By Chor-Ching Fan

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Joint Authorization Board has approved the Rev. 5 baselines, aligning them with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-53 Rev. 5. Let’s dive into a high-level summary of the recently released documents to understand the benefits and implications for your business.

Cloud Service Provider (CSP) Transition Plan

The CSP Transition Plan is designed to provide a structured approach to completing security assessments and reports. It aims to streamline the transition process while ensuring adherence to the latest security standards. The CSP Transition Plan outlines the required deadlines for transitioning from Rev. 4 to Rev. 5 and identifies essential tasks and methodologies to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition.

  • Timeline for Transition

The plan establishes a clear timeline for transitioning to Rev. 5. It categorizes CSPs based on their stage in the FedRAMP authorization process and provides date-based transition periods for each category.

  • Transition Tasks and Methodologies

To ensure a successful transition, the plan outlines the tasks required for a seamless migration to Rev. 5. Additionally, it offers a recommended methodology for determining the scope of assessments and reports.

  • Assessing and Mitigating Risk 

The plan provides a recommended methodology for addressing the risks associated with continuing to leverage CSPs, such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), that have not yet completed the transition to Rev. 5.

By following the prescribed tasks and methodologies in the CSP Transition Plan, SMBs can navigate the transition process effectively, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring compliance with the updated FedRAMP requirements.

Rev. 5 Baselines

The Rev. 5 Baselines bring several significant improvements to cloud security by aligning security controls more closely with NIST guidelines. Let’s explore the key highlights:

  • Enhanced Guidance for Security Controls

The updated baselines provide significant guidance for many security controls, strengthening the resilience of your cloud infrastructure against cyber threats. The FedRAMP website provides a Rev. 4 To Rev. 5 Baseline Comparison Summary.

  • Areas Outside FedRAMP Baselines

Privacy controls and Program Management (PM) controls are not included in FedRAMP baselines. These controls, and others outside the FedRAMP baselines, remain at agency discretion. This flexibility allows your organization to adapt security measures based on specific requirements or unique circumstances.

With the announcement of Rev. 5 Baselines it’s crucial to exercise due diligence and consult with experts to ensure adequate protection without compromising compliance. That’s where Rizkly comes in.

Rizkly is a game-changer in achieving FedRAMP authorization with ease and affordability. Forget the headaches and hefty expenses that come with navigating the complex world of compliance. Rizkly offers a streamlined solution that combines dedicated expertise, automatic SSP and audit report generation, OSCAL automation and customizable policy templates, all powered by our cutting-edge FedRAMP compliance automation software. With Rizkly by your side, you’ll embark on a more efficient and effective path, leaving behind the daunting choices of going solo or relying on expensive consulting firms. Say goodbye to unnecessary complications and embrace a smoother journey to FedRAMP authorization. Schedule a chat with us today and see how Rizkly makes FedRAMP authorization easier.