How to Secure Your Google Workspace for CMMC & How to Get the CMMC Badge/Seal

 

Securing your Google Workspace to meet CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) standards is crucial if you work with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) contracts or handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). To not only secure your environment but also achieve and maintain the CMMC badge/seal, here’s what you need to know, in clear, actionable steps.

• Understand What CMMC Is: CMMC is a set of cybersecurity standards created by the DoD to protect sensitive information. There are multiple levels (1-3 are common for contractors), with higher levels requiring stronger security controls.
• Know What You Need to Protect: Identify all Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in your Google Workspace – think of documents, emails, shared drives containing government-related data.
• Use Google Workspace Version that Supports Required Controls: You must use Google Workspace Enterprise Plus or Google Workspace for Government – these offer the security features needed for CMMC compliance.
• Strengthen Access Control:
  • Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Make it mandatory for all users to log in with something they know (password) and something they have (mobile device or security key).
  • Limit Admin Access: Only give admin privileges to those who truly need it—and regularly review these roles.
  • Use Groups and Organizational Units: Place users into groups so you can more easily set granular permissions on files and shared drives.
• Lock Down Data Sharing Settings:
  • Restrict External Sharing: Prevent confidential data from being shared outside your organization unless absolutely necessary.
  • Monitor and Log File Access: Use Google Vault and audit logs to track who accesses or modifies sensitive files.
• Encrypt Data:
  • Data at Rest & In Transit: Google encrypts by default, but confirm in your admin console that required settings are enforced.
  • Consider Client-Side Encryption: For extra sensitive CUI, enable client-side encryption so that only approved users can decrypt.
• Enable and Monitor Security Alerts: Activate Google Workspace alert center to receive notifications for suspicious activity, unauthorized access, and data loss risks.
• Train Your Users: Regularly train staff to recognize phishing, safe document handling, and the importance of reporting suspicious incidents.
• Document Policies and Procedures: CMMC certification requires you to formally document everything—security policies, incident response plans, access procedures. Keep these up to date and make sure everyone follows them.
• Regularly Review and Audit Settings: Conduct periodic self-assessments, penetration testing, and use third-party reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Work with a Consulting Firm: For readiness assessment and pre-audit consulting, consider professional help. OCD Tech specializes in preparing organizations for CMMC with Google Workspace. They will help you bridge any gaps before an official assessment.

 

How to Get the CMMC Badge/Seal: The Certification Process

 

• Prepare Your Environment: Implement all required security controls as outlined above and in the CMMC level you need to meet. Maintain clear documentation for every control and procedure.
• Perform a Readiness Assessment: Work internally or with a firm like OCD Tech to review your Google Workspace setup against CMMC requirements and fix any shortcomings.
• Schedule an Official CMMC Assessment: Contact an accredited CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO). They will examine your technical controls, policies, and documentation.
• Pass the Audit: Auditors will check not just your system, but also that all policies are documented, followed, and regularly reviewed.
• Maintain Compliance: Once certified, keep improving and regularly reviewing your policies, tech controls, and user training to ensure ongoing compliance and be ready for periodic reassessment.

The most important things to pass a CMMC audit on Google Workspace are: proper access controls (especially MFA), strict data sharing limits, comprehensive policy documentation, and ongoing user training. Enlist an expert like OCD Tech for readiness; they make the journey to the CMMC badge/seal easier to navigate.

By following these steps, you not only secure your Google Workspace for CMMC but also put yourself in a strong position to get the official badge/seal and demonstrate compliance to clients and the DoD.