FedRAMP
U.S. government program standardizing cloud security authorization
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity framework of 18 controls
Quick Verdict
FedRAMP standardizes cloud security authorization for US federal use, requiring rigorous 3PAO assessments. CIS Controls provide prioritized best practices for all organizations. Companies adopt FedRAMP for government contracts; CIS for broad cyber hygiene and compliance mapping.
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times reusability across agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines at three impact levels
- Independent Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs)
- Ongoing continuous monitoring with monthly deliverables
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSP visibility
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized actionable cybersecurity controls
- Scalable Implementation Groups IG1-IG3
- Mappings to NIST PCI HIPAA frameworks
- Free Benchmarks for secure configurations
- Phased roadmap with automation focus
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide standardized framework for security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud service offerings (CSOs) by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling secure cloud adoption via reusable authorizations based on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls and FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High, LI-SaaS), using a risk-based approach.
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156 (Low), ~323 (Moderate), ~410 (High) controls across 20 families.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, assessed by independent 3PAOs.
- Built on NIST standards; continuous monitoring playbook.
- Agency or Program authorization paths listed on FedRAMP Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks federal contracts worth $20M+; required for CMMC contractors.
- Demonstrates robust security for commercial differentiation.
- Reduces agency duplication; enhances risk management and trust.
Implementation Overview
- 12-18 month process: sponsor, prepare docs, 3PAO assessment, monitoring.
- Targets CSPs; high costs ($150k-$2M+); suits federal-focused vendors.
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
The CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1 is a community-driven cybersecurity framework offering prioritized, prescriptive best practices to mitigate cyber risks and boost resilience. It focuses on actionable safeguards for hybrid/cloud environments, derived from real-world attacks.
Key Components
- 18 controls with 153 safeguards, tiered into Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) for maturity scaling.
- Pillars: asset/software inventory, data protection, secure configurations, access management, vulnerability management, monitoring, incident response.
- Maps to NIST, PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001; no formal certification, self-assessed via tools like Navigator.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces breach likelihood (85% of attacks), accelerates compliance, cuts recovery time.
- Delivers efficiency, insurance savings, vendor trust, competitive edge.
- Addresses legal risks, operational disruptions in all industries/sizes.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, gap analysis, IG1 foundations (3-9 months), IG2/3 expansion (6-18 months total).
- Automation-focused; free Benchmarks, tools; suits SMBs to enterprises globally. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | FedRAMP | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cloud service security assessment and authorization | Prioritized cybersecurity best practices across environments |
| Industry | US federal agencies and contractors | All industries worldwide, any organization size |
| Nature | US government authorization program, mandatory for federal cloud | Voluntary, community-driven best practices framework |
| Testing | 3PAO assessments, continuous monitoring, annual SAR | Self-assessment, automated tools, penetration testing |
| Penalties | Loss of authorization, no federal contracts | No formal penalties, reputational and risk exposure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FedRAMP and CIS Controls
FedRAMP FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
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