FedRAMP High Authorization

History and Evolution of FedRAMP

Definition

FedRAMP High Authorization embodies the highest level of security within the FedRAMP program, meticulously designed to address the unique needs of highly sensitive and classified government data stored in cloud environments. It encompasses a meticulous set of security controls and measures, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information.

Understanding FedRAMP

FedRAMP, established in 2011, provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud products and services utilized by federal agencies.

Objectives of FedRAMP

Ensure the security of federal information when utilizing cloud services. Save time and money for the federal government by facilitating the reuse of cloud services.

FedRAMP's focus areas

• Developing a singular, reliable security authorization process to minimize duplication of efforts.

• Leveraging National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) standards to assess cloud security.

• Enhancing collaboration between vendors and agencies.

• Driving uniformity across security packages by standardizing best practices.

• Assisting agencies in adapting to the cloud by providing a central repository for shared resources.

• FedRAMP's roots trace back to the E-Government Act of 2002, which established a framework for improving electronic government services.

• Cloud technology's emergence as a transformative force prompted the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework within federal agencies.

• In 2011, the U.S. government formally established FedRAMP, culminating in its official launch in 2012.

• FedRAMP has since evolved into the federal standard for cloud security assessments, ensuring the protection of government data stored in the cloud.

Key Components of FedRAMP High Authorization

1. Stringent Security Controls:
FedRAMP High mandates the implementation of rigorous security controls, surpassing those required at the Low and Moderate authorization levels. These controls span various security domains, including access control, encryption, incident response, and continuous monitoring.


2. Protection of Highly Sensitive Data:
FedRAMP High Authorization is tailored to protect highly sensitive and classified government data, such as law enforcement records, emergency services information, and healthcare data. Breaches to systems containing this data could have catastrophic consequences, underscoring the importance of FedRAMP High's robust security measures.


3. Rigorous Authorization Process:
Achieving FedRAMP High Authorization involves a demanding authorization process, exceeding the requirements of the Low and Moderate levels. Cloud service providers (CSPs) must demonstrate compliance with additional security controls and provide evidence of their ability to safeguard highly sensitive data effectively.

Benefits of FedRAMP High Authorization

1. Highest Level of Security Assurance:
FedRAMP High Authorization provides the highest level of security assurance, ensuring that CSPs adhere to stringent controls to protect highly sensitive government data.

2. Compliance with Regulatory Standards:
CSPs achieving FedRAMP High Authorization demonstrate compliance with stringent regulatory standards governing the protection of classified government information.

3. Access to Critical Government Contracts:
Authorization at the FedRAMP High level opens doors to critical government contracts and procurement opportunities, positioning CSPs as trusted providers capable of securely handling sensitive data.

4. Mitigation of Catastrophic Risks:
By adhering to the rigorous security standards of FedRAMP High, CSPs mitigate the risk of catastrophic data breaches that could disrupt government operations, compromise national security, and endanger public safety.

FedRAMP Compliance Categories

FedRAMP categorizes compliance into Low, Moderate, High, and Not Authorized levels based on the sensitivity of the information involved. Each category entails specific security requirements aimed at safeguarding confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.

FedRAMP Low Impact Level

• Baseline security for cloud systems and data not critical to an agency's mission, operations, or finances.

• 125 controls secure systems at this level.

FedRAMP Moderate Impact Level

• Involves controlled unclassified information, including personally identifiable information.

• Compliance with 325 controls is required to mitigate risks to agency operations and resources.

FedRAMP High Impact Level

• Designed to protect high-value assets, including national security information and financial records.

• Requires adherence to 421 controls to prevent disastrous consequences such as financial ruin or loss of life.

Table: Key Differences Between FedRAMP Authorization Levels

Authorization Level	Security Controls	Data Sensitivity	Authorization Process	Number of Cybersecurity Protocols
Low	Basic	Non-sensitive	Minimal Documentation	Approximately 125
Moderate	Comprehensive	Sensitive	Security Assessments, Documentation	Approximately 325
High	Stringent, Additional Controls	Highly Sensitive, Classified	Rigorous Process, Additional Controls	Approximately 425

FedRAMP Governance

FedRAMP is overseen by various executive branch entities collaborating to develop, manage, and operate the program effectively.

Key governing bodies include:

• The Joint Authorization Board (JAB), comprising chief information officers (CIOs) from key agencies, makes decisions regarding FedRAMP.

• The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provides guidance and policy direction on federal information technology.

• The FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) develops the program's framework and oversees compliance efforts.

• The CIO Council offers guidance to agencies on cloud computing initiatives.

FedRAMP Certification Process

Becoming FedRAMP certified entails a rigorous authorization process for cloud service providers.

Steps to FedRAMP authorization

• Package development: Includes completing a System Security Plan and engaging a FedRAMP-approved third-party assessment organization.

• Assessment: Security assessment organization submits findings, and the provider creates a remediation plan.

• Authorization: JAB or authorizing agency grants Authority to Operate (ATO) upon determining acceptable risk levels.

• Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring ensures compliance and addresses evolving threats.

Benefits of FedRAMP Compliance

FedRAMP compliance offers numerous benefits for both government agencies and cloud service providers:

• Increased trust and security in storing confidential government data.

• Cost savings from reduced infrastructure and data center expenses.

• Streamlined authorization process, facilitating quick access to cloud services.

• Expanded market share as agencies prefer FedRAMP-compliant providers.

• Enhanced compliance with other security standards such as HIPAA and SOX.

• Reduced risk of data breaches and malicious attacks.

• Improved efficiency and time-to-market for services with FedRAMP-compliant features.

Examples of FedRAMP Certified Programs

Several cloud-based services have achieved FedRAMP certification, including:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Microsoft Azure Government Cloud

• Google Cloud Platform for Government

• Salesforce

• Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for Government

These services comply with FedRAMP's stringent security requirements, enabling federal agencies to leverage cloud technology securely.

Conclusion

FedRAMP stands as a critical cybersecurity measure for government agencies and cloud service providers, ensuring the security of sensitive data in an increasingly digital landscape. By adhering to FedRAMP standards, organizations can bolster trust, mitigate risks, and streamline operations in an era marked by escalating cyber threats. Embracing FedRAMP compliance not only safeguards government data but also fosters innovation and resilience in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. FedRAMP High Authorization stands as the gold standard for securing highly sensitive government data in cloud environments, offering unparalleled security measures and assurance to government agencies and stakeholders. By undergoing the rigorous authorization process and adhering to stringent security controls, CSPs demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding critical information assets and upholding the highest standards of data protection and integrity.