#United States #Cybersecurity #Boston #Whistleblower Law Collaborative #CMMC Certified

Whistleblower Law Collaborative Enhances Leadership in Cybersecurity Cases

Whistleblower Law Collaborative (WLC) has recently made a significant advancement in their cybersecurity legal expertise by announcing that Kelly Shivery, an Advanced Certified Paralegal, has acquired the prestigious designation of CMMC Certified Professional (CCP). This new certification reinforces WLC's capability to handle cybersecurity-related False Claims Act (FCA) cases, particularly those affecting federal contractors.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), formulated by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), strives to establish a unified benchmark for cybersecurity practices across the defense supply chain. In an era where federal agencies are increasingly focusing on the security of sensitive information, this program mandates that contractors, regardless of size, meet particular security standards and undergo certification processes to prove compliance. Given these stringent requirements, the CMMC serves as a vital entry point for companies looking to engage in government contracting.

Securing the CCP designation required Ms. Shivery to undertake extensive CMMC training, successfully complete the Cyber AB certification exam, and obtain a Tier 3 background clearance from the DoD. This accomplishment not only underscores her proficiency in the CMMC framework but also equips her to navigate the intricate cybersecurity requirements essential for contractors managing Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

The implications of the CMMC in the realm of FCA cases cannot be overstated. With the Department of Justice (DOJ) placing heightened emphasis on cybersecurity compliance within the Defense Industrial Base, contractors negligent in meeting these obligations risk substantial legal repercussions. False certifications regarding compliance, in particular, can lead to qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits, treble damages, and hefty civil penalties.

WLC has been at the forefront of advocating for whistleblowers in this increasingly vital sector. The firm represented the whistleblower in the landmark case, United States v. MORSECORP, Inc. et al., recognized as the first FCA settlement concerning cybersecurity failures by a defense contractor. This case has set a precedent, affirming that noncompliance with cybersecurity standards can indeed lead to FCA violations, thereby reinforcing the importance of stringent security measures.

Moreover, WLC's reputation in cybersecurity litigation is further validated by the recognition of firm partner Bruce Judge as one of the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Cyber Lawyers for two consecutive years. This accolade illustrates the firm's commitment and national prominence in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity law.

In light of this enhanced expertise, WLC is actively encouraging individuals to reach out if they suspect any violations of cybersecurity compliance among government contractors, including but not limited to:

• - Failures to implement the cybersecurity protocols mandated under NIST SP 800-171.
• - Lapses in developing and executing a security plan for systems that process, store, or transmit sensitive government information.
• - Utilization of third-party cloud services that do not meet FedRamp security standards.
• - Provision of misleading or inaccurate SPRS scores regarding cybersecurity compliance.

WLC is dedicated solely to supporting whistleblowers and ensuring that those who expose wrongdoing are protected. For those who possess knowledge of potential infractions within the realm of cybersecurity compliance, WLC extends an invitation for a free, confidential consultation.

For more information or to report a violation, contact the Whistleblower Law Collaborative at 617.366.2800 or reach out to Bruce Judge directly via email at [email protected].

Source: Whistleblower Law Collaborative LLC