FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program)

 FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a US government program that standardizes security assessment and authorization for cloud computing services used by federal agencies.

Key Components:

- Security standards based on NIST SP 800-53

- Three impact levels: Low, Moderate, High

- Third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) conduct evaluations

- Continuous monitoring requirements

- "Do once, use many times" approach

Authorization Process:

1. Security controls implementation

2. 3PAO assessment

3. Agency review

4. Authorization decision

5. Continuous monitoring

Benefits:

- Standardized security approach

- Cost savings through reuse

- Improved cloud adoption

- Risk management consistency

Providers must maintain compliance through continuous monitoring and annual assessments to retain authorization.