The CMMC Customer Responsibility Matrix: a key factor in choosing your cybersecurity provider

Streamscan is the first Canadian cybersecurity provider to obtain CMMC Level 2 certification. The audit was conducted by an external auditor (C3PAO).

During a CMMC certification assessment of a cybersecurity provider, the C3PAO will validate the CMMC compliance of its IT environment and that used to support its customers, as well as its CMMC Customer Responsibility Matrix (CRM).

The validation of the CRM is important because it provides a clear picture of the scope of activities that the cybersecurity provider carries out for its customers (scope of intervention).

If the cybersecurity provider obtains its Level 2 CMMC certification, the scope of its intervention with its customers will no longer be evaluated during their CMMC audit. This offers significant advantages:

• Reduction in the scope of the CMMC audit of customers. By default, the scope of a customer's CMMC audit includes its external suppliers (IT, cybersecurity, etc.).
• Time savings during client CMMC compliance
• Reduction in CMMC compliance costs
• High level of confidence because we are relying on an already certified environment

In this article, we will present the CRM and its importance:

What is a CMMC responsibility matrix (CRM)?

The CRM is a document that clearly defines the responsibilities between the cybersecurity service provider (MSSP, SOC/MDR) and the customer for each of the CMMC controls. It answers an essential question: “Who does what?”

The CRM allows you to:

• Identify the controls managed entirely by the MSSP/SOC/MDR
• Specify those that remain the responsibility of the customer.
• Highlight shared controls that require collaboration.

This transparency is essential for proving compliance during an audit and avoiding blind spots in cybersecurity.

Why is the CRM essential when choosing an MSSP/SOC/MDR?

When a company is looking for a cybersecurity provider, several criteria come into play: technical skills, industry experience, 24/7 availability, etc. But CRM provides an additional level of confidence because it:

• Clarifies responsibilities: no gray areas, each control is assigned precisely.
• Reduces the risk of non-compliance: CMMC auditors can quickly verify the distribution of tasks.
• Facilitates budget planning: the company knows what internal efforts will be required.
• Promotes collaboration: by highlighting shared controls, CRM encourages a proactive approach.

The benefits of Streamscan's validated CRM

At Streamscan, we have made transparency and compliance the cornerstones of our MSSP/SOC/MDR approach. Our CRM, validated during our CMMC Level 2 certification audit, offers our customers:

• Proven compliance: no surprises during your own CMMC audit. Our tools, practices, and SOC/MDR service are already CMMC Level 2 compliant.
• Time savings: ready-to-use documentation makes your certification process easier.
• Clearly defined responsibility: you know exactly what your obligations are.
• Ongoing support: our teams assist with your shared controls to ensure flawless execution.
• A strategic advantage: choosing an MSSP that is already certified and auditable reduces the costs and time required to access new markets.

Conclusion

The CRM is not just a document: it is the cornerstone of effective collaboration that complies with CMMC standards. By choosing an MSSP such as Streamscan, whose CRM has already been validated, you accelerate your path to compliance and strengthen your organization's cybersecurity posture.

Ready to simplify your CMMC journey? Contact Streamscan and benefit from a turnkey MSSP solution, backed by an already approved CRM.