The ACCENT Learning Hub

Unless you know what goes on behind the scenes, you never realize just how much work goes into keeping IT systems running smoothly. That’s what surprised Philip, when he started his job as a Support Specialist at Accent Computer Solutions.

When you’re trying to understand what you’re supposed to do to follow Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMMC) regulations, there’s a lot of information to digest. A lot. Unless you want to make CMMC compliance your full-time job, it would be nice to have all that information boiled down so that you get to the point where you can act. You must act because if you haven’t, you’re already late. Last year the DoD communicated with companies in their supply chain with a request to submit a CMMC Self-Assessment by the end of 2020, yet many companies have not been able to do that. Why? For many it’s a lack of knowledge and training to interpret CMMC into action.

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA – April 9, 2021) Southern California companies in the DoD supply chain now have four more consultants to guide them through Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) as Accent Computer Solutions employees achieve Registered Practitioner (RP) status. John Leete, Chris Frye, Jonathan Barger, and Jackson Roberts join Corey Kaufman as CMMC Registered Practitioners, trained to act as advisors to companies seeking CMMC compliance. “Companies that must comply with CMMC need help interpreting the regulations and translating them into a viable security plan,” said Marty Kaufman, President and Founder of Accent Computer Solutions. “We’ve stepped up to the plate to fill this need, which is a natural fit with our deep expertise in cyber security.” Registered Practitioners must undergo training in CMMC methodology, follow a Professional Code of Conduct, and be employed by a Registered Provider Organization (RPO). As an RPO, Accent not only consults with companies seeking CMMC compliance, they’re also able to implement and support the company's security plans, if needed.

Spring has come in like a lion for us here at Accent – I’m not talking about the weather! Activity throughout the company has been high, including our onboarding teams who have been getting new clients up and running on our support system. We are so very thankful for the companies who’ve put their trust in us to help with their technology challenges. We see this arrival of new business as an indication that Southern California companies are feeling confidence in the future and are ready to invest in change. For everyone’s benefit, I hope this trend of recovery continues!

Millions of Americans began working from home for the first time in March 2020 when the pandemic hit in full force. While some companies had the ability to provide laptops or send office desktops home with them, many more needed workers to use personal computers for work. If their computer is still running Windows 7, this inadvertently created a security vulnerability. Continuing to use Windows 7 in any capacity – even if you have antivirus and a firewall – is risky since Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020. Let’s explore why, and what you should do now...

Talking to Amanda when you call the Accent Computer Solutions Help Desk is like talking to a friend. That’s because she’s not only interested in fixing the issue that’s bothering you, but in developing a relationship through the interaction. As a Support Specialist, Amanda talks to numerous people throughout the day. The more she gets to know the people on the other end of the phone, the more she likes it. “When a call comes in from someone you’ve talked to before, you get to know them and they get to know you,” said Amanda. “You learn from them and they learn from you. It’s work, but it’s fun too.”

Since the digital age began, technology has been an accelerator for businesses large and small.  In almost all cases, the companies that have performed the best, grown the fastest and changed our world the most, have wielded a secret weapon that most have not even considered -- technology. Take Amazon for example. Mr. Bezos started an online bookstore in his garage in 1994. Expansion of the online sales business led to other business ventures, as well as the development of expertise in cloud technologies, which eventually led to a $600 million contract with the CIA for Amazon Web Services (AWS). The Amazon of today has leveraged technology to become the biggest seller of products AND a logistics giant.

If you’re in the Department of Defense supply chain, you know that there are new cyber security requirements coming down the pipe. Full Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance is rolling out to the top 15 DoD prime contractors and their subcontractors in 2021. By 2025 this will spread out to the whole network of suppliers. If you’re not in the top 15, you still have things to do right now.

Scott has a reputation for being a closer at Accent. If there’s a project that’s getting tricky, or an escalated issue that’s not getting solved, he’s the guy to bring in to find the best way forward. As Senior Professional Services Engineer, Scott gets to work with the newest technology and tackle the toughest problems. It’s work that pulls from the huge knowledge base that he’s built in his 30+ years of experience, and it feeds his insatiable hunger for learning.

(February 17, 2021 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA) Accent Computer Solutions, Inc. is now a CMMC Registered Provider Organization (RPO) in Southern California. The company has been helping organizations reach and maintain their NIST cyber security framework requirements for many years, and has taken the next steps to demonstrate CMMC proficiency. Corey Kaufman is the company’s first Registered Practitioner (RP), trained to consult with companies regarding Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance. The company will have four more RPs by March 2021.