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Problems That Arise from Poor Implementation of CMMC Level 1 Requirements

Published

2 months ago

April 30, 2025

Everyone wants to check the boxes and move on, but when it comes to CMMC Level 1, skimming the surface leads to big trouble. Getting it wrong doesn’t just risk compliance—it leaves cracks wide open for real-world problems. When the basics aren’t done right, the fallout is often more expensive and disruptive than expected.

Chronic Security Blind Spots from Misconfigured Access Controls

Access controls seem simple—grant users the access they need, block what they don’t. But when those rules aren’t configured properly, the gaps start piling up. Poorly defined user roles, over-permissioned accounts, and outdated credentials all become doorways that go unnoticed until it’s too late. These blind spots allow unauthorized users to creep into places they shouldn’t be, often without triggering alerts.

Even under basic CMMC Level 1 requirements, access control needs careful attention. Overlooking this area leads to risks that ripple across systems. Missteps are often buried in default settings or inherited permissions from years of unmanaged growth. Without clear boundaries, teams unintentionally grant too much trust to too many users. CMMC compliance requirements push for simplicity with security, but when access controls are handled loosely, that simplicity turns into a costly oversight.

Frequent Data Leakage Due to Weak Boundary Protection

Data rarely vanishes in one big breach. More often, it leaks out slowly—one insecure endpoint or weak firewall rule at a time. Poor boundary protection is a leading cause of this kind of data loss, and for organizations just aiming to meet CMMC Level 1, it can fly under the radar. Weak email filters, improperly configured routers, or forgotten remote access points create the perfect escape routes for sensitive information.

What starts as a misconfigured system quickly becomes a full-blown data protection issue. Without clearly defined network boundaries and regular checks, it’s impossible to know what’s entering or leaving the environment. And while CMMC Level 1 requirements don’t demand complex defenses, they expect a baseline level of control. Ignoring those expectations can lead to recurring data exposure—where no one notices until clients or regulators come knocking.

Recurring Audit Failures Linked to Inadequate Documentation

Keeping records might not be exciting, but it’s one of the pillars of proving compliance. When documentation is incomplete or scattered, CMMC assessments become a frustrating game of guesswork. Audit failures often have less to do with poor controls and more to do with the lack of proof those controls exist. In the eyes of an assessor, if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.

The documentation issue stretches beyond just passing an audit. Without a solid paper trail, teams struggle to identify what was done, when, and by whom. That uncertainty makes it harder to fix problems when they arise. CMMC compliance requirements call for tracking access control policies, system updates, training activities, and more—even at Level 1. Skimping on these basics sets the stage for repeated failures every time an audit comes around.

Operational Downtime Triggered by Ineffective Incident Response

Downtime doesn’t always come from massive breaches—it often starts with minor incidents mishandled. An ineffective response to a phishing attempt, malware alert, or suspicious login can trigger cascading disruptions. When teams aren’t ready, even small threats turn into hours—or days—of downtime. For businesses in defense and manufacturing, that can delay deliverables, strain client trust, and inflate costs.

CMMC Level 1 requirements ask for an incident response plan, but implementation is where the gap shows. A policy on paper is meaningless if no one knows what to do when something actually happens. Teams without practice, playbooks, or designated roles waste precious time trying to figure it out as they go. That delay is often more damaging than the incident itself. In fast-paced industries, the ability to bounce back quickly is just as important as preventing incidents in the first place.

Persistent Insider Threats Enabled by Improper User Management

It’s not always the outside attackers you have to watch for—sometimes the threat is already inside. Poor user management creates conditions where trusted employees or former staff can misuse access. Shared logins, inactive accounts left open, and vague user permissions give insider threats an open runway to cause damage without being noticed.

CMMC Level 1 requirements emphasize control and accountability, yet many organizations rely on manual processes or outdated tools to manage users. The result is a mess of access records with little oversight. Whether intentional or accidental, insider mistakes can go undetected for weeks. A well-maintained user directory and regular access reviews are small steps that prevent big problems. Skipping those steps is like handing out keys to the building and forgetting who has them.

Escalating Remediation Costs from Neglected Vulnerability Management

One unpatched system might seem harmless until it becomes the entry point for a serious attack. When vulnerabilities go ignored, they multiply—and the cost of fixing them grows fast. Whether it’s an outdated server, unpatched software, or unsupported hardware, these weak spots invite trouble. What could have been a quick fix turns into an expensive project when it’s discovered too late.

CMMC Level 1 doesn’t require full-scale vulnerability scanning tools, but it does expect basic system hygiene. That includes updating software, removing unused accounts, and avoiding outdated platforms. Without a process in place, problems pile up quietly. Then comes the fire drill—hiring consultants, pulling teams into emergency patching, and paying for after-hours work. Following CMMC requirements from the start costs far less than catching up after something breaks.

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Echoes: Contemplations of a Mature Runner

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2025

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Michael Beisty’s Echoes: Contemplations of a Mature Runner is an insightful collection of 30 short pieces about running and what it means to the mature distance running cohort, men and women.

The book starts with an outline of a running program for mature age runners, that Beisty describes as a Soft Quality Program or SQP. A way of tailoring your running effort to your age, while maintaining an appropriate balance between volume and intensity. SQP is not a prescriptive scheduled approach but rather a training framework that supports performance advancement by providing a degree of malleability. Thereafter, Beisty dovetails into articles that explore his love and enjoyment of running, both hard and soft, and how it relates to health and aging.

Beisty draws upon forty years of practical experience as a competitive distance runner, and student of the sport, to bring together some beautifully crafted stories. It is a deeply personal account of how he navigates life and running, describing the triumphs, disappointments and practicalities of staying the distance.

The blend of fact and fiction based on a lived experience and athletic specific knowledge provides a bedrock for Echoes that is almost whimsical in some parts, yet hard edged elsewhere. This contrast in outlook provides a unique reading experience.

Echoes combines a conversational writing style with an authentic voice. It can be read in totality as a personal philosophy and reflection of a life on the run. Alternatively, it can be read piecemeal, at a person’s leisure, with a totally different reading experience each time the reader returns to the book.

It is a collection meant to inspire the reader about what can be achieved if you have commitment, discipline and the desire to get off your backside and get out there and run, despite social stereotypes of an aging body that are thrown at an older person.

Beisty clearly knows his stuff. While themes of Echoes are steeped in today’s reality, it also has a nostalgic feel, with writings that describe the champions of the past and the conditions they faced, compared with today’s high tech, turbo charged, social media driven, athletics world. A yearning for what was. Beisty laces his stories with references to past runners and famous races that have been lost in the history of time, that would only be known to aficionados of the sport.

Echoes has a distinctive Australasian feel, a reflection of Beisty’s sense of place, where he has always run and now writes. Yet, at its core is a universal appeal to anyone, anywhere, who wants to pull on a pair of running shoes for the sake of their health or to race competitively. Beisty is not afraid to laugh at himself as he relays stories of his running background, and those of others, to paint a picture of how it is for an older runner.

Some recurring themes of Echoes include the women’s lot in distance running, the importance of consistency, the joy of running in a natural environment, overcoming injury, the value of persistence and never giving up, competing hard despite your age, ditching the clock and listening to your body.

In summary, Echoes is an entertaining book of running, written by a distance runner for distance runners. There are many learnings within its pages, both for the experienced and lesser so. Whether you are a reader of mature vintage or just approaching 40 years of age it has much to offer the aspiring distance runner.

With a refreshingly different take on distance running its authenticity speaks.

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Foundation Shifts in Belleville: Causes and Repair Options

Published

1 day ago

June 19, 2025

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Foundation stability is beneficial for maintaining the structural integrity of any building. Belleville homeowners face unique challenges due to the city’s specific soil conditions and construction practices. Explore common foundation issues in Belleville, their causes, basement repair options, and solutions to restore and protect your property.

Table of Contents

Causes of Foundation Shifts in Belleville

Belleville’s soil and environmental factors significantly contribute to foundation shifts. Here are the primary contributors:

Expansive Clay Soil: Belleville’s clay-rich soil is known to expand and contract significantly in response to changes in moisture levels. During wet seasons, the soil expands, putting pressure on foundations, while in dry conditions, it contracts, leaving gaps that can cause instability and cracks over time.
Outdated Construction Methods: Many older homes in Belleville were built using construction techniques that no longer meet modern standards. These outdated methods may not account for the area’s challenging soil conditions, which can lead to settlement problems as the structures age.
Drainage Problems: Poor drainage or water pooling near foundations can worsen soil movement. Excessive moisture can weaken the soil and accelerate foundation deterioration, making shifts or uneven settling more likely if the issue isn’t addressed.

Effective Repair Methods for Foundation Shifts

Addressing foundation shifts requires customized solutions based on the cause and severity of the problem. Here are some of the most effective repair methods:

Foundation Piering: Stabilizes and elevates sinking foundations by installing steel piers beneath the structure, especially effective for issues caused by expansive clay soil.
Crack Repair and Waterproofing: Seals foundation cracks to improve structural stability and includes waterproof coatings to protect against water intrusion.
Crawl Space Encapsulation: Adds a moisture barrier in crawl spaces to regulate humidity, prevent mold growth, and protect the foundation from moisture damage.
Drainage Solutions: Directs water away from the foundation using systems like French drains or downspout extensions to prevent soil expansion and reduce hydrostatic pressure.
Concrete Leveling: Utilizes methods such as polyurethane foam injection to lift and stabilize uneven surfaces, restoring both safety and structural integrity.

Whether you’re dealing with foundation shifts or basement repair challenges, these solutions help provide long-term protection for your home.

Preventive Measures to Try

Timely repairs are helpful for foundation issues, but prevention is key to long-term stability. Regular foundation inspections can catch problems early, avoiding costly repairs. Proper grading around your property directs water away from the foundation, preventing soil weakening and instability. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear is also helpful to avoid water overflow that can damage the foundation. By staying proactive with these steps, you can prevent costly repairs and contribute to the long-term stability of your foundation.

Secure Your Home with Basement Repair Solutions

Foundation shifts are a common concern in Belleville due to expansive soils and outdated construction methods. By understanding the causes and selecting the appropriate repair approach, homeowners can address foundation and basement repair needs to protect their investments in the long term. For professional solutions tailored to your unique foundation and basement challenges, trust experienced experts to get the job done right. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a stable foundation and a safer home.

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What To Know About Spine Surgery for Degenerative Disc Disease

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2025

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Spine surgery is a topic that may bring up questions and concerns, especially for those dealing with degenerative disc disease (DDD). While the idea of surgery might be a challenge, understanding the condition and the available treatment options can help you be more informed and prepared. Here’s what to know about surgical options:

Table of Contents

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a condition where the discs between vertebrae in your spine lose their flexibility and cushioning over time. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to move comfortably. Due to factors such as aging, genetics, or injury, the discs may deteriorate, leading to pain and discomfort.

Symptoms of DDD may include chronic low back or neck pain, stiffness, and pain that spreads to the arms or legs. For some, these symptoms are mild, while others experience significant discomfort that affects their ability to perform daily activities. Your doctor may use physical exams, imaging tools like MRI or X-rays, and your medical history to diagnose the condition.

Surgical Options Available

When non-surgical treatments are not effective at managing symptoms, spine surgery may be the next step. Two typical surgical options for DDD are spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement.

Spinal Fusion Treatment

Spinal fusion is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined to stop movement in that segment of the spine. This helps reduce pain by preventing the affected segment from moving and irritating nearby nerves. Over time, the vertebrae heal together into one solid bone.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement, on the other hand, is a newer approach that aims to maintain spinal motion and mobility. During this procedure, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one made of metal or other materials. This allows for continued movement in the spine, preserving its natural function. The main benefit of this procedure is that it helps retain flexibility and range of motion.

Benefits and Risks

Both spine surgeries aim to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. They might also help you return to activities you enjoy or couldn’t do because of the pain. That said, like any medical procedure, surgery comes with its own set of risks. Infection, nerve damage, or improper healing are possibilities, though surgeons take steps to minimize these risks. It’s always helpful to discuss the best option for your condition with your healthcare provider.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from spine surgery is a process that requires time and effort. After the procedure, you’ll likely work with a physical therapist to regain strength and improve mobility. Rehabilitation exercises focus on gradually increasing your range of motion, correcting your posture, and improving core strength to support your spine.

Proper rest and following your doctor’s recommendations are essential to successful recovery. Most people return to light activities within a few weeks, while more strenuous tasks may take longer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise, plays a role in long-term spine health after surgery.

Find a Clinic to Explore Spine Surgery

Degenerative disc disease affects many people, but there are effective solutions when symptoms become unmanageable. Spine surgery offers options to help restore function and reduce pain, letting you get back to the life you deserve. If you’re exploring treatment paths, speak openly with your healthcare team about your symptoms and concerns. Schedule an appointment with a surgeon specializing in neurosurgery.