Securing sensitive customer data is imperative for organizations that collect and store this data. This is where FedRAMP certification comes in. FedRAMP, which stands for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, provides a standardized approach for assessing and authorizing cloud products and services. Obtaining FedRAMP certification demonstrates that a cloud service provider has established adequate security controls and meets federal security compliance requirements. There are several reasons why FedRAMP certification is crucial for companies that work with government agencies and handle sensitive data.

• Compliance – FedRAMP certification ensures compliance with a defined set of security standards and controls. Government agencies are required only to use cloud services that carry FedRAMP authorization. Without certification, businesses cannot provide services to federal departments and agencies.
• Trust – The FedRAMP certification process is rigorous, including third-party assessments and continuous monitoring. Achieving certification assures government customers that data security policies meet federal guidelines. It builds trust in the provider’s services.
• Due diligence – Gaining FedRAMP certification demonstrates that a company has undergone thorough vetting of its information security program. Providers must commit to regular auditing and vulnerability scanning even after certification.
• Standardization – This certificate establishes a uniform security baseline that all providers must meet, creating a standardized approach across different cloud environments. It avoids variability and inconsistencies that arise when agencies set their security controls.
• Competitive advantage – With certification, companies stand out as reputable providers able to work with federal agencies. It is a strategic advantage when competing for government contracts.
• Cost savings – The standardized FedRAMP process eliminates the need for agencies to conduct independent security reviews for every new cloud service. It reduces redundancies and saves taxpayer dollars.

What does the FedRAMP certification process entail?

Companies must develop extensive documentation covering their system and network architecture, security controls, incident response plans, and so on. Rigorous reporting is required. An accredited third-party assessment organization (3PAO) performs an initial document review and confirms that the security controls are active and operating effectively. After addressing any gaps identified during the initial assessment, the provider’s FedRAMP documentation undergoes final review. Once authorized by the Joint Authorization Board (JAB), the provider is deemed FedRAMP certified. Even after authorization, providers must continuously monitor systems, promptly address security issues, and inform oversight agencies. Providers have to undergo periodic re-assessment and re-authorization to maintain FedRAMP compliance over time as technology and threats evolve.

Leveraging automation to streamline FedRAMP certification

Achieving FedRAMP certification for the first time takes 9-15 months and costs over $1 million. Providers must then spend substantial time and resources to maintain certification. Automating redundant manual processes allows companies to reduce the time, effort, and staffing needed for FedRAMP authorization and continuous monitoring.

With automation, companies free up resources to focus on core security issues rather than performing repetitive compliance tasks. It both streamlines FedRAMP while improving real security posture. Achieving initial fedramp certificationsand maintaining ongoing compliance certainly requires investment. In the case of providers who handle sensitive government data in the cloud, FedRAMP authorization provides a competitive differentiator showing a commitment to data security.