The FedRAMP provides a standardized approach for assessing and authorizing cloud products and services. Achieving this authorization demonstrates that a cloud service offering meets stringent security and compliance requirements. This assessment process seems daunting, but breaking it down into clear steps and following key tips set your organization up for success. Carefully review the FedRAMP security controls and requirements. You’ll need to demonstrate how your system satisfies over 300 security controls across 18 control families. Familiarize yourself with the various FedRAMP templates, worksheets, and documentation deliverables you’ll need to complete.
Assemble the right team
For success, you’ll need the right mix of technical, compliance, and leadership skills. Key roles like the FedRAMP System Security Officer (SSO) and Information System Security Manager (ISSM) should be staffed early. Consider supplementing your team with outside consultants who have worked on FedRAMP assessments previously. FedRAMP requires extensive documentation on your system’s technical architecture, security controls implementation, and operational processes. Build out comprehensive System Security Plans (SSPs), procedures and policies. Documentation needs to demonstrate the effectiveness of security controls.
Perform readiness assessments
Conduct internal readiness assessments against FedRAMP requirements before formally kicking off the process. Identify and remediate gaps upfront to avoid issues down the road. Third-party readiness assessments can provide an objective evaluation. You pursue authorization via an agency ATO, provisional ATO, or through a FedRAMP-accredited 3PAO. Evaluate which pathway aligns best with your business needs and timeline. The FedRAMP program office helps advise on the approach.
Kick off and manage the assessment
Once officially underway, maintain open communication and coordination with your chosen assessor (3PAO or agency). Proactively manage milestones, deliverables review, vulnerability scan scheduling, and remediation. Auth timelines average 4-6 months so diligent project management is key. Post-authorization, FedRAMP requires ongoing security control testing, monthly vulnerability scanning, and annual assessment renewal. Bake these requirements into your long-term operations and budget planning. Automation tools help manage continuous FedRAMP compliance.
Leverage FedRAMP accelerated
If pursuing a Provisional ATO, leverage the fedramp certification Accelerated process which streamlines assessment timelines. You’ll still need to meet all baseline security controls, but the process is managed in “sprints” for faster authorization. If you hold other cloud ATOs, leverage relevant artifacts and documentation across assessments. It emphasizes reuse to optimize the resources required. Highlight security controls and processes replicated from past authorizations. FedRAMP requirements evolve so stay current on control changes, NIST updates, and new authorization approaches. Sign up for communications and leverage their training resources. Being informed will help you avoid nasty surprises.
Achieving FedRAMP authorization provides immense benefits beyond just meeting rigorous security and compliance standards. A FedRAMP ATO serves as a stamp of approval that can give your customers and stakeholders confidence in your cloud solution. It shows you’ve implemented controls required by federal agencies and other regulated industries. With a certification, you open up access to lucrative government contracts that require this level of cloud security assessment. It also facilitates reciprocity between other security frameworks, saving you time and effort. Through FedRAMP, you increase sales opportunities, expand your market, and increase brand trust. With this gold standard, your organization is sending a message about its commitment to security.