FedRAMP
U.S. government framework standardizing cloud security authorization
ISO 27017
International code for cloud-specific security controls
Quick Verdict
FedRAMP standardizes U.S. federal cloud security assessments ("assess once, use many times"), enabling companies to win contracts worth $20M+. ISO 27017 extends ISO 27001 with cloud controls for shared responsibility and multi-tenancy, aiding risk management and procurement.
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times principle
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines (Low/Moderate/High)
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with quarterly/annual reporting
- FedRAMP Marketplace for reusable authorizations
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
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 assessing, authorizing, and continuously monitoring cloud service offerings (CSOs) used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling secure cloud adoption via reusable authorizations based on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls tailored to 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, continuous monitoring plans.
- Built on NIST standards; independent 3PAO assessments; FedRAMP Marketplace for reuse.
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorizations, emphasizing automation (OSCAL, FedRAMP 20x).
Why Organizations Use It
Unlocks federal contracts ($20M+ potential); required for agencies using cloud CSPs; reduces risk duplication; boosts commercial credibility as security badge; enables CMMC compliance.
Implementation Overview
Involves categorization, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation; 12-18 months typical; high costs ($0.5-2M+); suits CSPs targeting U.S. federal/state markets; requires ongoing monitoring.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing cloud-specific guidance for information security controls, extending ISO/IEC 27002 within an ISO 27001 ISMS. It addresses shared responsibilities in cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, using a risk-based approach to adapt controls for multi-tenancy and virtualization.
Key Components
- 37 extended ISO 27002 controls with cloud implementation guidance
- 7 additional CLD cloud-specific controls (e.g., segregation, VM hardening)
- Built on ISO 27001/27002 framework
- Integrated into ISO 27001 certification, no standalone certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates cloud security maturity for procurement and regulations (e.g., GDPR)
- Clarifies CSP/CSC responsibilities, mitigating risk gaps
- Provides competitive edge for CSPs
- Builds trust with auditors and customers
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment and control mapping
- Activities: document shared responsibilities, harden configurations, enable monitoring
- Suits all cloud-using organizations globally
- Audited jointly, typically 9-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FedRAMP and ISO 27017
FedRAMP FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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