Confessions of a C3PAO: What Contractors Get Wrong About CMMC Rule 48 — and What You’ll Learn in Our Upcoming Webinar
We sat down with Insight Assurance to talk real stories from the assessment front lines ahead of our live session later this month.
There’s theory… and then there’s what actually happens when a C3PAO assessor walks through your door.
At Cyber Defense Advisors, we’re working closely with contractors preparing for CMMC Level 2 certification—and we’ve seen the fear, confusion, and frustration Rule 48 has triggered. To help bring some clarity, we’re teaming up with Insight Assurance (a certified C3PAO) for a live webinar on October 22.
Live Webinar: Straight Talk with a C3PAO: Preparing for Assessments Under Rule 48
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual
But ahead of that conversation, we asked their team: What are you seeing in the field? What do contractors still get wrong? What really separates a pass from a fail?
Their answers? Honest. Sharp. And at times, surprising.
The “We Thought We Were Ready” Trap
One of the biggest misconceptions? Thinking that good documentation equals readiness. It doesn’t.
Insight Assurance has seen plenty of companies arrive with polished SSPs and policies—only to fail the assessment. Documentation alone isn’t enough; implementation is what truly matters.
What Actually Impresses an Assessor
It’s not the tools. It’s not the budget. It’s whether people actually follow the procedures they claim to have.
The best assessments, they told us, are uneventful—because everyone already knows what they’re doing.
The AI Question
From policy templates to ticketing automation, more organizations are exploring AI for compliance. But Insight cautions: don’t expect AI to do your work for you. The bar for security maturity is still human-first.
Why This Matters Now
The pool of certified C3PAOs is still limited. Rule 48 is here. And the clock is ticking for contractors looking to win DoD contracts in 2026 and beyond.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join us:
Live Webinar: Straight Talk with a C3PAO: Preparing for Assessments Under Rule 48
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual
You’ll hear:
- What C3PAOs actually look for on day one
- Where most companies fall short
- How to think about risk, leadership, and legal exposure
- What AI means (and doesn’t mean) for assessments
- Plus, live Q&A to get your questions answered
Cyber Defense Advisors, known for helping GovCon firms navigate cyber and compliance, is hosting this event with Insight Assurance, one of the few certified C3PAOs in the space.
If you want real answers from someone who’s done the work—this is the hour to spend.
