FedRAMP Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) helps cloud service providers keep their security up to standard over time. A key part of this process is using Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMs or POA&Ms) to track and fix security issues.
POAMs outline the steps needed to resolve problems, who’s responsible, and deadlines for completion. Managing POAMs shows a commitment to staying secure and compliant with FedRAMP.
In this article, we’ll explain how POAMs work and ConMon solutions that can make the process easier and less time consuming.
Continuous Monitoring or, ConMon, makes sure that your CSP continues to uphold security standards over time. A key part of ConMon is identifying, tracking, and resolving security vulnerabilities as they arise.
This is where Plan of Action and Milestones (POAMs or POA&Ms) come in. POAMs act as a roadmap to address security issues, document the steps needed to fix vulnerabilities, who is responsible, and the deadlines for remediation.
Your organization demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and compliance with FedRAMP's rigorous security standards as you actively manage your POAMs.
→ Learn how Paramify simplifies POAM management
Understanding the components of a POAM is pivotal. These components form the skeletal framework that provides depth and clarity to the document:
The Case Study of Acme Corp:
The Acme Corp IT department was grappling with an alarming discovery: a crucial server vulnerability had been detected during an internal audit. Given the server's central role in operations, a security breach could halt the company's day-to-day tasks.
But, thanks to a POAM in place, the team had a systematic roadmap to tackle the vulnerability.
By detailing every action step, responsible parties, and milestones, the POAM ensured that the vulnerability was addressed timely and efficiently. Not only was the issue resolved, but Acme also managed to fortify its defenses against similar vulnerabilities in the future.
This fictitious, but illustrative tale shows the tangible benefits of POAMs. They are not just documents; they give actionable insights into an organization's security posture by providing:
While the specific term "POAM" (or POA&M) is used in the context of U.S. federal systems, the concept of tracking and managing vulnerabilities through some sort of action plan is a universal best practice in cybersecurity.
Other organizations, whether in the private sector or in other nations, may have similar tools or methods, even if they don't use the exact term "POAM".
Other process names include: Remediation Plans, Corrective Action Plans, Incident Response Plans, among others.
Like every tool, POAMs come with their set of challenges. One of the primary concerns is ensuring that POAMs remain living documents, regularly updated and reviewed. Using a ConMon software solution like Paramify can help your remain up to date.
Stagnant POAMs, those not reflecting the current state of an organization's vulnerabilities, can be more detrimental than not having a POAM at all.
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POAMs are a foundational instrument that, when used effectively, can significantly strengthen your organization's cybersecurity posture.
They are also pivotal in satisfying the criteria set forth by compliance frameworks like FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and Tx-RAMP.
In today’s regulatory environment, where compliance is often mandatory, having an organized and effective POAM is more than a best practice; it's a necessity.
ConMon and POAMs are easier to manage with Paramify's ConMon tool. You can connect POA&Ms to your SSP to keep them up to date and always keep on top of timelines.
You'll define your elements (people, places, and things) and inventory once, then use them everywhere. Our automated process means your constantly changing elements will stay up to date and your POA&Ms will stay accurate.
Best of all, you'll get out of spreadsheets.
Sign up for a free demo to see it for yourself.
You'll learn:
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