What It Is

FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide standardized framework for assessing, authorizing, and continuously monitoring cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling secure cloud adoption via reusable security assessments, based on risk-based FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High) and NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls.

Key Components

• Baselines with ~156 (Low), 323 (Moderate), 410 (High) controls, plus LI-SaaS variant.
• Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans.
• Built on NIST standards; requires 3PAO independent assessments.
• Compliance via Agency or Program Authorizations, listed in Marketplace.

Why Organizations Use It

Unlocks federal contracts worth $20M+; mandated for CMMC/federal cloud procurement. Reduces risk duplication, boosts commercial credibility as security badge. Enhances stakeholder trust via rigorous, transparent oversight.

Implementation Overview

Involves categorization, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation over 12-18 months. Targets CSPs; high costs ($150k-$2M+); suits mid-to-large vendors pursuing government business. No universal certification, but ongoing audits required.

What It Is

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) is a directly applicable EU regulation. It protects personal data of EU residents, harmonizing privacy laws across member states with extraterritorial scope. Employs a risk-based, accountability-driven approach.

Key Components

• **Seven core principleslawfulness, fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, minimization, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
• **Data subject rightsaccess, rectification, erasure (right to be forgotten), portability, objection.
• **MechanismsData Protection Officers (DPOs), Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), 72-hour breach notifications, records of processing.
• **EnforcementFines up to €20M or 4% global turnover; one-stop-shop supervision.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory for EU data processing; avoids severe penalties.
• Enhances risk management, builds trust, supports Digital Single Market competitiveness.
• Boosts reputation, enables global data flows via adequacy decisions.

Implementation Overview

Gap analysis, policy/process updates, DPO appointment, training, technical safeguards. Applies to all sizes/industries processing EU data globally. Ongoing compliance; no formal certification but supervisory audits required. (178 words)