Cybersecurity Maturity Models evaluate security program sophistication using defined levels that typically progress from ad hoc practices through repeatable processes to continuously optimized capabilities. Models like CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) and C2M2 (Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model) assess domains including asset management, risk management, incident response, and threat intelligence. Each maturity level specifies practices and processes that must be institutionalized. The U.S. Department of Defense requires defense contractors to achieve specific CMMC levels based on the sensitivity of controlled unclassified information they handle, making maturity assessment a contractual and compliance requirement.