The Danger of the Extended Ecosystem
For government contractors, it’s common to collaborate with subcontractors, consultants, and suppliers. But every connection is a potential entry point for risk—especially when Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is being shared across environments.
CMMC and NIST 800-171 both require that CUI remains protected, regardless of where it travels. If your partners aren't upholding the same standards, you're liable for the consequences.
Common Blind Spots
Here are some ways third parties can jeopardize your compliance:
- Unsecured email communications
- Lack of MFA or endpoint protection
- Non-compliant file sharing platforms
- Absence of logging or auditing capabilities
You may have policies in place, but are they enforced when the data leaves your boundary?
Tightening the Perimeter
To mitigate third-party risk, contractors must:
- Conduct regular assessments of vendor compliance practices
- Include CUI handling requirements in contracts
- Require the use of compliant platforms for shared work
Why the Right Platform Matters
One of the most effective ways to control access to CUI is by using a secure cloud environment that enforces compliance at every level. GCC High migration services help contractors build secure enclaves where only vetted, U.S.-based personnel can access sensitive data—significantly reducing exposure when working with external partners.