Overview
Info
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide program that standardizes the approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.
FedRAMP ensures that cloud solutions used by federal agencies meet strict cybersecurity requirements and follow a consistent review and approval process.
Purpose
- Protect government data in commercial cloud environments
- Streamline security authorizations for cloud service providers (CSPs)
- Promote reuse of authorized cloud services across agencies
Core Components
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Security Assessment Framework (SAF)
A step-by-step process for evaluating cloud services against federal security controls (aligned with NIST SP 800-53). -
Authorization Paths
- Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Authorization
- Agency Authorization (sponsored by a single federal agency)
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Continuous Monitoring
Ongoing reviews, vulnerability scans, and reporting to maintain compliance post-authorization. -
FedRAMP Marketplace
A public listing of cloud services at different authorization stages (Ready, In Process, Authorized).
Compliance Levels
Note
FedRAMP defines security requirements based on impact levels:
- Low Impact – Data that’s publicly available or not sensitive
- Moderate Impact – Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), typical for most government systems
- High Impact – Critical systems with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability needs
Who It Applies To
- Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) selling to U.S. federal agencies
- Federal agencies using or procuring cloud-based services
- Third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) conducting audits
Summary
Tip
FedRAMP is essential for CSPs working with the U.S. government. It saves time and money by enabling authorization reuse, enhances security through standardized controls, and builds trust in cloud adoption.
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