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FedRAMP: Why It Matters and How BARR Advisory and 360 Advanced Can Help You Prepare

November 21, 2024 | Cybersecurity Consulting, FedRAMP

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a U.S. government initiative designed to provide a standardized approach to security assessments for cloud service providers (CSPs) that serve federal agencies.  An essential standard for any CSP working with government organizations, FedRAMP offers a simple, comprehensive framework for meeting government security requirements while protecting sensitive federal data. 

Achieving FedRAMP authorization represents your organization’s commitment to security and opens the door to valuable government contracts. While the path to FedRAMP authorization can be complex, BARR Advisory specializes in FedRAMP readiness, guiding clients through the preparation process before the official assessment conducted by our trusted partner, 360 Advanced.

Why Pursue FedRAMP

Organizations seek to obtain FedRAMP authorization for various reasons. First, FedRAMP is mandatory for CSPs wanting to partner with federal agencies. Obtaining FedRAMP compliance signals to the market that your company is qualified to handle sensitive government data and opens up opportunities for government contracts. 

Additionally, FedRAMP compliance strengthens your overall security posture, which increases your credibility with federal clients and reassures commercial clients of your commitment to protecting their data. In an increasingly competitive market, FedRAMP authorization helps build trust within the industry. 

FedRAMP is more than just a federal requirement; it’s an investment that enhances your security posture, broadens your market opportunities, and establishes your organization as a trusted provider in government and private sectors. 

At BARR Advisory, we focus on readiness to ensure you’re fully prepared for the FedRAMP assessment process.  

BARR’s Readiness Process

  • Initial Assessment: BARR starts with a comprehensive readiness assessment, identifying any gaps in your organization’s current security posture against FedRAMP requirements. This step helps establish a clear roadmap for what’s needed to achieve authorization. 
  • Documentation and Policies: We work with you to develop the necessary documentation, such as security policies and procedures that align with FedRAMP requirements. This ensures that everything from incident response to data protection meets the stringent standards required by FedRAMP. 
  • Implementation of Controls: Once gaps are identified, BARR works with you to implement the required security controls. These include technical, operational, and management processes. 
  • Continuous Monitoring: After controls are in place, BARR helps establish ongoing monitoring and reporting systems, a critical part of maintaining authorization post-assessment. 
  • Final Review: Before the official audit, BARR conducts a final review to ensure everything is ready for the FedRAMP authorization process, minimizing risks during the final assessment. 

Once your readiness assessment is complete, you’re ready to begin the authorization process. Our partner, 360 Advanced, has a proven process for getting your organization across the finish line. 

360 Advanced’s Proven FedRAMP Certification Process: 

As a FedRAMP Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), 360 Advanced conducts the official security assessment necessary for FedRAMP authorization. We follow a structured, efficient process to ensure your organization meets all the rigorous security controls and requirements laid out by the FedRAMP program. 

  • Initial Review and Planning: We kick off the process by reviewing your readiness assessment and establishing a clear plan of action. This includes a detailed timeline and identification of key stakeholders involved in the audit. 
  • Assessment and Testing: Our team of experienced assessors conducts a thorough evaluation of your cloud environment, testing the implemented security controls across technical, operational, and management levels. This phase ensures that all FedRAMP-mandated security controls are functioning as intended. 
  • Documentation and Reporting: We prepare the required Security Assessment Report (SAR), providing detailed documentation of the findings from the assessment. This report highlights any issues or gaps discovered during testing, ensuring full transparency for both you and the federal government. 
  • Remediation Support: If any deficiencies are identified, we work closely with your team to implement corrective actions. This step helps ensure that all findings are resolved before the final submission to the Joint Authorization Board (JAB) or agency. 
  • Final Authorization: Once all findings are addressed and your security controls are verified, we submit the final assessment package, guiding you through any last steps in the FedRAMP authorization process. 

With 360 Advanced, you benefit from expert guidance and a streamlined process that minimizes delays, ensuring your organization achieves FedRAMP authorization efficiently and effectively. 

Together, BARR and 360 Advanced offer organizations a simple yet thorough approach to FedRAMP authorization that ensures a strong, resilient security posture while accelerating business growth in the government sector. Ready to kick off your journey to FedRAMP authorization? Contact us today to get started. 

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