StateRAMP is a security framework that ensures cloud service providers (CSPs) handling government data meet stringent cybersecurity requirements. As more states adopt StateRAMP as a standard for cloud security, CSPs seeking to work with government agencies must achieve and maintain this certification. However, navigating the certification process presents several challenges, even for seasoned professionals. This… Read More
Securing these digital environments is paramount as cloud-based systems and services become more integral to government operations. Enter the FedRAMP Digital Authorization Package Pilot, a significant milestone in modernizing and automating the FedRAMP authorization process. This pilot program aims to streamline the FedRAMP process, accelerating cloud adoption by improving security assessments’ efficiency, transparency, and reusability.… Read More
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) is a category of sensitive information that, while not classified, still requires protection under federal regulations. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework ensures that companies within the Defense Industrial Base properly handle CUI to protect national security interests. This article delves into data classification, focusing on how businesses can ensure… Read More
The urgent need for standardized cybersecurity protocols has become paramount to mitigate these risks. This is where StateRAMP comes into play. Modeled after FedRAMP, StateRAMP ensures that cloud service providers meet rigorous security standards before working with state governments. In this article, we’ll explore the cost implications of StateRAMP compliance, its security benefits, and how… Read More
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is evolving to streamline and enhance its cloud security framework for federal agencies and cloud service providers (CSPs). The latest updates, stemming from two significant announcements, signify critical shifts in FedRAMP’s authorization process, which aims to promote efficiency, security, and scalability for cloud solutions used across government… Read More
Implementing SOC 2 standards is critical for organizations operating in these high-risk industries to safeguard their data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. This article will explore the importance of SOC 2 in these challenging industries, the critical practices for implementing these standards, and the best practices for successful adoption.
Hardware vulnerabilities have emerged as a critical concern in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. As organizations strengthen their software defenses, attackers increasingly target hardware components to exploit inherent weaknesses. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) — highly sophisticated and targeted attacks often backed by nation-states — leverage these hardware vulnerabilities to compromise systems at a fundamental level,… Read More
If you’re interested in cybersecurity, you’ve most likely heard of the rise of state-sponsored cybersecurity attacks. With the growth of cloud platforms and third-party providers, you may not know that these attacks are now a threat to a broader range of organizations and businesses than ever before. Here, we cover some of the latest state-sponsored… Read More
To help limit compliance costs and support local adoption of stringent cybersecurity measures, the StateRAMP organization has announced that it is moving forward with a plan to map the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) framework into StateRAMP. What does this mean for CSPs at the state level? So far, we don’t know much, but it… Read More
As government agencies continue to rely on cloud services and secure data management, companies involved in these sectors must navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) are two of the most critical frameworks in this space. For companies pulling multiple responsibilities in government… Read More
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a critical initiative to enhance companies’ cybersecurity practices within the defense industrial base. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, the Department of Defense implemented CMMC to ensure that all contractors have robust cybersecurity measures. Managed Service Providers play an essential role in this ecosystem, offering… Read More
As businesses navigate the complexities of CMMC, the need for robust Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools becomes increasingly critical. These tools facilitate achieving compliance and ensure that organizations maintain a state of readiness, reducing the risk of cybersecurity breaches. This article covers what it means to incorporate tools, solutions, or platforms to help decision-makers… Read More
While outsourcing can drive efficiency and innovation, it also introduces significant risks, particularly concerning data security and compliance. Many security frameworks have taken up the responsibility of helping organizations manage threats in this context, and SOC 2 is no different. This article explores the intersection of SOC 2 compliance and third-party vendor risk management, providing… Read More
With the rise in cyber threats targeting sensitive defense-related information, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become more pressing than ever. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) was developed to address these concerns. The transition from CMMC 1.0 to CMMC 2.0 has recently brought about significant changes to simplify compliance while maintaining stringent cybersecurity… Read More
In today’s highly regulated environment, federal agencies and their contractors must navigate a complex landscape of security requirements. For BDMs and TDMs, understanding and leveraging FedRAMP-compliant platforms is crucial for successfully navigating the authorization process and ensuring long-term operational security. This article will focus on why it’s crucial to find and work with security tools… Read More
The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a central repository for criminal justice information services in the United States. It ensures that sensitive data is protected through stringent security requirements and guidelines. Obtaining CJIS accreditation is crucial for businesses and organizations that handle this data. This article… Read More
Another area of security and data privacy is law enforcement. Unsurprisingly, law enforcement and other national security agencies would handle private information, and such rules and regulations around protecting said information are of paramount concern. Here, we’ll discuss the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services division and its compliance requirements.
Question: Are you internally managing compliance and cybersecurity? Many organizations struggle to match the speed of innovation in cybersecurity threats and face an equally challenging task of managing the upkeep of most modern compliance frameworks. Outsourcing cybersecurity services has emerged as a strategic move for many organizations seeking to enhance their security posture without incurring… Read More
In today’s data-driven world, organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive information daily. Data compliance and robust governance are crucial for maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and availability while avoiding the pitfalls of a privacy breach or noncompliance. This article discusses what it means to implement data governance policies for data compliance across several different (privacy-centric) frameworks. … Read More
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-218, also known as the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), is a critical guideline for organizations that want to strengthen their software development processes against cyber threats. Adhering to NIST 800-218 ensures secure software development, reduces vulnerabilities, and enhances overall cybersecurity posture. As organizations strive… Read More
You’re probably not a programmer. However, how your programmers work on software can majorly impact your software development process, particularly regarding security. Over the past few years, attackers have been able to infiltrate common software packages, specifically through modularity. Shared libraries and open repositories have led to major security issues that, while seemingly small, can… Read More
In the evolving global cybersecurity landscape, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification has emerged as a critical framework for safeguarding sensitive information within the defense industrial base. Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, CMMC aims to enhance the protection of controlled unclassified information (CUI) from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. This article discusses CMMC within the… Read More
Compliance Cartography offers a comprehensive compliance consultancy service designed to simplify and streamline the complex landscape of regulatory requirements. We provide organizations with a “map” to navigate through various compliance frameworks, such as FedRAMP, PCI DSS, CMMC, HIPAA, and more. We integrate automation and advanced tools to assess, manage, and monitor compliance risks effectively. We offer features like auto-mapping between standards, real-time… Read More
Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable due to limited IT and security resources and expertise, which can hinder their ability to build software for government agencies and contractors. Standards exist to help these businesses stay in the game and remain competitive in a crowded software market, however. Specifically, the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF).… Read More