Standard of Excellence: Speed vs. Quality in Customer Service
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Balancing Speed and Flexibility Without Sacrificing Control
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:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
TTCI Brings Hands-On Test Engineering and IPC Training Expertise to PCB Carolina 2025
10/31/2025 | The Test Connection Inc.The Test Connection Inc. (TTCI), a trusted provider of electronic test and manufacturing solutions, and The Training Connection LLC (TTC-LLC) will exhibit at PCB Carolina on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the McKimmon Center at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can visit Table 4 to say hello to Bert Horner and Bill Graver, and learn more about their test engineering services and technical training programs.
The Training Connection Continues to Grow with Addition of Veteran IPC Trainer Bill Graver
10/30/2025 | The Training Connection LLCThe Training Connection, LLC (TTC-LLC), a premier provider of test engineering and development training, is proud to announce the addition of Bill Graver to its growing team of industry experts. A respected professional with more than 35 years in electronics manufacturing, Bill joins as an IPC Master Trainer, bringing a wealth of hands-on experience in PCB testing, failure analysis, and process improvement.
Electronics Industry Warns Mexico Tariffs Could Undercut U.S. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Resilience
10/24/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationAs negotiations over U.S.–Mexico trade policies near an October 29 deadline, the Global Electronics Association released a new policy brief, From Risk to Resilience: Why Mexico Matters to U.S. Manufacturing.
Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Revamp Your Components with BGA Reballing
10/14/2025 | Nash Bell -- Column: Knocking Down the Bone PileBall grid array (BGA) components evolved from pin grid array (PGA) devices, carrying over many of the same electrical benefits while introducing a more compact and efficient interconnect format. Instead of discrete leads, BGAs rely on solder balls on the underside of the package to connect to the PCB. In some advanced designs, solder balls are on both the PCB and the BGA package. In stacked configurations, such as package-on-package (PoP), these solder balls also interconnect multiple packages, enabling higher functionality in a smaller footprint.
New Course Presents a Comprehensive Guide to IPC Standards
10/10/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Francisco Fourcade, electronics technology standards manager for the Global Electronics Association, has spent years helping companies understand and implement the standards that keep the electronics manufacturing industry moving forward. In this interview, he shares updates on ongoing standards development efforts and previews a new course, "IPC Standards: A Guide for the Electronics Industry,” which starts Oct. 14.