Welcome to the CMMC Proof Podcast, strategically commanded by Derrich Phillips, a battle-hardened cybersecurity veteran, Certified CMMC Assessor, and Provisional Instructor. Our mission: to navigate the complex battleground of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), with a tactical focus on the unique challenges and breakthrough strategies within the academies of higher education. Each episode is a strategic operation, featuring elite conversations with the foremost commanders in cybersecurity – CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs from prestigious research universities. We strategize on crucial topics, including: - Maneuvering through the intricate terrains of CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance in the academic sector. - Decoding encrypted messages of best practices and lessons from the cybersecurity trenches in higher education. - Outflanking cyber threats to protect sensitive research data and intellectual property. - Deploying AI and cutting-edge tech for fortified cybersecurity defenses. At the CMMC Proof Podcast, our goal is to transform compliance from a battlefield into a training ground for cybersecurity excellence in academia. We equip university leaders and IT warriors with the intelligence and arsenal needed to turn cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for victory and innovation. Join us in the CMMC Proof Podcast for mission-critical insights and actionable intelligence that prepare you for a future where cybersecurity is the stronghold of academic and research success. Salute to a future where cybersecurity compliance is your university's shield and spear in the digital age.
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37 recent
June 6, 202651 min
How to Launch a CMMC Career From Scratch (My 5-Step Blueprint)
Are you trying to figure out how to launch a cybersecurity career from scratch without wasting months on the wrong certifications or waiting for someone to hire you? In this live, front-line session, Derrich Phillips (Founder & President of Aspire Cyber) pulls back the curtain on the exact 5-step career blueprint he would use if he had to restart his CMMC journey from day one. With the Department of War (DOW) estimating that 80,000 to 200,000 defense contractors will legally require CMMC compliance, the demand for certified professionals is in an absolute bottleneck. Right now, there are less than 3,000 CMMC Certified Professionals (CCPs) and CMMC Certified Assessors (CCAs) worldwide available to service over 200,000 companies! If you are a career-changer, veteran, or student looking for high-demand, remote, six-figure roles—this 5-step masterclass is your ultimate cheat code. Aspire Cyber is a CMMC Approved Training Provider (ATP). Schedule your free consultation today- https://calendly.com/mjordan-aspirecyber/15min?month=2026-06
May 26, 202624 min
From 18-Year-Old IT Intern to Compliance Analyst at 21: Here is the Playbook
How do you leap from a low-level IT internship at 18 to landing a specialized compliance role at a leading CMMC Managed Service Provider (MSP) by age 21? This is the exact playbook. Welcome back to the CMMC Proof Podcast! In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on Camden's extraordinary career trajectory. At just 21 years old, he is completely shattering the misconception that you need decades of corporate experience or a massive stack of degrees to dominate the Department of War's cybersecurity compliance ecosystem. Camden's journey started at age 18 when he secured an entry-level IT internship at a defense manufacture. Instead of treating it as a temporary job, he squeezed every bit of value out of it, identified massive corporate compliance gaps under NIST SP 800-171, and proactively stepped up to solve them. By age 21, Camden aced the rigorous Certified CMMC Professional (CCP) exam and successfully parlayed a single networking opportunity into a massive promotion—landing a highly coveted role as a Compliance Analyst at one of the top specialized MSPs in the industry. Whether you are an IT intern feeling trapped in basic desktop support, a tech student trying to stand out, or a young professional looking for a high-value cybersecurity niche, this episode gives you the step-by-step roadmap to fast-track your career. Ready to accelerate your CMMC career, schedule a free consultation today- https://training.aspirecyber.com/booking-7622
May 20, 202634 min
Defense Contractors: Before You Buy Microsoft GCC High, Listen to This
Are you about to spend six figures on a massive, painful Microsoft GCC High migration just to check the CMMC box? Stop and watch this live CMMC Space demo first. For small and mid-sized defense contractors, the standard advice has always been the same: migrate your entire corporate IT footprint to a bespoke Microsoft GCC High environment. With the Department of War (DoW) requiring CMMC Level 2 certifications for select solicitations in November 2026, that multi-month, incredibly expensive "slog" is no longer your only option. In this episode of the CMMC Proof Podcast, Derrich Phillips sits down with Zach Walker Co-Founder of ATX Defense for a behind-the-scenes look at CMMC Space—a fully managed enclave. Listen to this this live walk-through, look at the architecture, and decide for yourself if this is the CMMC market disruption your business has been waiting for. Schedule a free consultation with Aspire Cyber today- https://calendly.com/mjordan-aspirecyber/15min?month=2026-05
May 5, 202624 min
Is This 19-Year-Old the World's Youngest CCA? (The Ultimate CMMC Career Roadmap)
Is age just a number in the high-stakes world of cybersecurity? In this episode of the CMMC Proof Podcast, Derrich Phillips sits down with Sam Sporidis, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and who is shaking up the CMMC ecosystem. Sam isn't just a student; he's a CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) *candidate who co-founded the startup, Tolerance, to solve the "black box" of CMMC compliance for small businesses. From navigating the $1.5 Trillion defense budget surge to fast-tracking certifications, Sam provides a fresh, "deterministic" outlook on the future of CMMC. In This Episode, You'll Learn: - The "No History" Advantage: Why being young might actually make the Tier 3 background check for CCAs move faster. - Deterministic Compliance: How Sam's company, Tolerance, uses on-prem software to make CMMC readiness easy and private for small contractors. - The Impending CCA Shortage: Why getting certified now makes you one of the most employable professionals in the market by November 2026. - Recruiting Young Talent: Sam's advice for high school and college students looking to break into the lucrative "trade" of cybersecurity policy. From Small Business Innovation Research (SBIRs) to CUI: The "aha moment" when Sam realized his own startup's IP was CUI and he needed to become an expert to survive. Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction: Meeting the youngest CCA candidate in the room 03:15 – The "Aha Moment": Realizing SBIR contracts require CMMC 07:50 – Launching Tolerance: Making compliance "deterministic" 12:40 – Why young people are the future of the DIB workforce 17:20 – The ROI of a CCA Certification vs. a traditional degree 22:15 – Advice for High Schoolers: Start with CyberPatriot 28:00 – The November 2026 "Market Flip" Schedule a free consultation to learn more about Aspire Cyber's CMMC certification training offerings- https://training.aspirecyber.com/
April 15, 202628 min
How to Get CMMC Compliant Self Assessment in 24 Hours: NtelSec CUI Vault Demo
Achieving a CMMC Compliant Self-Assessment in 24 hours is a bold claim, but as discussed in the CMMC Proof Podcast with Justin Paquette (CTO of NtelSec), it is technically possible if you move away from traditional "IT buildouts" and "consultant-heavy" models. To hit this aggressive timeline, you must shift from a "Build It" mindset to a "Lease It" mindset.
April 11, 202630 min
How to Start Your CMMC Career with No Experience (CCP, CCA, LCCA, CCI)
Think you need to be a cybersecurity guru to enter the CMMC ecosystem? Think again. With over 200,000 companies needing support and Phase 1 in full effect, the Department of Defense supply chain needs reinforcements—and they aren't just looking for IT experts. They need project managers, veterans, former law enforcement, and ambitious professionals with a heart for service. In this episode of the CMMC Proof podcast, Derrich Phillips (Lead CCA) breaks down the ground truth on how to start your CMMC career journey with zero prior experience. Whether you are a recent grad, a career changer, or a veteran transitioning to the private sector, there is a place for you in the CMMC "Big Tent." In this episode of the CMMC Proof podcast, Derrich Phillips (Founder of Aspire Cyber and Lead CCA) breaks down the "Ground Truth" of the individual certification ecosystem. We are deep diving into YOUR CMMC career pathway Whether you are a recent grad, a career changer, or a veteran transitioning to the private sector, there is a place for you in the CMMC "Big Tent." 🚀 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: The 4 Professional Pathways: A deep dive into the roles of CCP, CCA, Lead CCA, and CCI. The ISACA Transition: What the new CAICO means for your global professional credibility. The Tier 3 Requirement: Why trust and integrity are the foundation of these individual credentials. Beyond the "Guru": Why your unique background in law enforcement, military service, or project management is exactly what the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) needs. Join the Reinforcements: Design Your Roadmap 🔥 DESIGN YOUR CAREER ROADMAP: Stop guessing and start executing. We help you bridge the "Experience Paradox" with hands-on training and practitioner-led study sessions. 👉 Schedule your free roadmap consultation: https://calendly.com/mjordan-aspirecyber/15min ABOUT ASPIRE CYBER: We are an Approved Training Provider (ATP) specializing in CMMC readiness. With a 100% first-time pass rate for our clients as of April 2026, we bring real-world "Ground Truth" expertise into every classroom. Visit www.aspirecyber.com/training Watch on YouTube- https://youtu.be/a3_jdKRQ_n8
February 28, 202626 min
From Help Desk to CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA): A 25-Year Career Blueprint
We often hear that the cybersecurity talent gap is a "shortage of people." The truth? It is a shortage of professionals who can bridge the gap between technical theory and assessment-ready rigor. I recently sat down with Rene Ferrier, CCA, to discuss his journey from 25 years in IT and RMF (Risk Management Framework) to becoming a newly minted CMMC Certified Assessor. What makes Rene's story unique isn't just his tenure—it's his tactical approach to the learning curve. During a two-hour daily commute, Rene used Generative AI (ChatGPT and Gemini) to turn his car into a classroom, breaking down complex NIST 800-171 controls into "molecular" concepts he could master while on the road. Key highlights from our conversation: The RMF Transition: Why 25 years of experience is an asset, but "scoping discipline" and "evidence rigor" require a complete mindset shift. The AI Tutor: How to use modern tools to simulate high-level compliance dialogues and prepare for the CCA exam. The Cloud Frontier: Why specializing in GCC High is the next major career multiplier for assessors. Breaking the "Exclusive" Barrier: How we are making CMMC training attainable for the next generation of the workforce. Rene's journey proves that the "Experience Paradox" is solvable if you are willing to use new tools to master old fundamentals. As he says, "Don't get stagnant. Right now, the sky is the limit." Ready to launch your CMMC career? Schedule a free consultation today- https://cmmccopilot.aspirecyber.com/booking
September 29, 202542 min
How a Small Business Achieved CMMC Level 2 Certification in Record Time and at Low Cost
This is a powerful CMMC success story that proves compliance doesn't have to take 12-18 months or break your budget. Join your host, Derrich Phillips, as he interviews Josh Hedeby, CPA, Director of Finance at Intertec Engineering, about their journey to CMMC Level 2 certification. Josh shares the shock of receiving quotes for traditional solutions (like Microsoft GCC High MSPs) that exceeded $250,000 for just the first year. Discover the disruptive, fully managed solution that turned their 12-18 month project into a rapid success, giving them a crucial competitive advantage now that the final CMMC rule is published. In this video, you will learn: - The Cost Trap: Why traditional solutions were a non-starter and how quotes reached six figures for a small business. - The Game-Changing Solution: How the CMMC Space solution by ATX Defense provided a 100% managed, affordable alternative. - Rapid Compliance: Intertec went from signing up to being assessment-ready within 30 to 45 days, avoiding a grueling 12-18 month timeline. - Inheritance is Key: How inheriting the policies and documentation allowed Intertec to skip the pain of writing an 80-page System Security Plan (SSP). Ready to accelerate your CMMC readiness? Aspire Cyber is committed to helping small businesses find affordable CMMC solutions. ➡️ Contact us to start your compliance journey: www.aspirecyber.com
September 22, 202539 min
How a Small Business Saved Over $100k getting CMMC Level 2 Certified
Is CMMC Level 2 certification a nightmare of confusing requirements and sky-high costs? Not anymore. In this CMMC Proof podcast, Derrich Phillips sits down with the leadership team of Quadyster—Hari Banda, CBL Rao, and Biju Ninan—to share their incredible journey from feeling overwhelmed by traditional CMMC solutions to achieving their certification in record time and for a fraction of the expected cost. This is a powerful case study for any small business struggling with CMMC. Quadyster openly discusses the challenges they faced, the fears around extensive documentation and high costs, and how a strategic partnership network delivered a groundbreaking, affordable solution. Ready to accelerate your CMMC readiness? Aspire Cyber is on a mission to save small businesses $1 million by December 31, 2025, by helping them to identify affordable CMMC solutions. ➡️ Contact us to start your compliance journey- www.aspirecyber.com
February 25, 202538 min
Get CMMC Assessment Ready in a Week for Under $1,500 | ATX Defense Space Powered by Google
Join Derrich Phillips on the CMMC Proof Podcast as he sits down with Zach Walker, co-founder of ATX Defense. Discover how their revolutionary CMMC solution is helping small defense contractors avoid the CMMC expensive nightmare.
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