Stress Aerospace & Defense Achieves Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2

Achieving this U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) certification enhances national security by safeguarding critical government data and reinforcing cybersecurity standards in the defense sector.

HOUSTON, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stress Aerospace and Defense (StressAD), a subsidiary of Stress Engineering Services, Inc. (SES), proudly announces its achievement of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Advanced). This certification underscores StressAD's commitment to securing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards within the aerospace, defense, and government sectors.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated and persistent, ensuring the security of sensitive government data is essential to national defense and the integrity of the defense supply chain. StressAD embarked on this rigorous certification process nearly two years ago, recognizing the need to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements outlined in the Department of Defense's (DoD) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7021. Achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance ensures that StressAD can handle International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-regulated and other export-controlled information, further strengthening its role as a trusted defense partner.

Rigorous Compliance and Preparation

CMMC Level 2 certifications are awarded to organizations that address 110 security controls mapped to 320 assessment objectives based on the NIST SP 800-171 framework. StressAD's journey began with a preliminary self-assessment that identified key security gaps. Then, in collaboration with a third-party consultant, the governance committee established a robust System Security Plan (SSP) encompassing over 1,000 pages of documentation, policies, and security controls. 

Unlocking New Opportunities

The final CMMC audit, originally scheduled for multiple days, was successfully completed in a shorter timeframe, which reflects exceptional preparation by the StressAD team. "Going through the CMMC process was rigorous and required a high level of teamwork from many different departments," said Matt Sanders, Program Director, StressAD. "I was proud to work alongside my colleagues to achieve CMMC Level 2 and contribute to protecting and defending our nation."

This certification ensures adherence to evolving federal cybersecurity mandates, ultimately benefitting the entire defense industry, and at the time StressAD passed its audit, fewer than 100 companies had achieved the same.

"Passing our CMMC audit with top marks just 20 days after the new rules took effect puts us well ahead in the industry," said Bennie Lunsford, Information Security Director and Director of Information Technology, StressAD. "This certification is not a one-time achievement; it's an ongoing commitment to our clients' and our nation's data and assets. We have established a governance committee that will meet quarterly to ensure continuous compliance and improvements to our security framework."

StressAD will maintain an ongoing cybersecurity governance program, conducting regular audits, risk assessments, and employee training to ensure continued adherence to CMMC requirements.

For more information about StressAD, visit https://www.stress-ad.com/ .

About Stress Aerospace and Defense

Stress Aerospace and Defense (StressAD) is a subsidiary of Stress Engineering Services, Inc. specializing in engineering solutions for the aerospace, defense, and government sectors. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and security, StressAD delivers advanced engineering design, testing, and analysis to ensure mission-critical success. StressAD operates with a commitment to national security, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge technological advancements.

SOURCE Stress Engineering Services, Inc. (SES)