Which compliance frameworks matter most to US-based MSPs?

MSPs in the United States face growing pressure to support clients across multiple industries including healthcare, defense, government contracting and critical infrastructure. Each comes with its own regulatory requirements, but four frameworks dominate: NIST CSF, CMMC, HIPAA and DFARS. While not required in the US, some global companies voluntarily align with NIS2 principles.

These frameworks require structured risk management, incident detection and security control evidence and clients expect their MSPs to help them demonstrate progress.

What is NIST CSF and who needs it?

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a voluntary but widely adopted standard in the US. It provides a risk-based approach to managing cybersecurity outcomes across five pillars: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover.

NIST CSF is used by businesses in:

• Finance

• Manufacturing

• Healthcare

• Energy

• Government supply chains

MSPs often act as the operational layer that helps clients meet and document NIST CSF activities, particularly around detection and response.

What is CMMC and why is it mandatory?

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is a required framework for US Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors. It outlines maturity levels from foundational cyber hygiene to advanced, proactive defense.

CMMC applies to:

• Defense Industrial Base (DIB)

• Any vendor touching Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

MSPs working with these clients must provide traceable, documented security services, and enhanced.io enables MSPs to show monthly reports mapped to relevant CMMC practices.

What does HIPAA mean for healthcare MSPs?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) governs how healthcare providers, insurers and their vendors handle Protected Health Information (PHI).

HIPAA applies to:

• Hospitals

• Clinics

• Health tech providers

• Third-party billing and MSPs serving any of the above

MSPs can’t ignore HIPAA – if they touch PHI, they’re responsible too – so enhanced.io helps MSPs demonstrate regular threat monitoring, incident response and data protection controls that align with HIPAA’s Security Rule.

What is DFARS and how does it relate to CMMC?

DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) includes cybersecurity clauses (notably 252.204-7012) that require NIST 800-171 controls for handling CUI.

It is:

• A pre-requisite to CMMC

• Enforced by the DoD and contract auditors

MSPs can use enhanced.io reports to show alignment with DFARS/NIST 800-171 requirements, especially around monitoring, access controls and incident response.

Why is NIS2 relevant in the US?

NIS2, the EU’s updated directive on critical infrastructure security, is influencing global standards, including US sectors that operate internationally or adopt best-practice frameworks.

While not enforced in the US – some clients voluntarily align with NIS2 principles – so enhanced.io reporting maps easily to NIS2’s focus on continuous improvement, real-time monitoring and documented security outcomes.

How enhanced.io helps MSPs demonstrate compliance in the US

With enhanced.io, MSPs generate automated monthly reports that:

• Align with HIPAA, NIST CSF, DFARS and CMMC requirements

• Show threat detection and remediation actions

• Provide audit-friendly evidence

• Reduce manual overhead

Clients want to see their compliance progress and enhanced.io lets MSPs show it clearly and consistently.

What next?

Compliance is no longer optional for MSPs. It’s a core business function, a differentiator in competitive bids and a direct contributor to client trust. By embedding compliance reporting into your service offering with enhanced.io, you don’t just meet the standard – you set it.

Book a consultation and we’ll show you how.