What is FedRAMP?

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FedRAMP, or the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a U.S. government program that standardizes security for cloud services. 

It's the best way to make sure cloud providers meet strict security rules so federal agencies can use them without worrying about data risks. It’s basically a security stamp of approval for the cloud.

What’s a FedRAMP ATO?

ATO stands for Authority to Operate. An ATO is required for agencies to sell cloud services to the government. 

“When it comes to ATOs, fun is mandatory! You need to complete the ATO process before you use, buy, or build software for the government.” - digital.gov

An ATO authorizes you to operate on government networks

Government agencies have their own private networks. They use their own closed, safe networks to keep federal data private rather than using the everyday internet most of us are used to.

Government networks like the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) and the Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) are used to keep federal data private. 

Origins of FedRAMP 

A couple decades ago government agencies started to notice all the new software they wanted to use. But, they couldn’t use the fancy new software because it hadn’t been approved to operate within these closed government networks. 

And so, in 2011, FedRAMP was born to allow cloud services to get an ATO once they prove they have implemented NIST 800-53 controls (low, medium or high depending on the impact level of their data). 

With an ATO, CSPs can sell services to agencies using these secure networks.

“Federal agencies know a cloud-based service is safe to use once it’s awarded the FedRAMP stamp of approval, and unlike FISMA, FedRAMP ATO qualifies a cloud service provider to do business with any federal agency.” - Palo Alto Networks

How to Get a FedRAMP ATO

1. Find an agency that wants to use their software – this is called a sponsor.
2. Create a system security plan (SSP) to plan out and document how you’re going to protect federal data and the controls you have around it. 
3. Have a 3rd party assessor (3PAO) come in to assess whether or not you’re doing everything you say you’re doing.
4. Submit your mountain of documentation to the Program Management Office (PMO). The PMO reviews it, checks it, asks for changes, and gives final ATO approval.

 → How much it costs to write an SSP 

How Long Does it Take to Get a FedRAMP ATO? 

Getting FedRAMP authorization can take anywhere from 6 months to 2+ years. 

How long it takes you will depend on

1. Whether or not you already have an agency sponsor
2. Whether you pursue FedRAMP Low, Moderate or High
3. If you manually produce your compliance documentation or use software like Paramify to automatically create it as you implement your controls. 

We recently went from 0 to audit ready for FedRAMP High in 6 weeks for under $300k using Paramify’s software to generate a security roadmap and documentation.

→ More about the FedRAMP authorization process and how long it could take

Once you have an ATO, you’ll need to prove you’re still FedRAMP compliant every month until you die with ConMon and POA&Ms. Paramify also streamlines and simplifies these processes. 

Start the FedRAMP ATO Process

Ready to get started with FedRAMP? 

You can simplify your process, get authorized faster, and cut costs when you use Paramify.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out for more info on FedRAMP, check out our pricing, or sign up for a free demo to see how you can make FedRAMP easier, faster and less expensive for your org. 

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Learn More:

→ Is FedRAMP Authorization worth the hassle?

→ Find out if Paramify is the right fit for your org

→ How automated documentation can improve your audit