{"id":523738,"date":"2024-08-06T11:52:46","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T15:52:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commvault.com\/glossary-library\/fedramp-high-authorization"},"modified":"2024-08-14T14:57:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T18:57:40","slug":"fedramp-high-authorization","status":"publish","type":"cmv_glossary","link":"https:\/\/www.commvault.com\/glossary-library\/fedramp-high-authorization","title":{"rendered":"FedRAMP High Authorization"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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History and Evolution of FedRAMP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Definition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding FedRAMP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Objectives of FedRAMP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP’s focus areas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Developing a singular, reliable security authorization process to minimize duplication of efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Leveraging National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) standards to assess cloud security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Enhancing collaboration between vendors and agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Driving uniformity across security packages by standardizing best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Assisting agencies in adapting to the cloud by providing a central repository for shared resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 FedRAMP’s roots trace back to the E-Government Act of 2002, which established a framework for improving electronic government services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Cloud technology’s emergence as a transformative force prompted the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework within federal agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 In 2011, the U.S. government formally established FedRAMP, culminating in its official launch in 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 FedRAMP has since evolved into the federal standard for cloud security assessments, ensuring the protection of government data stored in the cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Components of FedRAMP High Authorization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Stringent Security Controls:<\/strong>\u2028FedRAMP 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.\u2028<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Protection of Highly Sensitive Data:<\/strong>\u2028FedRAMP 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.\u2028<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Rigorous Authorization Process:<\/strong>\u2028Achieving 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of FedRAMP High Authorization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Highest Level of Security Assurance:<\/strong>\u2028FedRAMP High Authorization provides the highest level of security assurance, ensuring that CSPs adhere to stringent controls to protect highly sensitive government data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Compliance with Regulatory Standards:<\/strong>\u2028CSPs achieving FedRAMP High Authorization demonstrate compliance with stringent regulatory standards governing the protection of classified government information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Access to Critical Government Contracts:<\/strong>\u2028Authorization 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Mitigation of Catastrophic Risks<\/strong>:\u2028By 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Compliance Categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Low Impact Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Baseline security for cloud systems and data not critical to an agency’s mission, operations, or finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 125 controls secure systems at this level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Moderate Impact Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Involves controlled unclassified information, including personally identifiable information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Compliance with 325 controls is required to mitigate risks to agency operations and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP High Impact Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Designed to protect high-value assets, including national security information and financial records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Requires adherence to 421 controls to prevent disastrous consequences such as financial ruin or loss of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table: Key Differences Between FedRAMP Authorization Levels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Authorization Level<\/strong><\/td>Security Controls<\/strong><\/td>Data Sensitivity<\/strong><\/td>Authorization Process<\/strong><\/td>Number of Cybersecurity Protocols<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Low<\/td>Basic<\/td>Non-sensitive<\/td>Minimal Documentation <\/td>Approximately 125<\/td><\/tr>
Moderate<\/td>Comprehensive<\/td>Sensitive<\/td>Security Assessments, Documentation<\/td>Approximately 325<\/td><\/tr>
High<\/td>Stringent, Additional Controls<\/td>Highly Sensitive, Classified<\/td>Rigorous Process, Additional Controls<\/td>Approximately 425<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP Governance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP is overseen by various executive branch entities collaborating to develop, manage, and operate the program effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key governing bodies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The Joint Authorization Board (JAB), comprising chief information officers (CIOs) from key agencies, makes decisions regarding FedRAMP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) provides guidance and policy direction on federal information technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) develops the program’s framework and oversees compliance efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The CIO Council offers guidance to agencies on cloud computing initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Becoming FedRAMP certified entails a rigorous authorization process for cloud service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steps to FedRAMP authorization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Package development: Includes completing a System Security Plan and engaging a FedRAMP-approved third-party assessment organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Assessment: Security assessment organization submits findings, and the provider creates a remediation plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Authorization: JAB or authorizing agency grants Authority to Operate (ATO) upon determining acceptable risk levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring ensures compliance and addresses evolving threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of FedRAMP Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

FedRAMP compliance offers numerous benefits for both government agencies and cloud service providers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Increased trust and security in storing confidential government data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Cost savings from reduced infrastructure and data center expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Streamlined authorization process, facilitating quick access to cloud services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Expanded market share as agencies prefer FedRAMP-compliant providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Enhanced compliance with other security standards such as HIPAA and SOX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Reduced risk of data breaches and malicious attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Improved efficiency and time-to-market for services with FedRAMP-compliant features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples of FedRAMP Certified Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several cloud-based services have achieved FedRAMP certification, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Amazon Web Services (AWS)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Microsoft Azure Government Cloud<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Google Cloud Platform for Government<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Salesforce<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for Government<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These services comply with FedRAMP’s stringent security requirements, enabling federal agencies to leverage cloud technology securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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