Simplifying Comply-to-Connect for DoD Stakeholders Solution Overview Empower Secure Operations with Comply-to-Connect (C2C)
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The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has set a high bar for its components and stakeholders to securely access DoD information and systems, with evolving policy mandates that broadly impact government and business partnerships. Comply-to-Connect (C2C) is the automated approach the DoD uses to control what devices are allowed to authenticate and connect to the DoD Information Network (DoDIN). C2C requires that devices are automatically fixed if they are found out of compliance, and that specific reporting and visibility into the whole process is provided. DoD’s evolving, complex, and multi-phased mandate requires an essential set of integrated capabilities to secure these mission-critical environments.
C2C capabilities also form a foundational stepping stone to Zero Trust—another much broader phased security mandate the DoD is navigating. There are similar security requirements across U.S. Federal civilian and intelligence agencies.
The Cisco C2C bundle
The Cisco® approach simplifies C2C for the DoD and supporting organizations through an integrated, flexible, and efficient bundle to meet these milestones and achieve Full Operating Capability (FOC) across the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) and Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet).
The Cisco C2C bundle combines the best-in-class Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE); Splunk’s industry-leading platform, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR); and Cisco Customer Experience (CX) integration and deployment services. The C2C Reporting Application supports up to C2C Step 3 with a fixed-format ISE-based reporting application, essential C2C integrations, and limited orchestration capability. The C2C Reporting Application Advantage supports all C2C steps (FOC) by adding comprehensive and customizable C2C reporting dashboards, advanced C2C integrations, and advanced orchestration capability. The C2C bundle also flexibly supports DoD organizations with existing ISE or Splunk deployments.
The Cisco C2C bundle accelerates Full Operating Capability (FOC)
The Cisco Comply-to Connect bundle provides your organization with a comprehensive set of capabilities:
● Proactively identify and inventory all C2C endpoint categories: mobile phones, laptops, servers, printers, network infrastructure, IoT devices, weapons systems, and everything in between; with visibility wherever the endpoint is: wired, wireless, in the cloud, or even temporarily offline.
● Authenticate endpoints against a wide variety of Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) systems and policies, and leverage multiple endpoint attributes to authenticate more complex endpoints including IoT devices and mission-control systems.
● Take a massive amount of insight and context from mobile and endpoint device management systems, Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), Host-Based Security System/Enterprise Security System (HBSS/ESS), and many others to make the most informed posture assessment.
● If an endpoint is found out of compliance, the system will isolate it and attempt to remediate the issue automatically.
● Automatically open a trouble ticket with Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) if the system determines manual intervention is required.
● Since networks are dynamic environments, and the threat landscape is constantly shifting, any indication of breach or compromise can trigger an automatic reassessment of the endpoint, potentially limiting the impact of a security incident.
● Support a variety of network access device vendors, leveraging existing investments.
● Consolidate every piece of endpoint profile data drawn from each integrated platform into a comprehensive, C2C-compliant endpoint inventory report and security posture visibility dashboard, also allowing for Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance Management (GRC) integration when your organization is ready.
One of the C2C Application Reporting Advantage dashboards in the Cisco C2C bundle
The DoD C2C mandate describes specific milestones and use cases that all DoD components must achieve to be considered compliant. The current target is FOC by June 2026.
“Cisco’s approach simplifies C2C for your organization to meet this complex, multi-phased security mandate.”
“Cisco’s integrated, flexible, and efficient C2C bundle helps your organization achieve Full Operating Capability (FOC) across SIPRNet NIPRNet.”
Leverage Cisco CX and trainings for C2C guidance
A critical part of how Cisco simplifies C2C is through our CX organization. These professional services resources are experts in C2C and its associated technologies and have worked across the DoD supporting C2C deployments and integrations. Cisco has also created comprehensive C2C training to ensure that you are prepared to operate these environments. Cisco CX and our trusted partners have some compelling C2C Day Two support options as well if your organization wants additional guidance and expertise.
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Cisco offers the most efficient and comprehensive solution to help DoD stakeholders navigate the complexities of the C2C mandate. Our cost-effective, integrated bundle simplifies C2C requirements while leveraging your existing investments, making it a natural extension of your current setup. With customizable, end-to-end reporting and dashboards, you’ll gain clear visibility into your C2C progress. Whether starting from scratch or enhancing existing solutions, Cisco ensures you achieve FOC compliance as seamlessly and efficiently as possible.
Secure your mission-critical operations today.
Contact your Cisco account team to learn more about how Cisco’s C2C bundle can help simplify your C2C and Zero Trust journey. Additionally, visit cisco.com/go/c2c to explore C2C training options, available both on-demand and live.