Benchmark for FedRAMP Low Revision 4 Security Assessment and Authorization

The Security Assessment and Authorization for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Low Revision 4 is a rigorous standard designed to safeguard the security and reliability of cloud services used by federal government agencies. FedRAMP is a government-wide initiative that offers a standardized method for evaluating, approving, and continuously overseeing the security of cloud products and services.

This benchmark concentrates on the low impact level, pertaining to systems that store non-sensitive, publicly available data. Its primary goal is to evaluate and authorize cloud services for supporting federal agencies' low-impact systems.

The benchmark aligns with the FedRAMP Low Baseline guidelines, which include a range of security controls and assessment procedures to assess the efficiency and adherence of cloud services to the specified security criteria. These controls encompass various security aspects like access controls, incident response, system protection, and risk assessment.

Cloud service providers (CSPs) seeking authorization undergo a rigorous Security Assessment and Authorization process. They begin with a readiness assessment to evaluate their preparedness for the evaluation, reviewing system security plans, control implementation, and documentation. Subsequently, the CSP moves on to the Security Assessment phase, where an independent team scrutinizes the effectiveness of the implemented security controls.

The Security Assessment comprises a thorough documentation review to validate the accuracy and completeness of security documentation like security plans, risk assessments, and incident response strategies. It also includes a technical evaluation examining the CSP's infrastructure, configurations, and vulnerability scanning to detect potential security gaps.

Following the assessment, the CSP submits its authorization package for review by the relevant federal agency. If approved, the cloud service is listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace, indicating compliance with program security standards. The CSP holds responsibility for ongoing security maintenance, which includes continuous monitoring, incident reporting, and periodic reassessments to ensure continued adherence to FedRAMP requirements.

By adhering to the rigorous Security Assessment and Authorization for FedRAMP Low Revision 4, CSPs can showcase their dedication to robust security practices and trustworthy cloud services for federal agencies. This not only secures sensitive data but also expedites cloud service adoption by simplifying assessment and authorization for government bodies.