The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a government-wide program designed to ensure the security of cloud services used by federal agencies. It was established in 2011, and since then, it has revolutionized the way government agencies evaluate and authorize cloud services.
Before the introduction of FedRAMP, each agency had its own evaluation process, leading to inconsistencies and duplications in assessments. This meant that cloud service providers had to undergo multiple evaluations, which increased the cost and time involved in the authorization process. It also resulted in a lack of standardization, making it difficult for agencies to compare and select cloud services.
FedRAMP Standardizes and Streamlines
FedRAMP addressed these challenges by introducing a standardized process for evaluating cloud services. It established a set of security controls and a risk management framework that cloud service providers must adhere to. This framework allows agencies to assess the security of cloud services more efficiently and effectively across available offerings.
One of the most significant benefits of FedRAMP is the streamlining of the authorization process. Under the program, a cloud service provider undergoes a single assessment by an independent third-party assessment organization (3PAO). Once the cloud service provider receives authorization from the 3PAO, federal agencies can use the service without conducting their own assessment – reducing the time, cost, and headache involved.
Another benefit of FedRAMP is the creation of a centralized repository of authorized cloud services. The FedRAMP Marketplace is an online portal that lists all authorized cloud services, making it easier for agencies to identify and select services that meet their needs. This has increased transparency and competition in the marketplace, resulting in better services and lower costs for agencies.
Better Cloud Security, Across the Board
FedRAMP has also improved cloud security by establishing a set of security controls that must be implemented by cloud service providers. These controls are based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53, which is a widely recognized and adopted cybersecurity framework. By adhering to these controls, cloud service providers are better equipped to protect against cyber threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government data.
In addition, FedRAMP requires continuous monitoring of cloud services to ensure they remain secure and resilient over time. This is a crucial component of cloud security, as threats are constantly evolving, and vulnerabilities must be addressed promptly to maintain the integrity of government data.
FedRAMP has changed the way government agencies evaluate and authorize cloud services, leading to increased efficiency, standardization, and security. By streamlining the authorization process, creating a centralized repository, and establishing a set of security controls, the program has made it easier for agencies to select and use cloud services while maintaining the highest level of security.
Agencies collecting, storing, processing, or moving data in the cloud can take advantage of GovDataHosting’s expertise in securing federal information categorized as FedRAMP High, Moderate, or Low Impact. If you’re looking to boost your data security, get in contact to speak with a specialist in government cloud hosting today.
