August 2022 IT News & Insights

Next steps after DoD cracks down on Defense contractors’ cybersecurity controls

The Department of Defense issued a memo on June 16, 2022, directing Contracting Officers to enforce penalties on DoD contractors that fail to comply with DFARS Clauses 252.204-7012 (Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting) on contracts not subject to either DFARS 252.204-7020 (DoD Assessment Requirements).

Failure to comply with these security controls or show progress on a plan to implement them can lead to a contracting officer withholding payments, limiting contract options, or terminating the contract altogether.

Jill Lawson has spent over 30 years as an Acquisition Program Manager for the DoD. In an online webinar, Lawson explains the DoD’s crackdown.  

• What the DoD’s memo actually says and means for defense contractors

• Why the DoD cares about your SPRS score

• Why you need to be ready to implement Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) in 2023

Watch Lawson’s webinar [35 min.]

DataLink’s security team is ready to assist your organization with a compliance assessment and implementation plan for achieving these DoD requirements. Contact us today. (410) 729-0440 | Email

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CISA Alert… Hackers exploiting Weak Security Controls & Practices to gain access

CISA, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, has put out an important alert that lays out how bad actors can get past the gaps in your security defenses along with best practice mitigations.

Cyber actors routinely exploit poor security configurations (either misconfigured or left unsecured), weak controls, and other poor cyber hygiene practices to gain initial access or as part of other tactics that can compromise a victim’s system. 

This advisory was coauthored by the cybersecurity authorities of the United States, and global allies Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the UK.

Check out CISA’s Advisory here (7-page PDF)

DataLink can help you safeguard what counts. Contact us today.

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Need some help with your organization's IT?... DataLink's experts will guide you to the top!

IT can be hard to navigate. When you get stuck with outdated technology, it can even slow your momentum.

DataLink can help your company maximize IT to accomplish its long-term goals.

We specialize in assessing your systems, apps, and network technologies to ensure they are being utilized efficiently. We'll peel away unnecessary layers of complexity to cut costs and simplify your technology.

Schedule time with your DataLink team to discuss ways to reduce your IT-related expenses, assist with driving strategic IT direction, improve ROI, and ensure your apps and systems are optimized. 

IT should fuel your business growth... Contact DataLink today.

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Experiencing staff turnover?... Protect Your Proprietary Information

Unauthorized access by former employees can hurt your business... 

State and Federal laws - intended to protect your electronically stored information - apply not only to hackers outside the company but to former employees.

To better protect your business, establish, maintain, and monitor employee access to databases and other company assets. Ensure that all access credentials are revoked at termination.

Further, your employment agreements should specifically identify post-employment restrictions to any company-related electronically stored information.

DataLink can help you set up best practices. Contact us today.

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