FedRAMP
U.S. government program standardizing cloud security assessment and authorization
SAMA CSF
Saudi regulatory framework for financial cybersecurity.
Quick Verdict
FedRAMP standardizes US federal cloud security via 3PAO assessments for CSPs seeking government contracts, while SAMA CSF mandates maturity-based controls for Saudi financial firms to ensure sector resilience and regulatory compliance.
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times reusability across agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 baselines for Low/Moderate/High impact
- Independent Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs) required
- Continuous monitoring with monthly/quarterly deliverables mandated
- FedRAMP Marketplace listing authorized cloud service offerings
SAMA CSF
SAMA Cyber Security Framework Version 1.0
Key Features
- Six-level cyber security maturity model
- Four principal control domains
- Board-level governance and CISO mandate
- Third-party risk management requirements
- Self-assessment and SAMA audits
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 "assess once, use many times" to reduce duplication, accelerate secure cloud adoption, and align with NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 controls via FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High, 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 independent 3PAOs for assessments.
- Compliance via Agency/Program authorizations listed in FedRAMP Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
CSPs pursue FedRAMP for federal contract access (e.g., $20M+ opportunities, CMMC mandates), risk reduction, and commercial differentiation. It builds stakeholder trust, unlocks government procurement, and signals mature security.
Implementation Overview
Involves categorization, SSP development, 3PAO assessment, remediation, authorization. Targets CSPs; high complexity for all sizes, especially legacy systems. Requires 12-18 months, multi-million costs; ongoing quarterly/annual monitoring.
SAMA CSF Details
What It Is
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Cyber Security Framework (SAMA CSF) Version 1.0 (May 2017) is a mandatory regulatory framework for SAMA-regulated financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. It prescribes governance, controls, and a cyber security maturity model to detect, resist, respond to, and recover from threats, using a principle-based, risk-oriented approach aligned with NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS.
Key Components
- Four domains: Leadership & Governance, Risk Management & Compliance, Operations & Technology, Third-Party Security.
- Numerous subdomains with principles, objectives, and control considerations (114+ subcontrols).
- Six-level maturity model (Level 3 minimum: structured policies, standards, procedures, KPIs).
- Self-assessment via questionnaire; SAMA audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory compliance avoids fines, audits, operational halts.
- Enhances resilience, reduces incidents, lowers costs.
- Builds trust, enables partnerships, supports Vision 2030 digital growth.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, risk assessment, roadmap, deployment, monitoring, audits.
- Targets banks, insurers, finance firms in Saudi Arabia.
- Involves board sponsorship, CISO appointment, GRC tools; no external certification but regulatory review.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FedRAMP | SAMA CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Cloud security assessment, authorization, continuous monitoring | Financial sector cybersecurity governance, risk, operations, third-party |
| Industry | US federal cloud service providers | Saudi financial institutions (banks, insurance, financing) |
| Nature | Government program, mandatory for federal use | Regulatory framework, mandatory for regulated entities |
| Testing | 3PAO assessments, annual reassessments | Self-assessments, internal/external audits |
| Penalties | Loss of authorization, no federal contracts | Fines, regulatory actions, license risks |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FedRAMP and SAMA CSF
FedRAMP FAQ
SAMA CSF FAQ
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