{"id":17551,"date":"2023-12-03T21:25:08","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T21:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/?p=17551"},"modified":"2023-12-03T21:25:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T21:25:10","slug":"fedramp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businessyield.com\/tech\/technology\/fedramp\/","title":{"rendered":"FEDRAMP: What It Is and Why Is It So Important?","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The protection of sensitive data and information is critical, particularly for government agencies and organizations. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) was created to address the unique issues that the federal government has while using cloud services. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of FedRAMP, exploring its purpose, certification process, marketplace, requirements, and the role of FedRAMP consultants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is FedRAMP<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP, which stands for Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a federal government-wide program that assesses, authorizes, and monitors cloud service providers (CSPs) employed by federal agencies. Its primary goal is to secure and protect federal data stored and processed in cloud environments. Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program enables agencies to adopt cloud services with confidence by standardizing the security assessment process and\u00a0promoting efficiency, cost savings, and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Types of Businesses Need to Be FedRAMP Compliant?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your company offers cloud computing or software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and wants to work with a US government agency, you must be able to demonstrate that your system is FedRAMP compliant. Every federal government contract includes standardized language for FedRAMP obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be able to sell your system to a federal government agency, you\u2019ll need to get proper authorization for your system. Getting through the FedRAMP authorization process will involve a large amount of work from your organization. As such, it is crucial to understand the FedRAMP authorization process as soon as you decide to target federal agencies as customers. However, before you start the FedRAMP compliance journey, you need to have a system that is fully developed and operating, and a leadership team that\u2019s committed and fully bought into the FedRAMP process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Marketplace<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The FedRAMP Marketplace serves as a central repository for FedRAMP-authorized cloud service offerings. It provides a comprehensive list of pre-vetted, compliant cloud service providers to federal agencies, easing the procurement process. The marketplace enables agencies to find CSPs that meet their specific needs, such as service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), deployment models (public, private, hybrid), and security impact levels (low, moderate, high).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Certification<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP certification indicates that a cloud service provider has met stringent security requirements and has been thoroughly evaluated by an authorized third-party assessment organization (3PAO). It demonstrates the provider’s commitment to putting in place strong security controls and safeguards, instilling trust in federal agencies and potential customers. FedRAMP certification provides CSPs with a competitive advantage by allowing them to reach a broader customer base that includes federal agencies and other organizations looking for enhanced security measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FedRAMP certification process is divided into several stages, the first of which is the selection of a suitable cloud service provider. Once chosen, the CSP must go through a comprehensive security assessment performed by an accredited 3PAO. This evaluation assesses the provider’s compliance with the FedRAMP security controls and requirements. After the assessment is completed successfully, the CSP submits a package to the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) for review and authorization. Finally, the CSP receives FedRAMP authorization, allowing it to provide cloud services to federal agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is a FedRAMP Certification Important?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All cloud services holding federal data must have FedRAMP authorization. If you want to work with the federal government, FedRAMP authorization is an important part of your security plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP ensures consistency in the security of the government\u2019s cloud services. Further, it ensures consistency in evaluating and monitoring that security. It provides one set of standards for all government agencies and all cloud providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP lists cloud service providers that are FedRAMP authorized in the FedRAMP Marketplace. This marketplace is where government agencies go to source a new cloud-based solution. It\u2019s considerably easier for an agency to employ a product that\u2019s already authorized than to start the process with a new vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, a listing in the FedRAMP marketplace makes you much more likely to get more business from government agencies. But it might also increase your profile in the private sector. That\u2019s because the FedRAMP marketplace is visible to the public. Any private sector company can browse the FedRAMP-approved solutions list. It\u2019s a great resource when they\u2019re looking to source a secure cloud product or service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP authorization can make any client more confident about a provider\u2019s security protocols. It represents an ongoing commitment to meeting the highest security standards. FedRAMP authorization boosts your security credibility beyond the FedRAMP Marketplace, too. You can post your FedRAMP permission on social media and your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is that most of your clients probably don\u2019t know what the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program is. They don\u2019t care whether you\u2019re authorized or not. But for those large clients who do understand Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program obligations \u2013 in both the public and private sectors \u2013 lack of authorization may be a deal-breaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does it Take to get FedRAMP Certified?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two alternative ways to get FedRAMP accredited. Both approaches include three main stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n