
Understanding CMMC Requirements with DefCerts CEO Ryan Bonner | Part 2
02/25/25 • 24 min
We’re back with Ryan Bonner for part two of his sit-down with Mike Shelah on DTC’s Cyber Savvy podcast.
In this episode, we breakdown the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its implications for government contractors. They explore the importance of CMMC, the certification process and the critical role of action plans in achieving compliance. You’ll also hear insights on the challenges companies face during gap assessments and why strategic planning is essential. Plus, they discuss how CMMC could reshape the industry, potentially leading to major consolidation.
Whether you're a contractor navigating compliance or just curious about the future of cybersecurity standards, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways
Key Takeaways:
- CMMC is a mandate that organizations must comply with.
- Plans of action can be misleading and should be approached cautiously.
- Understanding the CMMC certification process is crucial for contractors.
- Organizations need to justify CMMC certification as part of a strategic plan.
- Gap assessments should be conducted iteratively to maintain context.
- Managing bandwidth and resource constraints is essential for compliance.
- Organizations should focus on the areas that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI).
- Consolidation in the industry will require a strategic approach to compliance.
- Documentation and process management are key to maintaining compliance.
- CMMC is about more than just compliance; it should align with business strategy.
Want to hear more? Past episodes are all posted, including on YouTube! Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast app to ensure you don’t miss out on the conversation!
We’re back with Ryan Bonner for part two of his sit-down with Mike Shelah on DTC’s Cyber Savvy podcast.
In this episode, we breakdown the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its implications for government contractors. They explore the importance of CMMC, the certification process and the critical role of action plans in achieving compliance. You’ll also hear insights on the challenges companies face during gap assessments and why strategic planning is essential. Plus, they discuss how CMMC could reshape the industry, potentially leading to major consolidation.
Whether you're a contractor navigating compliance or just curious about the future of cybersecurity standards, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways
Key Takeaways:
- CMMC is a mandate that organizations must comply with.
- Plans of action can be misleading and should be approached cautiously.
- Understanding the CMMC certification process is crucial for contractors.
- Organizations need to justify CMMC certification as part of a strategic plan.
- Gap assessments should be conducted iteratively to maintain context.
- Managing bandwidth and resource constraints is essential for compliance.
- Organizations should focus on the areas that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI).
- Consolidation in the industry will require a strategic approach to compliance.
- Documentation and process management are key to maintaining compliance.
- CMMC is about more than just compliance; it should align with business strategy.
Want to hear more? Past episodes are all posted, including on YouTube! Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast app to ensure you don’t miss out on the conversation!
Previous Episode

Understanding CMMC Requirements with DefCerts CEO Ryan Bonner | Part 1
In this episode, Mike Shelah, host of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, interviews Ryan Bonner, CEO of DefCerts, for an insightful discussion about cybersecurity and CMMC in government contracting. The conversation explores how cybersecurity has evolved from a luxury to a business necessity, common misconceptions in the industry, and the challenges organizations face in meeting security requirements. Ryan shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in the field and hints at important changes coming in 2025 that will affect government contractors.
Want to hear more? Past episodes are all posted, including on YouTube! Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast app to ensure you don’t miss out on the conversation!
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The Role of Cyber Insurance in Your Business with Steve Heller | Part 1
In this insightful episode of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, host Mike Shelah welcomes his longtime friend and insurance expert Steven Heller to discuss the critical role of cybersecurity insurance in today's business landscape. As a self-proclaimed "compliance nerd," Mike explores how proper insurance coverage represents the fourth pillar of his cybersecurity framework for businesses.
Steven shares his journey in the insurance industry and provides valuable perspectives on approaching risk management as an investment rather than merely an expense. The conversation touches on how insurance needs evolve alongside business growth, the importance of accurate information in insurance applications, and why proper attestation matters when securing coverage.
Tune in to discover practical insights that could save your business from unexpected financial impacts in an increasingly digital world.
Want to hear more? Past episodes are all posted, including on YouTube! Follow and subscribe on your favorite podcast app to ensure you don’t miss out on the conversation!
Cyber Savvy - Understanding CMMC Requirements with DefCerts CEO Ryan Bonner | Part 2
Transcript
Mike Shelah (00:00)
Hello everybody and welcome to the Cyber Savvy Podcast. I am your host, Mike Schiele, technology consultant with DTC. To learn more about us, go to www.dtctoday.com. And remember at DTC, make IT work. Our guest, Ryan Bonner, wrapped up the last episode with something that I love so much. I'm going to get it printed on a t-shirt and wear it everywhere I go.
Ryan, welcome back to the Cyber Savvy Podcast.
Ryan Bonner (00:33)
Thanks.
Mike Shelah (00:35)
I just
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