of self-assessed contractors fail DoD requirements. Avoid these implementation mistakes to achieve certification.

How do you prevent tech debt in IT infrastructure?

Most providers let technical debt accumulate as you grow. Our managed IT starts with architecture that scales from 50 to 1000+ users without rework. We design and implement solutions that grow with you, preventing the costly rebuilds and security gaps that come from outgrowing your infrastructure.

How do you integrate your security tools infrastructure and cloud?

Rather than managing multiple security tools independently, our managed IT creates a unified security fabric. We integrate identity management with network and endpoint security, so one tool's detection triggers automated responses across your entire security stack. This integration provides Fortune 500 protection without Fortune 500 complexity.

How do you reduce our attack surface?

Instead of endless security tools, our managed IT starts by making your business harder to target. We use advanced scanning and remediation to eliminate exposed services, while hiding critical assets behind multiple security layers. By "going dark" to attackers while maintaining business operations, we reduce your risk of becoming a target.

What if we already have existing security contracts?

Our managed IT adapts to your company. We can integrate existing tools into our security architecture while adjusting our pricing to accommodate current contracts. This lets you transition to better security without paying twice or disrupting operations.

How do you handle security incidents?

Unlike providers that just alert you to problems, our managed IT includes complete incident response. Our rapid response team isolates threats, prevents spread, and restores operations - all while maintaining detailed documentation for compliance and insurance requirements.

What’s the real difference between MSP and MSSP services?

Our managed IT integrates security from day one. While traditional MSPs focus on uptime and helpdesk tickets, we prevent breaches by building security into every service. When you split MSP and MSSP providers, you risk security gaps and finger-pointing during incidents. Our integrated approach delivers compliance with 15-minute response times - all through a single provider.

What makes Zero Trust architecture worth the investment?

Traditional security assumes everything inside your network is safe - that's why 94% of breaches start with compromised credentials. Our managed IT implements Zero Trust to verify every access request, reducing your attack surface by 90%. By preventing lateral movement through segmentation and continuous monitoring, we stop basic breaches from escalating into six-figure disasters.

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