MAD Security wins C3PAO authorization after supporting 200-plus defense contractors

MAD Security has earned Cyber AB authorization as a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization, expanding its role in the defense compliance market. The Huntsville-based firm says the milestone builds on years of helping contractors and other assessors navigate CMMC requirements and on its own certified security environment.

Why it matters: - MAD Security can now conduct independent CMMC Level 2 certification assessments, subject to independence and conflict-of-interest rules. - The authorization strengthens MAD Security's role in the Defense Industrial Base, where contractors need both security operations and compliance support. - The company said the milestone reflects experience built over more than a decade working with defense contractors and assessors.

What happened: - MAD Security earned authorization from The Cyber AB as a Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Third-Party Assessment Organization, or C3PAO. - The Huntsville, Alabama, company said the authorization marks a major step in the cybersecurity capabilities it has built since 2010. - The achievement follows the company's work supporting more than 200 defense contractors through the CMMC lifecycle. - MAD Security also helped multiple C3PAOs through their own certification journeys. - CEO Jeremy Conway said the authorization reflects years of work and independent evaluation.

The details: - MAD Security's own assessed environment includes its 24/7 Security Operations Center. - The company said its teams have helped customers implement security controls, document evidence and prepare for evaluation. - C3PAO authorization gives MAD Security independent assessment authority for CMMC Level 2 certification. - MAD Security delivers support through 24/7 Security Operations Center as a Service, or SOCaaS, and Virtual Compliance Management, or VCM. - The SOCaaS offering includes monitoring, threat detection, investigation and response support. - The VCM service helps customers manage documentation, remediation efforts and ongoing compliance responsibilities. - MAD Security opened a new Huntsville headquarters and advanced SOC in September 2026. - The company says the new facility and the authorization support its work helping defense contractors build cybersecurity programs they can operate, demonstrate and maintain. - MAD Security was founded in 2010 and is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. - The company serves the Defense Industrial Base, maritime organizations and federal contractors. - MAD Security holds CMMC Level 2 certification, maintains Registered Provider Organization status and is now an Authorized C3PAO. - More information is available in the company's announcement.

Between the lines: - The authorization moves MAD Security from helping others prepare for CMMC to also serving as an assessor in the same ecosystem. - That combination can be a selling point for contractors that want a provider that understands both the operational and documentary sides of compliance. - The company is tying its growth story to the same security and compliance demands that defense contractors face.

What's next: - MAD Security can pursue CMMC Level 2 assessment work as long as it stays within applicable independence requirements. - The company will likely continue using its SOCaaS and VCM services to support contractors before and after assessments. - MAD Security's new headquarters and SOC are positioned to back its next phase of growth in defense cybersecurity.