New Jersey Manufacturers on the Front Lines of Defense Technology

Let Freedom Ring 

Americans don’t always see eye-to-eye on political or social issues. There will always be heated discussions about what policies are best for our country. But people of all parties can agree on one thing: there is an ever-present, ongoing need to keep our citizens and our democracy safe from aggression.  

New Jersey manufacturers are doing their part. While our state is home to prominent defense technology companies like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, it’s also a haven for a variety of smaller local manufacturers who supply many of the parts and materials that are vital to aerospace and other sub-sectors. Our defense relies on companies that are part of NJMEP’s MADE in New Jersey program. 

Now America faces a new threat, not from bullets or bombs. The recent cyberattacks on petroleum facilities, transportation networks, and other vital components of infrastructure make it clear that some of America’s most vital assets are among its most vulnerable. Defense manufacturers of all sizes are at high risk. These businesses encompass a complex supply chain that can potentially be compromised at any point along its length. Cyber criminals can exploit a single weakness to cripple an entire network, and will often target smaller suppliers who lack a robust cybersecurity presence. Recognizing the urgency of this new threat, the United States Department of Defense (DoD), created stringent new cybersecurity compliance regulations for defense contractors, which are mandatory for any company under DoD contract. 

NJMEP Cyberlink Helping to Protect the Companies That Protect America 

Working with the DoD, NIST MEP developed the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a comprehensive set of protocols and procedures created to address a myriad of online threats and establish a baseline requirement of cybersecurity preparedness. Through our Cyberlink program, NIST leveraged the model to provide cyber safety certification for the Army and intelligence communities and develop a scalable solution specifically for small to mid-size companies. CMMC will provide New Jersey defense manufacturers with a robust set of tools and methodologies to recognize and prevent cyber attacks. NJMEP is here to guide New Jersey businesses through every step in the certification process. 

Learn how NJMEP can help your company become cyber-secure and compliant by clicking here.