Are you nRAMP Ready?
nClouds’ comprehensive nRAMP service provides deep expertise in various frameworks (StateRAMP, TxRAMP, FedRAMP) that AWS sellers rely on to provide SMB customers with accessible and cost-effective guidance. nClouds addresses these common challenges with a consistent approach across all nRAMP frameworks. Our “cradle-to-grave” offering includes everything necessary (excluding third-party software costs) to achieve nRAMP compliance within a specified timeframe for the client’s AWS environment and more.
Key Features
Advisory Services
We begin with a virtual Client Compliance Officer (vCCO) who, working with our nRAMP approved advisors, conducts a thorough gap analysis and identifies areas that need improvement.
Remediation Plan
Based on the gap analysis, we develop a customized plan to address and remediate each identified issue before engaging a third-party auditor. The vCCO remains actively involved throughout this process, acting as a guide and coordinator.
Third-Party Audit
Once the vCCO deems the client ready, we work with our trusted Third-Party Auditor to conduct a formal nRAMP Ready or Authority to Operate audit.
Throughout the project, the client has a dedicated project owner, the vCCO, who works in partnership with a professional project manager for the entire duration of the project.
Speed of nRAMP Readiness
There are different approaches to achieving FedRAMP Moderate Ready status, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Phased Approach
(24-36 months)
- This approach breaks down the compliance journey into smaller, manageable steps over a longer period.
Benefits:
- Easier to manage workloads and costs.
- Allows organizations to gradually build their security posture.
- Suitable for organizations with limited resources.
Drawbacks:
- Longer time to achieve full compliance.
- Requires sustained effort over an extended period.
Accelerated Approach
(Dedicated Effort)
- This approach involves dedicating significant resources to achieve compliance within a shorter timeframe (potentially within a year).
Benefits:
- Faster time to market for cloud service providers.
- Allows organizations to quickly meet urgent compliance requirements.
- style=”padding-top: 8px;”Demonstrates a strong commitment to security.
Drawbacks:
- Requires a higher upfront investment of resources.
- May put a strain on existing staff and processes.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best approach for your organization depends on several factors, including:
1. Budget: Phased approaches are generally less expensive upfront but may have higher long-term costs.
2. Time constraints: If you have a tight deadline, an accelerated approach may be necessary.
3. Organizational resources: Consider your available staff, expertise, and existing security controls.
4. Risk tolerance: A phased approach may be suitable for organizations with a higher risk tolerance, while an accelerated approach may be better for those seeking a more rapid and thorough compliance process.
Hybrid Approach
Some organizations opt for a hybrid approach, starting with a phased implementation and then accelerating specific areas where compliance can be achieved more quickly.
Ultimately, the most effective approach is one that aligns with your organization’s specific needs, resources, and goals. By carefully evaluating your options and working with experienced consultants, you can develop a successful strategy to achieve FedRAMP Moderate Ready status.
What does nRAMP Ready Cost?
The cost of an nRAMP Ready project isn’t fixed. During the initial scoping phase, nClouds will discuss several factors with the client, including the size of their cloud environment, the specific scope (boundary) of the project, and their existing experience with compliance. Prior experience with compliance programs like FedRAMP can often streamline the process.
Based on these discussions, project costs are estimated to start at a minimum of $250,000 for the nRAMP Ready Assessment and Remediation phase, followed by an additional $150,000 for the final nRAMP Ready audit. The Phased approach allows SMBs to spread that cost out over time in consumable steps.
It’s important to note that nRAMPs require the use of approved Third-Party Tools (TPTs), which contribute to the overall project costs. The total cost of TPTs can range from $50,000 to $400,000, depending mainly on the size and complexity of the environment within the defined boundary.
Cost is one reason clients may want to implement a slow approach to nRAMP by choosing a phased approach and spread the costs over a greater time while still targeting nRAMP Ready status for the future.
To get started with your own nRAMP, please contact an nClouds rep today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FedRAMP?
FedRAMP, short for the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a U.S. government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.
What are FedRAMP’s levels?
FedRAMP doesn’t have different “levels” in the traditional sense. Instead, it categorizes cloud services into three impact levels based on the potential impact of a security breach on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information they process:
Low Impact: Systems where a security breach would have a limited adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. These systems typically hold non-sensitive data.
Moderate Impact: Systems where a security breach would have a serious adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. This is the most common impact level for FedRAMP authorizations and covers a wide range of federal systems.
High Impact: Systems where a security breach would have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on organizational operations, organizational assets, or individuals. These systems hold highly sensitive data and require the most stringent security controls.
Each impact level has a corresponding set of security controls and requirements outlined in the FedRAMP baseline documents. Cloud service providers (CSPs) seeking FedRAMP authorization must implement the controls relevant to their designated impact level.
What is TxRAMP?
TxRAMP, or Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program, is a state-level cybersecurity framework modeled after the federal FedRAMP program. It aims to standardize security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud services used by Texas state agencies and public higher education institutions.
What is StateRAMP?
StateRAMP is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and standardize cybersecurity practices for cloud service providers (CSPs) serving state and local governments in the United States. It’s designed to streamline the procurement process for government agencies by providing a standardized framework for assessing the security of cloud services.
Participating states, such as Texas with its TxRAMP program, offer reciprocity for StateRAMP holders. This means a StateRAMP Level 1 client can easily obtain a TxRAMP Level 1 attestation without the need for additional, costly audits. For clients operating in multiple states, StateRAMP provides a distinct advantage by streamlining compliance efforts and requiring only a single audit.
What is nRAMP?
The term “nRAMP” is a colloquial reference that encompasses the entire family of RAMP frameworks, including FedRAMP, StateRAMP, and TxRAMP. It’s a convenient shorthand to refer to these programs collectively, especially when discussing their similarities, shared objectives, and common challenges in cybersecurity compliance.
What’s involved in an nRAMP Audit?
A FedRAMP audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a cloud service provider’s (CSP) security posture to ensure it aligns with the stringent requirements of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP).
Preparation
Documentation Review: The auditor will review the CSP’s System Security Plan (SSP), policies, procedures, and other relevant documentation to understand the system’s architecture, security controls, and risk management processes.
Evidence Gathering: The CSP will be required to provide evidence demonstrating the implementation and effectiveness of their security controls. This may include configuration settings, vulnerability scan reports, security incident logs, and more.
Security Control Assessment:
Control Testing: The auditor will conduct rigorous testing of the implemented security controls to verify their effectiveness in protecting the system and its data. This may involve interviews with personnel, vulnerability scans, penetration testing, and reviews of system logs.
Control Validation: The auditor will compare the tested controls against the FedRAMP baseline requirements to ensure they meet or exceed the necessary standards.
Findings and Remediation:
Security Assessment Report (SAR): The auditor will compile their findings in a comprehensive SAR, detailing any security deficiencies or non-compliance issues identified during the audit.
Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M): The CSP will develop a POA&M outlining how they will address the identified deficiencies and achieve compliance within a specified timeframe.
Continuous Monitoring:
Ongoing Assessments: Even after receiving authorization, CSPs are required to continuously monitor their systems, implement security updates, and conduct regular assessments to maintain compliance with FedRAMP requirements.
Incident Reporting: Any security incidents must be promptly reported to the FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) and the authorizing agency.
Key Considerations
1. 3PAO Involvement: FedRAMP audits are conducted by independent third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) that are accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).
2. Audit Scope: The scope of the audit depends on the FedRAMP impact level of the cloud service (Low, Moderate, or High). Higher impact levels require more stringent controls and a more comprehensive audit.
3. Time and Cost: FedRAMP audits can be time-consuming and expensive, requiring significant investment in resources and expertise.
4. Value of Preparation: Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful audit. Engaging a FedRAMP consultant can help streamline the process and ensure compliance.
Ready to get started?
To kick off your nRAMP, please see our AWS Marketplace Offer: