Why DoD Cybersecurity Training Matters for MSPs
Businesses that serve U.S. government agencies—especially the Department of Defense—must follow strict cybersecurity requirements. Whether your MSP directly supports a federal contractor or works with a subcontractor in the supply chain, you’re expected to help enforce baseline cybersecurity standards.
The Department of Defense (DoD) requires all personnel with access to information systems to complete formal cybersecurity training. Contractors and service providers must often meet similar standards under frameworks like DFARS and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
MSPs supporting these clients must understand the expectations and offer solutions that align with federal requirements.
What Is DoD Cybersecurity Training?
DoD cybersecurity training refers to required security awareness and operational training for anyone accessing DoD information systems. This includes:
- Active-duty military and civilian DoD personnel
- Defense contractors and subcontractors
- Service providers managing IT infrastructure for DoD-connected organizations
The goal is to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, phishing, and insider threats by ensuring users understand best practices.
What’s Covered in DoD Cybersecurity Fundamental Training?
DoD basic cybersecurity training typically includes:
- Identifying phishing and spear phishing attacks
- Handling controlled unclassified information (CUI)
- Recognizing insider threat indicators
- Password management and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Secure remote access
- Incident reporting procedures
- Understanding classified vs. unclassified systems
These topics are often standardized through the DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge, which users must complete annually.
People Also Ask
What is the DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge?
The Cyber Awareness Challenge is an annual training developed by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). It covers the DoD’s key security expectations and is mandatory for anyone accessing DoD networks.
You can access the latest version of the training here.
Do Contractors Have to Take DoD Cybersecurity Training?
Yes. Contractors that access DoD systems or handle DoD-controlled data are usually required to complete the same cybersecurity awareness training as federal employees. Organizations must keep records of completion to stay compliant.
What Is CMMC and How Does It Relate?
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a DoD framework that outlines levels of security practices required for defense contractors. Cybersecurity training—both for IT staff and regular employees—is part of meeting CMMC Level 1 and above.
More details on CMMC requirements can be found via the DoD Chief Information Officer’s CMMC page.
How MSPs Can Support Clients That Need DoD Cybersecurity Training
MSPs serving clients in government contracting, defense, or supply chain roles can offer value in several ways:
1. Provide End-User Cyber Awareness Training
Offer clients structured cybersecurity training that mirrors the DoD Cyber Awareness Challenge. This helps subcontractors build a compliant baseline for their workforce and ensures consistency across their teams.
2. Track Training Completion
Use a platform that allows you to track completion dates, quiz scores, and certificates. This simplifies reporting and audit readiness.
3. Offer Policy Acknowledgment Workflows
Tie training directly into client-specific security policies. Use tools that require employees to review and acknowledge key documents—ideal for compliance under NIST SP 800-171 and DFARS.
4. Support Pre-Audit Readiness
Help clients prepare for assessments by aligning your services to CMMC expectations. Awareness training and documentation are key parts of Level 1 certification.
5. Tailor Training Based on Role
Executives, developers, and frontline staff face different risks. Use role-based training content that reflects these differences and satisfies DoD expectations for varied audiences.
ClipTraining’s Role in Supporting DoD-Aligned Clients
ClipTraining makes it easy for MSPs to deliver consistent, scalable cybersecurity awareness training. For clients navigating DoD compliance, our features offer:
- Prebuilt training modules that align with federal cybersecurity expectations
- Policy acknowledgment tools for DFARS and CMMC compliance
- Custom training paths based on job function or clearance level
- Reports for QBRs and audits
- Support for onboarding new hires with immediate training access
You can roll out ClipTraining across all client accounts through a single dashboard, keeping operations simple while strengthening security posture.
Final Thoughts for MSPs
If your MSP supports clients that work with defense contractors, government agencies, or military systems, cybersecurity training isn’t optional—it’s a critical part of compliance and security.
ClipTraining gives you a structured, efficient way to meet this need. You stay aligned with DoD expectations while helping clients reduce risk and win contracts.
Book a demo to learn how you can offer DoD-ready cybersecurity training as part of your managed service offering.