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2026 Guide to the Best CMMC-Compliant Cloud Security Vendors

by Danielle Barbour updated January 29, 2026 CMMC Compliance

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Defense contractors and regulated teams face a deadline-driven mandate: by November 10, 2026, third-party C3PAO certification becomes a contract eligibility requirement for new CUI work, which raises the bar for selecting compliant cloud security software.

In this guide we’ll show you how to evaluate the best CMMC-aligned vendors and assemble a practical, auditable security stack that meets Level 2/3 expectations. It covers core features to look for, where each vendor excels, pricing and TCO considerations, and a stepwise approach to sustained compliance operations.

Table of Contents

Kiteworks’ Private Data Network, Microsoft 365 GCC High, PreVeil, FileCloud, Virtru, Sharetru, Vanta, Drata, DropSecure, and Sprinto feature prominently due to their coverage of secure data exchange, encryption, access control, audit evidence automation, and continuous monitoring aligned with NIST 800-171 controls and CMMC 2.0 requirements.

CMMC 2.0 Compliance Roadmap for DoD Contractors

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Executive Summary

Main idea: This guide helps defense contractors select and integrate a CMMC-ready cloud security stack, highlighting vendors that safeguard CUI, automate evidence, and sustain continuous compliance aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.

Why you should care: As of November 10, 2026, third-party certification becomes mandatory for new CUI contracts. The right vendor mix accelerates readiness, lowers audit risk and costs, and ensures your organization remains eligible for Defense opportunities.

Key Takeaways

CMMC maps to NIST 800-171. Level 2 requires all 110 controls across access control, encryption, logging, configuration, incident response, and monitoring—demanding auditable, cloud-ready safeguards.
No single tool covers everything. Combine governed data exchange (Kiteworks), secure email/file platforms (PreVeil, Virtru, FileCloud, Sharetru), and compliance automation (Vanta, Drata, Sprinto) to meet controls and evidence needs.
Evidence is your audit currency. Prioritize immutable logs, centralized reporting, and SIEM integrations to produce control-aligned evidence on demand and sustain compliance year-round.
Deployment model matters. GCC High and FedRAMP Authorized virtual private clouds help isolate CUI, align baselines, and accelerate authorizations and assessments.
Budget for the full program. Expect tools, implementation, evidence automation, and the assessment itself—typically totaling $5,000–$300,000+, depending on size, scope, and maturity.

Understanding CMMC and Its Compliance Requirements

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is the Department of Defense’s framework for safeguarding the Defense Industrial Base by enforcing cybersecurity maturity across contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information—federal data that requires protection under law, regulation, or government-wide policy. In 2026, mandatory third-party certification (C3PAO) applies to new CUI contracts, and compliant cloud software is effectively a prerequisite for eligibility as of November 10, 2026, per DoD’s rulemaking timeline summarized in Kiteworks’ CMMC 2026 guidance.

CMMC 2.0 maps to NIST SP 800-171 for CUI security. Level 2 requires full implementation of all 110 controls spanning access control, asset management, audit/logging, encryption, incident response, and monitoring. FedRAMP Moderate—the federal baseline for security authorization of cloud services—often serves as a benchmark for cloud environments hosting CUI due to its alignment with required safeguards and continuous monitoring expectations.

For helpful primers, see Kiteworks’ explanation of the CMMC rule and what CUI means in defense contracting contexts.

Key Features of CMMC-Compliant Cloud Security Software

Security leaders should prioritize capabilities that make controls effective and auditable in the cloud:

Centralized access controls with least-privilege policies and MFA
end-to-end encryption and strong key management
Tamper-evident logging with immutable audit trails
Zero-trust access enforcement across devices and users
Automated evidence collection, reporting, and integrations

Zero-trust means no implicit trust is granted; every access attempt is continuously verified based on identity, device, context, and risk. Immutable audit trails are logs that are cryptographically sealed so activities cannot be altered without detection, enabling defensible evidence.

The following mapping reflects NIST 800-171/CMMC Level 2 focus areas and the features that materially support them, consistent with the requirements and toolchain guidance summarized in Kiteworks’ CMMC 2026 software selection resource:

Compliance area	CMMC/NIST intent (snippet)	Must-have software features	Evidence produced
Access control	Enforce least-privilege, MFA	SSO/MFA, role-based policies, conditional access, session controls	Access policies, user/role matrices, MFA logs
Identification & authentication	Validate identities and devices	Identity provider integration, device posture checks, certificate-based auth	Auth logs, device trust attestations
Audit & accountability	Record, protect, and review logs	Immutable logging, centralized SIEM export, retention & chain-of-custody	Tamper-evident logs, audit reports
Configuration management	Baseline, harden, and track drift	Policy as code, configuration baselines, change tracking	Config snapshots, change histories
Incident response & monitoring	Detect, respond, and learn	EDR/XDR, alerting, playbooks, forensics	Alerts, IR tickets, post-incident reports
Risk assessment	Identify and remediate vulnerabilities	Continuous scanning, risk-based prioritization, remediation workflows	Scan results, risk scores, remediation SLAs
Encryption & key management	Protect CUI in transit/at rest	FIPS 140-3-validated crypto, E2E encryption, KMS/HSM integration	Crypto configs, key inventories, KMS logs
Data protection	Govern data access and sharing	DLP/classification, secure sharing/MFT, watermarking	DLP events, file access trails, sharing policies

No single platform covers everything; most organizations assemble a multi-vendor stack to meet all domains, controls, and operational needs. Auditable toolchains and centralized logging are especially important so teams can produce evidence on demand and sustain compliance operations year-round, as emphasized in Kiteworks’ overview of CMMC-aligned security vendors.

Kiteworks: a Unified Private Data Network for Secure CUI Management

Kiteworks provides a unified Private Data Network that brings secure file sharing, managed file transfer, secure email, and governed API integrations together under one control plane for CUI workflows. By centralizing end-to-end encrypted data exchange and applying zero-trust access enforcement, organizations get consistent security, policy control, and visibility across users, partners, and endpoints.

The platform’s immutable audit trails show who accessed which CUI, when, from where, and under what policy, streamlining evidence production for Level 2/3 assessments and continuous monitoring. For regulated sectors, Kiteworks reduces tool sprawl, integrates with existing identity and SIEM systems, and automates reporting that maps directly to control requirements.

Learn more about the unified Private Data Network approach in Kiteworks’ CMMC-aligned vendor guidance and consult the CMMC compliance feature checklist to align platform capabilities to your SSP and POA&M.

Microsoft 365 GCC High: Integrated Cloud Security for Defense Contractors

For many defense contractors, Microsoft 365 GCC High provides a compliant landing zone with integrated identity, data protection, device management, and threat defense.

Key components include Purview for information protection and data governance, Entra ID for identity and conditional access, Intune for device and app management, and Defender for endpoint and cloud threat protection.

GCC High meets FedRAMP Moderate standards and is widely regarded as the industry standard for DFARS/CMMC cloud migrations due to its boundary controls, logging, and broad partner ecosystem. Typical adopters are mid-sized to large contractors that need tenant isolation, CUI boundary segmentation, and robust audit capabilities—often integrating third-party tools for evidence automation, advanced EDR, or specialized DLP.

PreVeil: End-to-End Encrypted Email and Drive for CUI

PreVeil delivers end-to-end encrypted email and file storage/sharing with a usability layer that fits Outlook, Gmail, and desktop workflows. Its zero-knowledge architecture, granular access controls, and detailed logging support NIST 800-171 requirements for encryption, access control, and auditability within CUI enclaves.

PreVeil’s admin features and integrations help generate defensible evidence while enabling secure partner collaboration.

FileCloud: Content Collaboration with Governance and DLP

FileCloud provides secure content collaboration and EFSS with on-premises, private cloud, and government-focused deployment options.

Built-in DLP, classification, retention, and watermarking help enforce least-privilege sharing and prevent data leakage. FIPS-aligned crypto options, comprehensive audit logs, and identity integrations (e.g., AD/Entra ID) streamline evidence generation and policy enforcement for CMMC-focused file governance.

Virtru: Client-Side Encryption and Policy Control for Email and Files

Virtru protects email and files via client-side encryption based on the Trusted Data Format (TDF), with policy controls such as expiration, forwarding restrictions, and revocation.

Integrations across Google Workspace and Microsoft ecosystems preserve user workflows while providing auditable access trails and event logs. Organizations use Virtru to enforce need-to-know access and produce control-aligned evidence.

Sharetru: Secure Managed File Transfer for Regulated Collaboration

Sharetru (formerly FTP Today) offers secure, policy-driven managed file transfer for exchanging sensitive data with external parties. Granular user/group permissions, IP restrictions, MFA, and detailed auditing support zero-trust boundaries for CUI sharing.

Role-based controls, logging, and retention policies provide the artifacts auditors expect while simplifying partner onboarding and segmentation.

Vanta: Continuous Compliance Automation and Evidence Management

Vanta automates asset discovery, control monitoring, and evidence collection, mapping policies and tests to frameworks including NIST SP 800-171/CMMC.

Prebuilt integrations unify telemetry from identity, cloud, endpoint, and ticketing systems to streamline SSP/POA&M updates and auditor-ready reporting.

Vanta helps teams operationalize continuous monitoring and remediate gaps with risk-based prioritization and workflows.

Drata, DropSecure, and Sprinto: Evidence Automation and Zero-Knowledge File Exchange

Drata and Sprinto provide compliance automation platforms that centralize evidence, automate control testing, and maintain auditor-facing dashboards aligned to NIST SP 800-171/CMMC.

DropSecure complements these by enabling zero-knowledge, end-to-end encrypted file exchange with granular access controls and detailed access logs—ideal for secure external CUI transfers and defensible, tamper-evident audit trails.

Comparing Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership

Budgeting for CMMC involves licenses, implementation, evidence automation, and the assessment itself. Real-world ranges reported for 2026 include:

Tool category	Typical annual range (USD)
EDR/XDR	$20–$85 per endpoint
SIEM/log analytics	$15k–$250k+ (volume- and feature-dependent)
MFA/SSO/IAM	$3–$9 per user
Vulnerability scanning	$5k–$100k+ (asset- and scope-dependent)
Backup/immutability	$10k–$150k+

Many organizations spend $5,000–$300,000+ on security tools and services depending on size, scope, and maturity, according to a 2026 cost analysis by CIS Point.

Third-party C3PAO assessments commonly run $40k–$80k, and early DoD estimates often understate total program costs when remediation and operations are included, as CyberSheath notes in its 2026 roadmap guidance.

Best Practices for Building a Multi-Vendor CMMC Compliance Stack

CMMC is a continuous program, not a project. Prioritize tools that produce auditable evidence—your SSP, POA&M, immutable logs, and reports—and combine identity, EDR/XDR, CNAPP, and SIEM to cover all relevant domains. A practical framework:

Scope CUI and define the system boundary.
Migrate or validate workloads in compliant clouds (e.g., GCC High) with strong access segmentation.
Implement identity controls, MFA, and least-privilege policies across users and partners.
Deploy EDR/XDR, vulnerability management, and CNAPP for continuous monitoring.
Centralize logs and automate evidence collection/reporting tied to control IDs.
Engage a reputable RPO for readiness, remediation, and pre-assessment validation.
Operate, measure, and improve continuously to avoid point-in-time drift.

For deeper operational guidance, see Kiteworks’ strategies for CMMC data pipelines and its guide to sustaining CMMC compliance across data workflows.

Choosing the Right Vendor Mix for Comprehensive CMMC Readiness

No single platform covers all CMMC needs; the winning strategy is a curated mix with proven integrations, clear coverage of the 110 controls, and automation for evidence and monitoring. Selection criteria should include FedRAMP authorization or equivalent for cloud services, auditable evidence generation, ease of integration, sector references, and partnerships with RPOs and integrators for deployment and sustainment.

Kiteworks’ Private Data Network can serve as the governed foundation for unified, end-to-end encrypted CUI exchange, simplifying evidence while other best-of-breed tools provide endpoint, posture, and runtime depth. Explore how Kiteworks secures cloud data paths for CMMC-aligned operations.

Kiteworks Private Data Network: Demonstrate CMMC Compliance in Private, Hybrid, or FedRAMP Authorized VPCs

Kiteworks’ Private Data Network centralizes secure file sharing, managed file transfer, secure email, and governed API integrations under one control plane. Organizations can deploy in private cloud, hybrid cloud, or a FedRAMP Authorized virtual private cloud, aligning with federal baselines while isolating CUI and enforcing zero-trust access across users, devices, and partners.

With FIPS-validated cryptography, least-privilege policies, policy-based governance, and immutable, tamper-evident audit logs, Kiteworks produces defensible evidence mapped to NIST SP 800-171/CMMC control IDs. Hybrid deployment options support data residency and segmentation requirements, while SIEM and IdP integrations provide end-to-end visibility. Built-in reporting streamlines SSP/POA&M updates and accelerates assessments and continuous monitoring.

To learn more about Kiteworks for CMMC compliance, schedule a custom demo today.

Frequently Asked Questions

CMMC Level 2 requires capabilities that enforce least-privilege access, multi-factor authentication, strong encryption at rest and in transit, tamper-evident logging, and continuous monitoring. Equally important is evidence automation—centralized reporting and integrations with SIEM and compliance platforms (e.g., Vanta, Drata, Sprinto) to map controls to artifacts and sustain year-round audit readiness.

Leading vendors provide centralized logging, immutable audit trails, and automated reports tied to control IDs. Platforms like Kiteworks generate granular, tamper-evident activity evidence, while compliance automation solutions (Vanta, Drata, Sprinto) collect data from identity, cloud, and endpoint sources to produce auditor-ready dashboards, streamline SSP and POA&M updates, and track remediation.

Budgets typically range from $5,000 to $300,000+ depending on organization size, scope, and maturity. Costs include licenses (e.g., secure file/email exchange, compliance automation), implementation and integrations, evidence automation, and the C3PAO assessment. Plan for ongoing operations—continuous monitoring, remediation, and reporting—rather than a one-time compliance event.

Third-party certification is required for all new Defense contracts involving CUI as of November 10, 2026. This deadline elevates tooling and operational readiness from optional to essential. Organizations should finalize scope, select compliant platforms, implement controls, and conduct readiness assessments well in advance to avoid eligibility delays.

Integrate identity and access control, secure data exchange (e.g., Kiteworks, PreVeil, Virtru, FileCloud, Sharetru), and compliance automation (Vanta, Drata, Sprinto) with centralized logging and ticketing. Map each integration to NIST SP 800-171 controls, automate evidence collection, and maintain SSP and POA&M updates to sustain continuous monitoring and audit preparedness across the CUI boundary.

Additional Resources