The expert's guide to FedRAMP

FedRAMP is a federal risk and authorization management program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by the United States federal government.

It was developed in response to the Obama administration’s cloud-first policy, which sought to increase the use of cloud computing in government. FedRAMP is designed to ensure that cloud-based services used by federal agencies are secure and compliant with government regulations.

To achieve this, the program requires cloud service providers to undergo a rigorous security assessment and authorization process. This process involves a series of steps, including:

1. A security assessment.
2. A review of the provider’s security controls.
3. Authorization from the appropriate government agency.

The security assessment and authorization process for FedRAMP is based on 14 applicable laws and regulations and 19 standards and guidance documents. These documents outline the security requirements for cloud services, including the use of encryption, data protection, and access control. The security requirements are designed to ensure that the cloud service provider is able to protect the data of the federal government and its citizens.

In addition to the security requirements, FedRAMP also requires cloud service providers to undergo continuous monitoring of their services. This includes monitoring for changes to the security controls, system availability, and access control. The purpose of this monitoring is to ensure that the cloud service provider is able to maintain the security of the system and the data it contains.

FedRAMP is a critical program for the US government, as it helps to ensure that cloud services used by federal agencies are secure and compliant with government regulations. It is one of the most rigorous software-as-a-service assessments in the world, and it requires cloud service providers to undergo a rigorous security assessment and authorization process. By ensuring that cloud services are secure and compliant with government regulations, FedRAMP helps to protect the data of the federal government and its citizens.

FedRAMP is the US Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by the United States federal government. It was developed in response to the Obama administration’s cloud-first policy, which sought to increase the use of cloud computing in government.

FedRAMP is designed to ensure that cloud-based services used by federal agencies are secure and compliant with government regulations. To achieve this, the program requires cloud service providers to undergo a rigorous security assessment and authorization process. This process involves a series of steps, including a security assessment, a review of the provider’s security controls, and authorization from the appropriate government agency.

The security assessment and authorization process for FedRAMP is based on:

1. 14 applicable laws and regulations, and
2. 19 standards and guidance documents.

These documents outline the security requirements for cloud services, including the use of encryption, data protection, and access control. The security requirements are designed to ensure that the cloud service provider is able to protect the data of the federal government and its citizens.

In addition to the security requirements, FedRAMP also requires cloud service providers to undergo continuous monitoring of their services. This includes monitoring for changes to the security controls, system availability, and access control. The purpose of this monitoring is to ensure that the cloud service provider is able to maintain the security of the system and the data it contains.

FedRAMP authorization is important because:

1. It provides a consistent, secure platform for government agencies to use cloud-based services.
2. It ensures that all cloud service providers meet the same high standards of security and reliability, ensuring that government data and resources are protected.
3. It provides assurance to government agencies that the cloud service providers they are working with have met the rigorous security and compliance requirements set forth by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP).
4. It helps government agencies save time and money by streamlining the process of procuring cloud services.
5. It helps cloud service providers gain more business from government agencies by being listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace.
6. It helps cloud service providers gain credibility in the private sector by meeting the same security requirements as government agencies, which demonstrates their ability to provide secure, reliable cloud services.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The program was established in 2011 to increase the adoption of cloud solutions, improve the security of cloud solutions, and ensure consistent security authorizations.

The goals of FedRAMP are to:

1. Accelerate the adoption of secure cloud solutions: FedRAMP aims to streamline the security assessment process and reduce the amount of time it takes for cloud solutions to be adopted and implemented. By providing a standardized approach to security assessment and authorization, FedRAMP reduces the amount of time and resources needed to assess and approve cloud solutions.

2. Improve the security of cloud solutions: FedRAMP requires cloud solutions to meet the security requirements outlined in the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53. By mandating these security requirements, FedRAMP helps ensure that cloud solutions are secure and compliant with government standards.

3. Achieve consistent security authorizations: FedRAMP provides a consistent approach to security assessment and authorization by providing a baseline set of security requirements that all cloud solutions must meet. This helps ensure that all cloud solutions are held to the same standard and that security authorizations are consistent across the board.

4. Ensure consistent application of existing security practices: FedRAMP requires cloud solutions to follow the same security practices and procedures that are used by government agencies. This helps ensure that cloud solutions are secure and compliant with government standards.

5. Increase automation and use of near-real-time data for continuous monitoring: FedRAMP requires cloud solutions to use automated tools and near-real-time data for continuous monitoring. This helps ensure that cloud solutions are monitored for potential security issues and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

In conclusion, FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The goals of FedRAMP are to accelerate the adoption of secure cloud solutions, improve the security of cloud solutions, achieve consistent security authorizations, ensure consistent application of existing security practices, and increase automation and use of near-real-time data for continuous monitoring.

FedRAMP is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. It is the result of collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) was created to provide a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. FedRAMP applies to all federal agencies and their contractors that are using cloud services. It is also applicable to any cloud service offering (CSO) that holds federal data, such as cloud storage, cloud computing, and Software as a Service (SaaS).

FedRAMP requires all cloud service providers to meet the federal government’s security requirements and be authorized by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). It is a mandatory requirement for all federal agencies and their contractors that are using cloud services. FedRAMP is designed to provide a consistent approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. The program also provides a uniform set of security requirements for cloud service providers to ensure that all cloud products and services are secure and compliant with federal requirements.

FedRAMP applies to all cloud services and products that are used by federal agencies and their contractors, regardless of the size or scope of the deployment. This includes:

1. Cloud storage
2. Cloud computing
3. Software as a Service (SaaS)
4. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
5. Platform as a Service (PaaS)

The program also applies to any cloud services offering (CSO) that holds federal data. FedRAMP is also applicable to any cloud service offering that is used to support federal agency missions and operations. This includes cloud services used to support mission-critical applications, such as email, web hosting, and data storage. Additionally, FedRAMP applies to any cloud services offering that holds or processes sensitive federal data, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI).

In addition to the federal government, state and local governments are also required to comply with FedRAMP when using cloud services. This includes any cloud service offering that holds or processes sensitive state or local government data. Finally, FedRAMP applies to any cloud service offering that is used to support federal agency missions and operations.

In summary, FedRAMP applies to all federal agencies and their contractors that are using cloud services. It is also applicable to any cloud service offering (CSO) that holds federal data, such as cloud storage, cloud computing, and Software as a Service (SaaS). Additionally, state and local governments are also required to comply with FedRAMP when using cloud services. Finally, FedRAMP applies to any cloud service offering that is used to support federal agency missions and operations.

FedRAMP is the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, which is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. It was created to provide a consistent approach to security requirements and authorization processes to ensure that cloud solutions meet the security requirements of the federal government.

The categories of FedRAMP compliance are based on the levels of impact that a security incident could have on an organization. There are four levels of impact:

1. High
2. Moderate
3. Low
4. Low-Impact Software-as-a-Service (LI-SaaS)

At the highest level of impact, High, the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability could be expected to have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. This level of impact is usually applied to law enforcement, emergency services, financial, and health systems.

At the Moderate level, the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability could be expected to have a serious adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. This is the most common level of impact, with nearly 80 percent of approved FedRAMP applications at this level.

At the Low level, the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability could be expected to have a limited adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals.

Finally, the Low-Impact Software-as-a-Service (LI-SaaS) level is applied to systems that are low risk for uses like collaboration tools, project management applications, and tools that help develop open-source code. This category is also known as FedRAMP Tailored.

The categories of FedRAMP compliance are based on the impact levels that could be expected from a security incident. Each category is designed to provide the appropriate level of security for the type of system and the potential impact of a security incident. High impact systems require the most stringent security measures, while Low-Impact Software-as-a-Service systems require the least.

By categorizing systems based on the impact level, FedRAMP provides organizations with a consistent approach to security and authorization processes that ensure cloud solutions meet the security requirements of the federal government.

Being FedRAMP authorized is a rigorous process that requires a cloud service provider to demonstrate that their service meets the security requirements set forth by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP). The process involves several steps:

1. The Joint Authorization Board (JAB) issues a provisional authorization. This authorization lets agencies know that the risk of the service has been reviewed and approved.

2. The cloud service provider establishes a relationship with a specific federal agency and works with them through the process. The agency is responsible for reviewing the cloud service provider’s security posture and ensuring that it meets the FedRAMP requirements. This review process includes an assessment of the provider’s system security plan, the security controls in place, and the security risk associated with the service.

3. Once the agency has reviewed the cloud service provider’s security posture, they will issue an Authority to Operate (ATO) letter. This letter is the official authorization for the cloud service provider to operate within the federal government. The ATO letter will also include any additional security requirements that must be met in order to maintain the authorization.

In addition to the ATO letter, cloud service providers must also meet several other requirements in order to be FedRAMP authorized. These include:

• Having an independent third-party assessor review their security posture.
• Issuing a System Security Plan (SSP) that includes an inventory of all the systems and services that are part of the cloud service, and a detailed description of the security measures that are in place.
• Providing documentation of their security posture and the measures they have taken to protect their systems and services, including proof of security testing, penetration testing, and other security measures. This documentation must be provided to the agency for review and approval before the ATO letter can be issued.

Being FedRAMP authorized is a lengthy and complex process. However, it is essential for cloud service providers who wish to do business with the federal government. The process ensures that cloud services meet the highest standards of security and privacy, and that they are able to protect the data and systems of the federal government.

FedRAMP authorization is the process of obtaining the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) authorization, which is a comprehensive security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring program designed to protect the government’s information systems. FedRAMP authorization is a requirement for any cloud service provider (CSP) that wants to do business with the U.S. government. The process of obtaining FedRAMP authorization involves four main steps: package development, assessment, authorization, and monitoring. Each of these steps is essential for ensuring that your cloud service meets the highest security standards and is approved by the government.

1. Package Development

The first step in the FedRAMP authorization process is package development. This involves the provider completing a System Security Plan (SSP) and having a FedRAMP-approved third-party assessment organization (3PAO) develop a Security Assessment Plan (SAP). The SSP outlines the systems, networks, and processes that are in place to protect the cloud service from potential threats. The SAP outlines the assessment activities that will be conducted to verify the security controls in place.

2. Assessment

The second step in the process is the assessment. The 3PAO will conduct the assessment activities outlined in the SAP and submit a Security Assessment Report (SAR) to the Joint Authorization Board (JAB). The provider must also create a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to address any security gaps identified in the SAR.

3. Authorization

The third step is authorization. The JAB will review the SAR and POA&M and decide whether the risk as described is acceptable. If they approve the package, they will submit an Authority to Operate (ATO) letter to the FedRAMP Project Management Office (PMO). Once the ATO is approved, the provider will be listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace.

4. Monitoring

The fourth and final step is monitoring. Once the authorization is complete, the provider must send monthly security monitoring deliverables to each agency that is using their service. This is to ensure that the security controls remain in place and that the cloud service is being used in accordance with the FedRAMP requirements.

FedRAMP authorization is an important process for any cloud service provider that wants to do business with the U.S. government. By following the four main steps outlined above, providers can ensure that their cloud service meets the highest security standards and is approved by the government.

The best practices for FedRAMP authorization are:

1. Understand how the product or service maps to the FedRAMP requirements and conduct a gap analysis to identify areas that need to be addressed.
2. Get organizational buy-in, including from the executive team and technical teams, to ensure that the authorization process is properly supported.
3. Find an agency partner that is using the product or is committed to doing so to provide valuable insight into the authorization process.
4. Spend time accurately defining the boundary of the product or service, including internal components, connections to external services, and the flow of information and metadata.
5. Think of FedRAMP as a continuous program rather than just a project with a start and end date, as services must be continuously monitored.
6. Carefully consider the authorization approach, as multiple products may require multiple authorizations.
7. Utilize the FedRAMP PMO as a valuable resource to answer technical questions and help plan a strategy.

In conclusion, by following these best practices, providers can ensure a successful FedRAMP authorization process.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) aligns with several laws and regulations that govern the security and privacy of federal information in the United States. While there are numerous laws and regulations applicable to FedRAMP, here are 14 key ones:

1. Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) - FISMA establishes the framework for securing federal information systems by requiring federal agencies to develop, implement, and maintain information security programs.

2. Privacy Act of 1974 - The Privacy Act governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by federal agencies and imposes restrictions on the sharing of individuals' personally identifiable information.

3. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) - PRA requires federal agencies to minimize paperwork burdens on the public and ensure that information collections are necessary and have practical utility.

4. Federal Records Act (FRA) - The FRA outlines the management, retention, and disposal of federal records, including electronic records, to ensure the preservation and accessibility of government information.

5. Clinger-Cohen Act - This act focuses on information technology management and requires federal agencies to develop and maintain an enterprise architecture, among other requirements related to IT investments.

6. E-Government Act of 2002 - The E-Government Act promotes the use of electronic government services and mandates the protection of personal information collected and maintained by federal agencies.

7. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): The CFAA prohibits unauthorized access to federal computer systems and imposes penalties for computer-related crimes.

8. Homeland Security Act of 2002: This act established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and empowers it to protect federal information systems and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

9. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): FOIA grants the public the right to access federal agency records, subject to certain exemptions and limitations.

10. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and requires federal agencies to provide accessible electronic and information technology.

11. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) - While primarily applicable to healthcare organizations, federal agencies that handle protected health information (PHI) must comply with HIPAA's privacy and security requirements.

12. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) - If federal agencies process, store, or transmit payment card information, they must comply with PCI DSS requirements to ensure the secure handling of credit card data.

13. Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) - SOX applies to federal agencies that are publicly traded or have publicly traded subsidiaries and establishes requirements for financial reporting and internal controls.

14. NIST Special Publication 800-53 - While not a law or regulation, this publication provides a comprehensive set of security controls and guidelines developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It serves as the foundation for security assessments and compliance within FedRAMP.

FedRAMP incorporates several standards and guidance documents to provide a comprehensive framework for the security assessment and authorization of cloud services. While there are numerous standards and guidance associated with FedRAMP, here are 19 key ones:

1. NIST Special Publication 800-53 - Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations: This document provides a catalog of security controls and guidelines for federal information systems and is a fundamental reference for FedRAMP.

2. NIST Special Publication 800-37 - Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations: It outlines the process for managing risks to federal information systems and provides a systematic approach for security categorization, assessment, and authorization.

3. NIST Special Publication 800-53A - Assessing Security and Privacy Controls in Federal Information Systems and Organizations: This publication provides guidance on assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of security controls implemented within federal information systems.

4. NIST Special Publication 800-60 Volume I and II - Guide for Mapping Types of Information and Information Systems to Security Categories: It assists in determining the appropriate security categorization for federal information and information systems.

5. NIST Special Publication 800-171 - Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations: This publication outlines security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and is often applicable to non-federal organizations working with federal agencies.

6. NIST Special Publication 800-122 - Guide to Protecting the Confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII): It provides guidelines for protecting the confidentiality of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) stored and processed by federal information systems.

7. NIST Special Publication 800-144 - Guidelines on Security and Privacy in Public Cloud Computing: This document offers guidelines and best practices for secure cloud computing implementations and helps in the evaluation of cloud service providers.

8. NIST Special Publication 800-145 - The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing: It provides a comprehensive definition of cloud computing and establishes the essential characteristics, deployment models, and service models of cloud services.

9. NIST Special Publication 800-146 - Cloud Computing Synopsis and Recommendations: This publication offers an overview of cloud computing, including its benefits, risks, and recommended deployment models.

10. NIST Special Publication 800-147 - BIOS Protection Guidelines: It provides guidance on securing the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) firmware in computer systems to protect against unauthorized modifications.

11. NIST Special Publication 800-160 Volume 1 - Systems Security Engineering: Considerations for a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Engineering of Trustworthy Secure Systems: This publication presents a comprehensive framework for incorporating security into the engineering process of systems.

12. NIST Special Publication 800-161 - Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Federal Information Systems and Organizations: It outlines practices and guidelines for managing supply chain risks related to information systems.

13. NIST Special Publication 800-171A - Assessing Security Requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information: This document provides guidance on assessing compliance with the security requirements specified in NIST SP 800-171.

14. NIST Special Publication 800-172 - Enhanced Security Requirements for Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information: This publication provides guidelines for enhanced security requirements when handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) associated with critical programs and high-value assets.

15. FedRAMP System Security Plan (SSP) Template - This template provides a standardized format for documenting security controls and their implementation within cloud systems.

16. FedRAMP Incident Response Guidance - It offers guidance on establishing and implementing an incident response program for cloud service providers in alignment with FedRAMP requirements.

17. FedRAMP Continuous Monitoring Strategy Guide - This guide provides an overview of continuous monitoring requirements and best practices for cloud service providers to maintain their FedRAMP authorization.

18. FedRAMP Tailored Control Baseline - This baseline provides a set of streamlined security controls and requirements for low-impact cloud systems, reducing the burden on cloud service providers.

19. FedRAMP Security Assessment Framework (SAF) - This framework outlines the processes, methodologies, and requirements for conducting security assessments of cloud service providers in accordance with FedRAMP.

To find out which companies are FedRAMP assessed, you can visit the official FedRAMP Marketplace website. The FedRAMP Marketplace serves as a centralized repository of authorized cloud service providers (CSPs) and their offerings that have gone through the FedRAMP assessment and authorization process.

Here are the steps to access the FedRAMP Marketplace:

1. Go to the FedRAMP Marketplace website: https://marketplace.fedramp.gov/

2. On the homepage, you will find a search bar at the top. You can use this search bar to look for specific CSPs or cloud services. You can enter the name of the company you are interested in or keywords related to the cloud service you are looking for.

3. As you type, the search results will dynamically update, and you can select the relevant CSP or service from the suggestions.

4. Once you select a CSP or service, you will be directed to the respective page containing detailed information about the authorization status, security package, and other relevant details.

On the FedRAMP Marketplace, you can find information about CSPs that have received FedRAMP authorizations, including their authorization status (e.g., "In Process," "Authorized," "Compliant"), the impact level of their authorization (low, moderate, or high), and the specific cloud services they offer. The marketplace provides transparency and visibility into the authorized CSPs and their offerings, helping federal agencies and other organizations make informed decisions when selecting cloud services.

Please note that the FedRAMP Marketplace is the official source for FedRAMP authorized CSPs, and it is regularly updated as new authorizations are granted.