Meet FedRAMP Compliance with BeyondTrust

What is FedRAMP?

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Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a U.S. government initiative launched in 2011 to standardize security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies.

What is the Benefit of FedRAMP?

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The primary goal of FedRAMP primary to streamline the cloud adoption process for federal agencies by eliminating the redundancy of security assessments. FedRAMP achieves this goal by allowing Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to complete a one-time comprehensive security assessment. This single authorization benefits multiple agencies, cutting down the time and resources needed for separate security evaluations.

The FedRAMP process includes initiation, assessment, authorization, continuous monitoring, and potential decommissioning. CSPs undergo a detailed evaluation by a third-party assessment organization (3PAO) focusing on security, risk management, and compliance.

Once a cloud service receives FedRAMP authorization, it is listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace (as we are now), making it accessible to federal agencies seeking secure cloud solutions

Requirements for FedRAMP Compliance

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FedRAMP compliance requires CSPs to meet specific security controls and undergo an assessment process before being categorized into three impact levels. The requirements include:

• Implementing NIST SP 800-53 security controls tailored to their impact level (Low, Moderate, High).
• Submitting documentation for a security assessment conducted by a third-party assessment organization (3PAO).
• Achieving an Authority to Operate (ATO) from a federal agency or the Joint Authorization Board (JAB).
• Continuous monitoring and reporting to maintain compliance.

FedRAMP vs FIPS 140-2

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FedRAMP and FIPS 140-2 serve as key U.S. government frameworks enhancing information security. With that said, FEDRAMP and FIPS 140-2 target different aspects of technology, and so each have distinct requirements.

Similarities:

• Government Initiatives: Both aim to secure information systems, with FIPS 140-2 focusing on cryptographic modules and FedRAMP on cloud services and applications.
• Third-Party Assessments: Authorized agencies conduct security assessments—third-party labs for FIPS 140-2's cryptographic modules and 3PAOs for FedRAMP's cloud services.
• Validation and Authorization: FIPS 140-2 validates cryptographic modules against security standards, while FedRAMP authorizes cloud services for federal use upon meeting security criteria.

Differences:

• Scope: FIPS 140-2 deals with cryptographic modules for secure data encryption, whereas FedRAMP covers a broader spectrum, including data protection and access controls for cloud services.
• Technology Focus: FIPS 140-2 applies universally to cryptographic technology, while FedRAMP specifically targets cloud-based services, reflecting the shift towards cloud computing in government sectors.
• Continuous Monitoring: FedRAMP emphasizes ongoing security assessment to counter evolving threats, a practice not explicitly mandated in FIPS 140-2's focus on cryptographic module integrity.
• Certification Levels: FedRAMP categorizes cloud services by data sensitivity (low, moderate, high impact), differing from FIPS 140-2's security levels based on tamper-resistance.