In CMMC, continuous monitoring stands as a pivotal component in safeguarding sensitive information. For organizations aiming to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance, a thorough understanding and implementation of ‘continuous monitoring’ and its role in Risk Management is essential. 

It is easy to conflate three closely related topics, Continuous Controls Monitoring (CCM), Information Security Continuous Monitoring (ISCM), and Risk Monitoring and Management (Risk Management Framework or RMF). 

This white paper delves into these topics, emphasizing their significance in the context of CMMC Level 2, with a particular focus on Control 3.12.3 as outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Furthermore, it integrates insights from NIST SP 800-137 to provide a comprehensive perspective on establishing and maintaining an effective continuous monitoring program.