FedRAMP Authorization Process

 The FedRAMP authorization process is designed to ensure that cloud service providers (CSPs) meet stringent security requirements for providing cloud services to federal agencies. The process ensures that cloud environments are secure and compliant with federal standards.

As represented in the graphic above, the first phase of the FedRAMP authorization process is that the cloud service provider must first be sponsored by a federal agency or seek a FedRAMP Program authorization. Sponsorship is critical for starting the FedRAMP process.  The requiring Agency categorized the cloud offering using the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Publication 199 to determine the security impact level either Low, Moderate, or High.

In the second phase, the CSP prepares a detailed System Security Plan (SSP) that outlines how they will implement the required security controls. This includes architectural designs, data flows, and the implementation of FedRAMP-mandated security controls. CSPs also engage a Third Party Assessment Organizations (3PAO) to conduct an independent assessment of their cloud environment, ensuring it meets FedRAMP’s security controls.

The 3PAO develops a Security Assessment Plan (SSA), describing how they will test the security controls implemented by the cloud service provider.

The 3PAO conducts a comprehensive assessment of the cloud service provider’s system by performing tests, including vulnerability scans and penetration tests, to ensure security controls are effective.

After the tests, the Third Party Assessment Organization prepares a Security Assessment Report detailing the results of the assessment, any identified weaknesses, and recommendations for remediation.

The CSP addresses any identified weaknesses and updates their documentation. They also provide a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to outline how and when they will resolve any lingering issues.

Once authorized, the cloud service provider  must continuously monitor their cloud system to ensure ongoing compliance with security controls. This includes regular vulnerability scanning, updates to the Security Assessment Plan, and incident reporting.

Each year, the CSP undergoes a review to maintain their FedRAMP authorization. This includes security control assessments and documentation updates.