The New One FedRAMP Authorization Approach

Michael Peters

2 months ago

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 agencies.

This article explores these new developments on a single authorization pathway through the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) and broader modernization efforts within FedRAMP.

FedRAMP’s Move to a Single Authorization Pathway

One of the most significant recent changes in FedRAMP is the shift towards a single authorization pathway driven by the JAB. This transition simplifies the certification process, replacing the previous system, which involved separate tracks for JAB and agency authorizations.

The Joint Authorization Board (JAB)

The JAB is central in managing risk for federal agencies’ cloud systems. It comprises representatives from the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the General Services Administration (GSA). It is responsible for reviewing and granting provisional authorizations to operate (P-ATO) for cloud systems.

Historically, there were two distinct pathways to FedRAMP certification: the JAB and agency routes. This dual system often caused confusion among cloud service providers (CSPs) and increased complexity in obtaining certifications. The move to a single JAB-centered pathway is designed to:

Enhance uniformity: All cloud providers will follow a standardized risk assessment and authorization procedure by consolidating the authorization process under the JAB.
Reduce duplication: Multiple agencies no longer need to conduct their reviews, as JAB authorizations will now be valid for use across the federal government.
Increase efficiency: The streamlined process aims to reduce the time it takes to obtain authorizations, making it easier for cloud providers to enter the federal marketplace.

This new process also integrates the JAB Prioritization Framework, which ensures that high-risk cloud systems undergo the necessary reviews and are given higher priority in the authorization process.

The Next Phase of FedRAMP Modernization

The shift to a unified JAB authorization pathway is part of a broader modernization effort within FedRAMP, designed to make the program more agile, scalable, and effective in addressing the rapidly evolving cloud security landscape.

FedRAMP’s modernization goals are focused on improving several key areas, including:

Automation: FedRAMP is investing in automating its security package reviews. By leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), FedRAMP can process security documentation faster and more accurately.
Risk-based prioritization: With the ever-growing number of cloud systems, it’s crucial to prioritize those with the highest risk profiles. FedRAMP is refining its prioritization process to focus on systems with higher potential impacts on federal operations. This allows for more efficient use of resources, with lower-risk systems handled through simplified processes.
Transparency and stakeholder engagement: FedRAMP is enhancing its communication channels with CSPs, agencies, and other stakeholders. By providing clearer guidelines and regular updates on process changes, FedRAMP aims to foster better collaboration and understanding between all parties involved in the certification process.
Improved customer experience: A key aspect of the modernization efforts is ensuring that CSPs and federal agencies have a smoother, more user-friendly experience when interacting with the FedRAMP framework. This includes updating the FedRAMP website, improving documentation, and making the authorization process more intuitive.

Benefits for Cloud Service Providers and Federal Agencies

The transition to a single authorization pathway offers several benefits for both cloud service providers and federal agencies:

Cloud Service Providers

Simplified Certification Process: Under the JAB, CSPs only need one unified process, eliminating the need to navigate different agency-specific requirements.
Increased Market Access: Once authorized by the JAB, CSPs can offer their services to all federal agencies, removing the need for redundant certifications.
Faster Time to Market: The streamlined authorization process is expected to reduce CSPs’ time to achieve certification, allowing them to enter the federal marketplace more quickly.

Federal Agencies

Enhanced Security: The JAB’s rigorous review process ensures that cloud systems meet the highest security standards before being approved for government use.
Cost Savings: Agencies no longer need to invest in separate security reviews for each CSP, as JAB authorizations can be reused across the federal government.
Operational Efficiency: By using pre-authorized cloud systems, agencies can avoid delays in procurement and deployment, leading to faster implementation of cloud solutions.

Addressing Challenges: What’s Next for FedRAMP?

While the move to a single authorization pathway and the broader modernization efforts are primarily seen as positive developments, there are still challenges to address:

Scalability: As more CSPs seek authorization, the JAB must ensure it has the resources to handle the increased workload. FedRAMP is exploring ways to scale its operations, including hiring additional staff and investing in automation technologies.
Maintaining Flexibility: While standardization is a key goal, FedRAMP must ensure its framework remains flexible enough to accommodate new and emerging technologies.
Ensuring Equitable Access: Smaller CSPs may face challenges navigating the JAB authorization process, which could be perceived as favoring larger providers with more resources. FedRAMP is committed to ensuring that the process is equitable and accessible to providers of all sizes.

FedRAMP’s ongoing efforts to refine its risk-based prioritization framework will be critical in addressing these challenges. By focusing resources on the highest-risk systems, FedRAMP can ensure that security remains robust while maintaining flexibility for CSPs of all sizes.

Work with FedRAMP-Authorized Lazarus Alliance

Whether you’re a cloud provider looking for your first authorization or an established cloud offering that needs ongoing support and monitoring, trust our experienced security experts to make your journey smooth and easy.

To learn more about how Lazarus Alliance can help, contact us.

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