Understanding FedRAMP: A Standard for Cloud Security
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a U.S. government initiative that standardizes the security, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring of cloud products and services. It ensures that federal agencies adopt secure cloud solutions while meeting stringent data security requirements.
Established by the Federal Government, FedRAMP applies to all federal agency cloud deployments and service models—except certain on-premises private clouds. Compliance is determined by impact levels based on data sensitivity and potential risks: Low, Moderate, and High.
FedRAMP Authorization Paths: Agency vs. JAB
FedRAMP offers two primary routes for Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to achieve authorization:
- Agency Authorization Path:
In this approach, federal agencies collaborate directly with a CSP to pursue an Authority to Operate (ATO). This path offers flexibility, as agencies can work with CSPs at any time. - Joint Authorization Board (JAB) Path:
The JAB, composed of representatives from major federal entities like the Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provides a provisional authorization. While this path offers broader visibility, it is typically more rigorous and time-intensive.
Both paths require an independent evaluation by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) accredited by FedRAMP and a technical review conducted by the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO).
Impact Levels: Categorizing Security Requirements
FedRAMP uses the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 Rev. 4 as its baseline, augmented by additional FedRAMP-specific controls. The three impact levels, defined by NIST FIPS 199, are:
- Low Impact: Limited adverse effects if confidentiality, integrity, or availability is compromised.
- Moderate Impact: Serious adverse effects, typically applicable to cloud solutions handling personally identifiable information (PII).
- High Impact: Severe or catastrophic consequences, used for systems processing highly sensitive data like defense or healthcare information.
Understanding these levels helps CSPs and agencies align their cloud security requirements with potential risks.
Building a FedRAMP-Compliant Atlassian Ecosystem
For public sector organizations eager to leverage Atlassian’s suite of tools—like Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket—ensuring FedRAMP compliance is key. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose the Right Deployment Model:
Deploying Atlassian’s Data Center products provides flexibility, allowing you to use either on-premises environments or third-party cloud providers. - Collaborate With Experienced CSPs:
Work with a FedRAMP-authorized CSP with expertise in configuring FedRAMP-compliant Atlassian deployments. This avoids unnecessary delays and ensures seamless integration. - Implement Continuous Monitoring:
Achieving compliance isn’t a one-time process. CSPs must maintain regular reporting, vulnerability scans, and annual assessments to demonstrate adherence to FedRAMP standards.
Why FedRAMP Compliance Matters for Government Agencies
FedRAMP simplifies cloud adoption for federal agencies by providing a standardized framework. A certified CSP saves agencies time and resources by eliminating the need for repeated assessments across multiple organizations.
For CSPs, achieving FedRAMP authorization establishes credibility and trust in the public sector market, enabling collaboration on high-stakes projects.
Clovity: Your Trusted Partner for Secure Cloud Deployments
At Clovity, we specialize in tailoring FedRAMP-compliant Atlassian solutions for federal agencies. As a Gold Solution Partner with Atlassian, our team combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of public sector requirements.
We ensure that your Atlassian tools—whether on Data Center or Cloud—align with your organization’s security needs and business objectives. From initial setup to continuous monitoring, Clovity makes compliance straightforward and efficient.
📧 Contact us at sales@clovity.com or visit 🌐 atlassian.clovity.com to explore how we can help your organization navigate FedRAMP compliance with confidence.
