Standards Comparison

    FedRAMP

    Mandatory
    2011

    U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization

    VS

    ISO 28000

    Voluntary
    2022

    International standard for supply chain security management systems

    Quick Verdict

    FedRAMP standardizes cloud security for US federal agencies via NIST controls and 3PAO assessments, while ISO 28000 provides a risk-based management system for global supply chain security. Organizations adopt FedRAMP for government contracts; ISO 28000 for resilience and certification.

    Cloud Security

    FedRAMP

    Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    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) required
    • Continuous monitoring with monthly and annual deliverables
    • FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized cloud service visibility
    Supply Chain Security

    ISO 28000

    ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems requirements

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based PDCA cycle for SMS
    • Supply chain scope with external providers
    • Top management leadership commitment
    • Operational security plans and controls
    • Audits and continual improvement processes

    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 framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is enabling secure, efficient cloud adoption via reusable authorizations based on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls and FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High, plus LI-SaaS).

    Key Components

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

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Unlocks federal contracts (e.g., $20M+ opportunities)
    • Required for agencies; voluntary but essential for CSPs targeting government
    • Reduces risk duplication; builds stakeholder trust
    • Competitive edge via 'FedRAMP Authorized' badge

    Implementation Overview

    • Multi-phase: preparation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, monitoring
    • Key activities: SSP development, control implementation, remediation
    • Applies to CSPs of all sizes pursuing federal business
    • No central certification; agency/program ATOs plus annual audits (178 words)

    ISO 28000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 28000:2022 — Security and resilience — Security management systems — Requirements is an international certification standard specifying requirements for a security management system (SMS) to protect supply chains from risks like theft, sabotage, and disruptions. It employs a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology aligned with ISO 31000.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement
    • Risk assessment/treatment, security policy/objectives, operational controls/plans
    • Competence, awareness, communication, documented information
    • Internal audits, management review; certification per ISO 28003

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates supply chain risks, ensures continuity
    • Meets contractual/regulatory demands, reduces insurance costs
    • Enhances resilience, market access, partner trust
    • Builds credibility via audits/certification

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls rollout, training, audits
    • Scalable for all sizes/sectors with supply chains
    • Involves documentation, exercises; optional third-party certification

    Key Differences

    Scope

    FedRAMP
    Cloud service security assessment and monitoring
    ISO 28000
    Supply chain security management system

    Industry

    FedRAMP
    US federal cloud providers, government contractors
    ISO 28000
    Logistics, manufacturing, any supply chain organization

    Nature

    FedRAMP
    US government authorization program, mandatory for federal
    ISO 28000
    Voluntary international certification standard

    Testing

    FedRAMP
    3PAO assessments, continuous quarterly monitoring
    ISO 28000
    Internal audits, certification body Stage 1/2 audits

    Penalties

    FedRAMP
    Loss of federal contracts, marketplace delisting
    ISO 28000
    Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about FedRAMP and ISO 28000

    FedRAMP FAQ

    ISO 28000 FAQ

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