Nolan’s Notes: Looking Deep Into the Future With X-ray
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Basics of Component Lead Tinning
Standard of Excellence: Anticipating Customer Needs Early and Often
Panel Discussion: CMMC and Cybersecurity
April 18, 2023 | Q&A by Maribel HernandezEstimated reading time: 1 minute
The electronics manufacturing sector faces unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity, given the highly sensitive nature of the information that it handles. With the introduction of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework, businesses will soon be required to meet specific, more stringent cybersecurity standards to bid on Department of Defense contracts. This has made cybersecurity hygiene and CMMC compliance more important than ever for businesses in the sector, as non-compliance can result in lost revenue and reputational damage.
At the recent EMS Leadership Summit, held during IPC APEX EXPO 2023 in January, summit organizers arrange a panel discussion with three industry experts. The panel, moderated by Maribel Hernandez, followed a Question & Answer format. Panelists included: Vijay Takanti, Joaquin Hernandez, and Allen Anderson and discussed the details and intricacies of CMMC compliance, and how it can affect a business. The experts shared their insights into the challenges that businesses in the sector are likely to face, the specific requirements tied to CMMC compliance, and the steps that businesses can take to ensure that they are adequately protected and able to achieve compliance within the framework. This article, compiled by the participants, summarizes portions of the discussion from the summit event.
What’s the difference between cybersecurity and CMMC compliance?
Joaquin Hernandez: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. It's a broad concept that encompasses many different tactics, techniques, and procedures. The CMMC compliance, on the other hand, refers to the requirements set forth by the DoD to ensure that contractors are meeting a minimum level of cybersecurity readiness before being awarded contracts.
In other words, cybersecurity is the foundation upon which compliance is built. A company must have a solid cybersecurity posture that extends to cover compliance safeguards in order to achieve compliance. While CMMC compliance is a specific set of requirements that a company must meet to do business with the DoD, cybersecurity is a broader and ongoing practice that should be applied to all aspects of a company's operations to protect against cyber threats.
To read this entire panel discussion, which appeared in the April 2023 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Statement from IPC on ‘Liberation Day’ Pressing for Domestic Manufacturing Strategy
04/03/2025 | IPCIPC, a global electronics association dedicated to furthering the competitive excellence and financial success of more than 3,200 members, shared the following statement today on U.S. tariffs and their implications on the global electronics industry. It can be attributed to Richard Cappetto, IPC senior director of North American government affairs:
My Top 10 Highlights from IPC APEX EXPO 2025
04/03/2025 | Chris Mitchell, IPC VP, Global Government RelationsEvery year, I am reminded what an exciting and fast-paced whirlwind IPC APEX EXPO is—the friends you run into, the new people you meet, the innovations you encounter, and the fascinating discussions you dive into. It’s certainly true that our industry is driven by searchers and problem-solvers, creating endless opportunities at APEX EXPO to connect, collaborate, and shape the future.
Winners of 2025 IPC Masters Competition China Announced
04/02/2025 | IPCOn March 26-28, the IPC Masters Competition China was successfully held in Pudong, Shanghai. This year’s competition brought nearly 500 electronics industry elites from 18 provinces and municipalities.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Review: Shifting My Focus to the Show Floor
04/02/2025 | John Watson, CIDIPC APEX EXPO 2025 marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. (Personally, I don’t think it looked a day over 20.) If you didn’t attend this great event, why not? This was my 10th anniversary of attending, and it had a distinctly different feel. There was a celebratory atmosphere as both veterans, like myself, and first-time attendees, were drawn into a celebratory occasion marking the significant milestone of the 25th anniversary.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Advanced Silicone Solutions from CHT
04/02/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOCHT team members introduce themselves and share their roles, with Kate Sincerbox focusing on technical service and Lisa Stutzman on inside sales. CHT specializes in silicone materials for encapsulation, adhesives, and coatings, serving the automotive and aerospace sectors.