COBIT
Framework for enterprise IT governance and management
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorizations
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides comprehensive enterprise IT governance frameworks globally, while FedRAMP mandates standardized cloud security authorizations for U.S. federal agencies. Organizations adopt COBIT for strategic alignment and risk management; FedRAMP for mandatory federal cloud market access.
COBIT
COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- Tailors governance system using 11 design factors
- Defines 40 objectives across five core domains
- Measures capability with CMMI-based 0-5 levels
- Separates governance from management responsibilities
- Cascades goals from stakeholders to practices
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- NIST 800-53 Rev 5 baselines with cloud overlays
- Assess once, reuse across agencies model
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace listing authorized CSPs
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019 is an IT governance and management framework by ISACA for enterprise information and technology (I&T). It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored governance system, using design factors and a goals cascade approach.
Key Components
- 40 governance and management objectives in five domains: EDM (governance), APO, BAI, DSS, MEA (assurance).
- Six governance system principles and seven components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
- CMMI-based performance management (levels 0-5); no formal certification, but assessments and ISACA training.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns I&T with business goals, optimizes resources, manages risks.
- Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) and audit readiness via MEA04.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables digital transformation, improves ROI.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess maturity, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, monitor with KPIs.
- Suits enterprises of all sizes/industries; voluntary with training (Foundation, Design & Implementation).
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework that standardizes security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure cloud adoption via reusable authorizations, based on a risk-based approach using FIPS 199 impact levels and NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls with FedRAMP overlays.
Key Components
- Security baselines: Low (~156 controls), Moderate (~323), High (~410), and LI-SaaS (streamlined for low-risk SaaS).
- Core artifacts: System Security Plan (SSP), Security Assessment Report (SAR), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).
- Built on NIST standards; requires 3PAO independent assessments and ongoing continuous monitoring.
- Compliance model emphasizes lifecycle management, not one-time certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal cloud providers handling government data.
- Enables "assess once, use many times" reusability, reducing duplication.
- Enhances risk management, stakeholder trust, and competitive edge in federal markets.
Implementation Overview
- Paths: Agency or Program Authorization involving categorization, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation.
- Applies to CSPs of all sizes targeting U.S. federal customers.
- Involves audits, OSCAL automation, and annual reassessments. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise I&T governance and management | Cloud service security assessment/authorization |
| Industry | All industries worldwide | U.S. federal government cloud providers |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework | Mandatory U.S. federal authorization program |
| Testing | Capability assessments (0-5 levels) | 3PAO independent security assessments |
| Penalties | No legal penalties (certification loss) | Market access denial, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and FedRAMP
COBIT FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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