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Overview of FedRAMP Authorization Process

Mar 25, 2025

Lecture Notes: Understanding FedRAMP Authorization

Introduction

  • Speaker: Tom Conl, Cyber Security Engineer
  • Organization: Optic Cyber Solutions
  • Topic: Overview of FedRAMP Authorization

What is FedRAMP?

  • Full Name: Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
  • Operated by: General Services Administration (GSA)
  • Purpose: To review and approve the security posture of cloud services used by the federal government.
  • Focus: Eliminate redundant evaluations of cloud services across federal agencies.

Importance of FedRAMP

  • Security Assurance: Ensures cloud services protect sensitive data effectively.
  • Cost and Time Efficiency: Reduces duplication of effort, cost, and time across different federal agencies.
  • Confidence: Provides a standardized security assessment model, reducing the need for separate evaluations.

FedRAMP Authorization Process

  1. Assess Once, Report Many:
    • Security evaluation is conducted once and leveraged by multiple agencies.
    • Provides assurances that cloud services are secure for federal data.
  2. Security Controls Framework:
    • Uses security controls from NIST Special Publication 800-53.
    • Ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

FedRAMP Impact Levels

  • Low Impact:
    • Limited adverse effect on agencies.
    • Over 150 security controls.
  • Low Impact Tailored:
    • For non-sensitive data, 70 security requirements.
    • Additional 75 controls require attestation.
  • Moderate Impact:
    • Serious adverse effect potential.
    • Over 320 security controls.
  • High Impact:
    • Severe or catastrophic effect potential.
    • Over 400 security controls.
    • Used for sensitive unclassified data (e.g., law enforcement, emergency services).

FedRAMP Authorization Process Phases

  1. Sponsorship:
    • Identify a federal agency sponsor.
    • Alternatively, seek FedRAMP program authorization independently.
  2. Preparation:
    • Develop System Security Plan (SSP).
    • Detail implementation of required security controls.
  3. Evaluation:
    • Independent third-party assessment ensures compliance with security controls.
  4. Continuous Monitoring:
    • Ongoing updates and assessments to maintain security compliance.

Conclusion

  • Duration: Typical FedRAMP process takes about 18 months.
  • Business Enablement: Essential for CSPs to do business with federal/state governments.
  • Commitment Demonstration: Shows dedication to protecting customer information.

Additional Resources

  • Further Reading and Videos:
    • Risk Management Framework
    • Creating an SSP
    • Managing a policy
  • Contact Information:

Speaker's Note

  • Tom Conl's Experience: Extensive experience in FedRAMP authorization process.
  • Contact for Assistance: Available for questions and guidance in the process.

Optic Cyber Solutions: Helps organizations with assessment, implementation, and advising services.

Full transcript