FedRAMP, short for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a U.S. government-wide program that standardizes the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring processes for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. FedRAMP was established to enhance the security and reliability of cloud computing solutions while streamlining the procurement process for government agencies.
Key components and aspects of FedRAMP include:
Security Standards: FedRAMP defines a set of rigorous security standards and controls that cloud service providers (CSPs) must meet to obtain authorization to operate (ATO) for their cloud offerings. These standards are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53, which provides guidelines for securing federal information systems.
Authorization Levels: FedRAMP offers three authorization levels (Low, Moderate, and High) to match the sensitivity of data and systems being hosted in the cloud. The level required depends on the specific needs and risks associated with the federal agency's mission.
Standardized Processes: FedRAMP establishes a standardized process for CSPs to undergo security assessments and obtain ATO from a federal agency, called the Authorizing Official (AO). This streamlines the security assessment process and allows CSPs to leverage their ATO across multiple federal agencies.
Continuous Monitoring: After receiving ATO, CSPs are required to implement continuous monitoring practices to ensure that their cloud services maintain the required security posture throughout their lifecycle. This involves ongoing vulnerability assessments, incident response, and reporting to federal agencies.
Reuse of Security Assessments: FedRAMP encourages the reuse of security assessments and documentation among federal agencies. If one agency has authorized a CSP's cloud service, other agencies can leverage that authorization to reduce duplication of effort and expedite the adoption of the same service.
FedRAMP Marketplace: The FedRAMP Marketplace is an online platform that provides information about authorized CSPs and their cloud offerings. Federal agencies can use this resource to identify and select pre-authorized cloud services that meet their security requirements.
Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs): FedRAMP relies on accredited 3PAOs to independently assess and validate CSPs' security controls and compliance with FedRAMP requirements. These assessments are a critical part of the authorization process.
FedRAMP plays a crucial role in ensuring that cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies meet stringent security standards and comply with federal regulations. It aims to reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents while promoting the adoption of cost-effective and innovative cloud solutions within the federal government. FedRAMP authorizations provide assurance to federal agencies that cloud services have been rigorously assessed and can be trusted to handle sensitive government data and operations.
Acceptance Criteria
[ ] Update a project for understanding IT Governance
[ ] Create an issue for each of the key aspects
[ ] Create 2 page paper about the topic
Checklist
[ ] Complete a spike a spike on the topic
[ ] Complete a 1-2 page paper on the topic
[ ] Completed Peer Review and resolved requested changes
FedRAMP
Details
FedRAMP, short for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a U.S. government-wide program that standardizes the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring processes for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. FedRAMP was established to enhance the security and reliability of cloud computing solutions while streamlining the procurement process for government agencies.
Key components and aspects of FedRAMP include:
Security Standards: FedRAMP defines a set of rigorous security standards and controls that cloud service providers (CSPs) must meet to obtain authorization to operate (ATO) for their cloud offerings. These standards are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53, which provides guidelines for securing federal information systems.
Authorization Levels: FedRAMP offers three authorization levels (Low, Moderate, and High) to match the sensitivity of data and systems being hosted in the cloud. The level required depends on the specific needs and risks associated with the federal agency's mission.
Standardized Processes: FedRAMP establishes a standardized process for CSPs to undergo security assessments and obtain ATO from a federal agency, called the Authorizing Official (AO). This streamlines the security assessment process and allows CSPs to leverage their ATO across multiple federal agencies.
Continuous Monitoring: After receiving ATO, CSPs are required to implement continuous monitoring practices to ensure that their cloud services maintain the required security posture throughout their lifecycle. This involves ongoing vulnerability assessments, incident response, and reporting to federal agencies.
Reuse of Security Assessments: FedRAMP encourages the reuse of security assessments and documentation among federal agencies. If one agency has authorized a CSP's cloud service, other agencies can leverage that authorization to reduce duplication of effort and expedite the adoption of the same service.
FedRAMP Marketplace: The FedRAMP Marketplace is an online platform that provides information about authorized CSPs and their cloud offerings. Federal agencies can use this resource to identify and select pre-authorized cloud services that meet their security requirements.
Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs): FedRAMP relies on accredited 3PAOs to independently assess and validate CSPs' security controls and compliance with FedRAMP requirements. These assessments are a critical part of the authorization process.
FedRAMP plays a crucial role in ensuring that cloud services used by U.S. federal agencies meet stringent security standards and comply with federal regulations. It aims to reduce the risk of data breaches and security incidents while promoting the adoption of cost-effective and innovative cloud solutions within the federal government. FedRAMP authorizations provide assurance to federal agencies that cloud services have been rigorously assessed and can be trusted to handle sensitive government data and operations.
Acceptance Criteria
Checklist