Welcome to another episode of CMMC News where we simplify the complexities of cybersecurity compliance for defense contractors and organizations navigating the cybersecurity maturity model certification or CMMC. I'm Wilson Bautista junior, and today, we're diving into a crucial topic, how to choose the right c through PAO, a certified third party assessment organization. So to guide your organization to CMMC compliance, you need one of these. So selecting the right c three PAO is a pivotal step in achieving CMMC compliance. With so much on the line, how do you make the right choice? Let's break it down into some key considerations. So first and foremost, I would look for experience. A reputable c three PAO should have a solid track record with federal compliance frameworks like NIST 80171 and maybe FedRAMP. Another thing that you could look at is if they do support other frameworks like SOC 2 as well as ISO 2701. All of these frameworks are the backbone of cybersecurity compliance, and their expertise in these areas will ensure your organization is on the right track. So remember that compliance is not just about ticking boxes. It's about building a sustainable cybersecurity program. So look for that experience. Next up is industry expertise. So each industry has its own set of challenges. So whether you're in manufacturing, whether you're in health care, or you're developing a SaaS product, your environment will change, right, with the industry that you're in. So you need to pick a c three p a o that understands your specific industry. So their familiarity with your sector will help them identify unique risks and provide tailored solutions that align with your operational needs. So let's talk about reputation. What do their previous clients say? Right? Have they done gap assessments before? Have they done assessments before? These are things to ask and check the reviews, check testimonials, and case studies. Ask who's on the team. Right? And look at their LinkedIn profile. You wanna make sure that they have a strong record of successful assessments, and that speaks volumes about their capability and reliability. After all, you want a c three p a o that delivers results, not just promises. Okay. Let's talk about communication skills. Good communication is another critical factor. This is an overwhelming journey. Compliance is a journey that is filled with lots of information, and having a c three p o that could distill the information and explain findings clearly, answer your questions, and keeps you informed throughout the process, through every step of the way can make all the difference. Okay. One size fits all does not work in cybersecurity. A great c three payer will take the time to understand your organization's unique cybersecurity posture and customize their assessment approach. This isn't this ensures that you're not just compliant but well prepared for long term security. So you want a c through PO that is going to be able to work with you and your organization and understand that you need a customized assessment approach. Okay. Another thing is is that you need to verify their accreditation. Only c through PAOs accredited by the Cyber AB or cybersecurity accreditation body are authorized to perform official CMMC assessments. You can check their status directly on the Cyber AB website through the marketplace. Alright. Cost versus value. Let's not forget about cost. While budget is factor, remember that quality matters more. The cheapest option might not deliver the expertise and guidance you need. Focus on value. What are you getting for the price? Make sure that you're getting what you pay for. Make sure that you're getting your ROI. Finally, how do you find a c through PO? Like I said, start by going to the Cyber AB website and look at the marketplace, and then there's going to be a list of accredited providers. You can also consult with industry associations or trusted cybersecurity experts for recommendations. Don't hesitate to request proposals from multiple c three POs to compare their expertise, approach, and fees. So choosing the right c three p o isn't just a decision. It's a partnership that can determine the success of your compliance efforts. By considering experience, industry knowledge, communication skills, and accreditation, you can make an informed choice. If you need help navigating the CMMC process, reach out to us at June Cyber. We are here to support you every step of the way. Thanks for tuning in to CMMC News. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your network. Until next time, stay secure.