Let's be real for a second. If you're a defense contractor trying to wrap your head around network compliance, you've probably felt like you need a PhD in IT just to understand what's being asked of you. Firewalls, SIEM monitoring, endpoint detection, network segmentation, host configuration, the list goes on and on. And that's before we even talk about actually doing the work.

Here's the thing: you got into the defense supply business to build things, manufacture components, or provide services to our nation's warfighters. You didn't sign up to become a full-time IT security administrator. Yet that's exactly what CMMC compliance can feel like without the right approach.

That's where Planet Security's Security Reference Architecture comes in, and why CPE Level 2 is fundamentally changing how defense suppliers tackle network compliance.

The Network Compliance Nightmare (We've All Been There)

Picture this: You just landed a DoD contract. Congratulations! But wait, now you need to prove you can protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Suddenly, you're knee-deep in NIST SP 800-171 controls, trying to figure out how to:

  • Segment your network to isolate CUI from everything else
  • Configure every single host to meet 110+ security requirements
  • Deploy and manage a SIEM to monitor security events 24/7
  • Implement proper access controls across your entire infrastructure
  • Maintain audit logs that actually make sense during an assessment
  • Keep everything patched and updated without breaking your operations

And here's the kicker, you have to do all of this while still running your actual business.

Most small and medium defense suppliers don't have dedicated IT security teams. They've got maybe one IT person (if they're lucky) who's already stretched thin keeping the lights on. Asking them to suddenly become a CMMC compliance expert is like asking your accountant to perform surgery. Sure, they're smart people, but it's not exactly their wheelhouse.

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What Is a Security Reference Architecture, Anyway?

Here's where things get interesting. A Security Reference Architecture is essentially a pre-built blueprint for how a secure network should be designed, configured, and operated. Think of it like building a house: you could design every single element from scratch, or you could start with proven architectural plans that you know will work.

A good Security Reference Architecture includes:

  • Network topology and segmentation designs
  • Firewall rules and configurations
  • Host hardening standards
  • Monitoring and logging requirements
  • Access control frameworks
  • Incident response procedures

The problem? Most Security Reference Architectures are just documents. They tell you what to do, but you still have to do all the work yourself. It's like getting a recipe for a five-course meal but still having to source all the ingredients, buy all the equipment, and learn every cooking technique from scratch.

That's not how we do things at Planet Security.

The CPE Level 2 Difference: Architecture That's Actually Built

When we say CPE Level 2 includes a Security Reference Architecture, we're not handing you a stack of documents and wishing you luck. We're giving you a fully implemented, pre-configured, ready-to-go secure environment.

Our CPE Level 2 solution comes with over 900 CPE-specific cybersecurity hardening steps already completed. That's not a typo. Nine. Hundred. Steps.

Every single element of the Security Reference Architecture is built into the enclave from day one:

Network Segmentation – Your CUI environment is completely isolated from your regular business network. No guesswork, no complex VLAN configurations to figure out. It's done.

Host Configuration – Every workstation, every server, every device in the enclave is hardened according to NIST standards. We're talking about registry settings, group policies, service configurations: all of it locked down tight.

Firewall Management – Our Security Reference Architecture-enabled firewalls come pre-configured with the exact rules needed for CMMC compliance. No more staring at firewall logs wondering if you've got it right.

SIEM Monitoring – Security Information and Event Management isn't just deployed: it's actively monitored. Real threats get flagged, investigated, and handled. You don't need to become a log analysis expert.

Access Controls – Role-based access, multi-factor authentication, principle of least privilege: all implemented and enforced automatically.

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Stop Playing IT Whack-a-Mole

Here's what most defense contractors experience without a solution like CPE Level 2:

Monday: Discover a new vulnerability that needs patching
Tuesday: Research the patch, test it, deploy it
Wednesday: Realize the patch broke something else
Thursday: Fix what the patch broke
Friday: Find out there's another vulnerability

Rinse and repeat. Forever.

This is IT whack-a-mole, and it's exhausting. You're constantly reacting, never getting ahead, and always one bad day away from a compliance failure.

With our Security Reference Architecture approach, we handle all of that. Our managed services team monitors your enclave, deploys patches, responds to threats, and keeps everything compliant. You get to focus on what you actually do: running your business and fulfilling those DoD contracts.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let's talk specifics because vague promises don't cut it in this industry:

  • 4 weeks – That's how fast you can be audit-ready with CPE Level 2
  • 110 SPRS Score – Verified and documented, ready for your C3PAO assessment
  • 100% coverage of CMMC 2.0 Level 2 technical requirements
  • $1,299/month – Starting price for up to 20 users, no massive upfront costs
  • 24/7 monitoring – Because cyber threats don't take weekends off

There simply is not a more comprehensive offering in the market for small and medium defense suppliers.

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What's Actually Included?

Because we believe in transparency, here's what you get with CPE Level 2:

Hardware & Infrastructure

  • Pre-configured enclave hardware
  • Security Reference Architecture-enabled firewalls
  • Network segmentation equipment

Software & Security

  • FIPS-validated encryption
  • Endpoint detection and response
  • SIEM deployment and monitoring
  • Backup and disaster recovery

Managed Services

  • MSP/MSSP operations
  • Security patching and updates
  • vCISO support
  • Continuous compliance monitoring

Documentation & Support

  • Complete System Security Plan (SSP)
  • Policies and procedures
  • Audit support and preparation
  • Personnel security training through our Training Academy

All of this. One monthly price. No surprises.

The Bottom Line: Get Back to Work

Look, we get it. You didn't start your company to become a cybersecurity expert. You started it because you're great at what you do: whether that's precision manufacturing, engineering services, or supplying critical components to our military.

The Security Reference Architecture built into CPE Level 2 exists for one reason: to get you back to doing what you do best.

No more fighting with firewalls. No more midnight panic attacks about whether your SIEM is configured correctly. No more wondering if you'll pass your assessment.

We've done the hard work. We've built the architecture. We've implemented the controls. We've got your back.

Ready to stop playing IT whack-a-mole and start focusing on your actual business? Let's talk.

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