What is FedRAMP High Authorization: A Comprehensive Guide

As federal agencies continue to embrace cloud computing, the need to protect the most sensitive government information has become increasingly critical. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) establishes standardized security requirements for cloud services used by federal agencies, with FedRAMP High authorization representing the most stringent security baseline within this framework.

FedRAMP High authorization is designed for cloud systems processing, storing, or transmitting federal information where the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability would have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. This makes it the appropriate security tier for systems that support mission-critical operations, contain highly sensitive data, or provide essential services where disruption could significantly impact national security, economic stability, or public safety.

Understanding FedRAMP High authorization is essential for cloud service providers (CSPs) seeking to serve federal agencies with high-impact systems, as well as for federal agencies evaluating cloud solutions for their most sensitive unclassified information. This comprehensive guide explores what FedRAMP High authorization entails, how it differs from other authorization levels, the benefits it offers organizations, and why compliance with these rigorous standards is crucial in today’s complex threat landscape. Whether you’re a CSP preparing for the highest level of authorization or a federal agency with high-impact systems, this article provides valuable insights into this critical security framework.

What is FedRAMP?

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. Established in 2011, FedRAMP was created to support the federal government’s “Cloud First” policy, which aimed to accelerate the adoption of secure cloud solutions across federal agencies.

At its core, FedRAMP is a risk management framework designed to ensure that cloud services used by federal agencies meet stringent security requirements. The program establishes a set of standardized security controls based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53, tailored specifically for cloud environments.

FedRAMP’s Origins

Before FedRAMP, federal agencies independently assessed and authorized cloud services, resulting in duplicative efforts, inconsistent security evaluations, and inefficient use of resources. This fragmented approach created several challenges for the government ecosystem. Inconsistent security was a major concern, as different agencies applied varying security standards, leading to uneven protection of federal information across departments. Redundant assessments plagued the system as well, with cloud service providers forced to undergo multiple similar security assessments for different agencies, wasting valuable time and resources for both government and vendors.

The pre-FedRAMP landscape also suffered from a lack of transparency, with limited visibility into the security posture of cloud services across the federal government. This opacity made it difficult to establish government-wide security standards or share information about potential vulnerabilities. Finally, inefficient procurement processes were commonplace, as lengthy, agency-specific authorization processes slowed cloud adoption and innovation, creating barriers to modernization efforts.

FedRAMP was established to address these challenges by creating a unified, government-wide approach to cloud security assessment and authorization. By implementing a “do once, use many times” framework, FedRAMP promotes efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and consistent security across federal cloud deployments.

Why FedRAMP is Important

FedRAMP plays a crucial role in the federal IT ecosystem for several reasons. The program establishes standardized security requirements that all cloud services must meet, ensuring consistent protection of federal information regardless of which agency uses the service. This standardization creates a common security language across government and industry, facilitating better communication and understanding of risk.

The program provides a structured approach to evaluating and managing risks associated with cloud adoption, helping agencies make informed decisions about cloud services based on their specific risk tolerance and mission requirements. This risk management aspect helps government leaders prioritize security investments and focus on the most critical security concerns.

By eliminating duplicative security assessments, FedRAMP reduces costs for both government agencies and cloud service providers. A cloud service provider can undergo the assessment process once and then make the resulting security package available to multiple agencies, saving significant time and resources for all parties involved. For cloud service providers, FedRAMP authorization opens the door to the federal marketplace, providing access to a substantial customer base worth billions in annual IT spending.

Perhaps most importantly, FedRAMP authorization signals to federal agencies that a cloud service has undergone rigorous security assessment and meets federal security requirements, creating trust and confidence in cloud solutions. This trust component is essential for encouraging agencies to adopt innovative cloud technologies while maintaining appropriate security controls.

Who Must Comply with FedRAMP?

FedRAMP applies to various stakeholders in the federal cloud ecosystem. All federal agencies must use FedRAMP-authorized cloud services for systems that process, store, or transmit federal information. This requirement is mandated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-11-11 and reinforced by subsequent policies. Agencies are responsible for ensuring that their cloud deployments comply with FedRAMP requirements and for maintaining ongoing security oversight.

Any cloud service provider that wants to offer services to federal agencies must obtain FedRAMP authorization. This includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) providers across all deployment models (public, private, community, and hybrid clouds). These providers must implement required security controls, undergo security assessment, and maintain continuous monitoring to retain their authorized status.

Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs) are also key stakeholders in the FedRAMP ecosystem. These organizations are accredited to perform independent security assessments of cloud services seeking FedRAMP authorization. They play a crucial role in validating the implementation and effectiveness of security controls.

While FedRAMP is mandatory only for federal agencies, state and local governments, as well as private sector organizations, often look to FedRAMP as a benchmark for cloud security. This broader influence makes FedRAMP relevant beyond its explicit regulatory scope, effectively raising the security bar for cloud services across various sectors.

The Three Authorization Levels

FedRAMP categorizes systems and data based on the potential impact that could result from a security breach, following the FIPS 199 guidelines. There are three distinct authorization levels within the framework.

FedRAMP Low is appropriate for systems where the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability would have a limited adverse effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. These systems typically contain non-sensitive information and present minimal risk if compromised.

FedRAMP Moderate is suitable for systems where the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability would have a serious adverse effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. This is the most commonly used baseline, covering the majority of federal systems. Most controlled unclassified information (CUI) falls into this category.

FedRAMP High is required for systems where the loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability would have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. This level is typically used for systems handling sensitive law enforcement data, emergency services, financial data, healthcare information, and other high-impact systems where a security breach could significantly harm national security, economic stability, or public health and safety.

Each level corresponds to an increasingly comprehensive set of security controls that must be implemented and assessed, with Low requiring 125 controls, Moderate requiring 325 controls, and High requiring 421 controls. The control requirements become progressively more stringent as the impact level increases, reflecting the greater protection needed for more sensitive information.

FedRAMP Non-compliance Risks

Failure to adhere to FedRAMP requirements carries significant risks and consequences for both federal agencies and cloud service providers. Security vulnerabilities present the most immediate concern, as non-compliance may leave federal systems and data exposed to threats, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security incidents that could compromise government operations or citizen information.

Regulatory violations pose another serious risk, as federal agencies that use non-authorized cloud services may violate federal policies and regulations, potentially facing administrative consequences, budget impacts, or increased oversight. Agency leaders may be called to account for security failures, particularly if they result from non-compliance with established requirements.

For cloud service providers, market exclusion represents a substantial business risk. Providers without FedRAMP authorization are effectively locked out of the federal market, losing access to billions of dollars in government IT spending. As more agencies move to cloud solutions, this exclusion becomes increasingly costly for vendors seeking government clients.

Both agencies and providers face reputational damage in the event of security incidents resulting from inadequate security controls. For agencies, security failures can erode public trust in government institutions and their ability to protect sensitive information. For cloud providers, such incidents can damage their reputation in both public and private sectors, potentially affecting their broader market position.

Operational disruptions may occur when security incidents affect system availability or integrity. These disruptions can impede federal operations, affecting service delivery to citizens and other stakeholders who depend on government systems. In critical domains like emergency services or healthcare, such disruptions could have life-or-death implications.

Financial losses often accompany security breaches, including remediation costs, legal expenses, and potential penalties. Agencies may face budget impacts from emergency response measures, while cloud providers may incur costs from breach notification, customer compensation, and security improvements. The full financial impact often extends well beyond the immediate response period.

The stakes are particularly high given the sensitive nature of federal information and the critical services provided by government agencies. FedRAMP plays a vital role in mitigating these risks by ensuring that cloud services meet federal security requirements and undergo regular assessment to maintain their security posture.

What is FedRAMP High Authorization?

FedRAMP High authorization represents the most rigorous security baseline within the FedRAMP framework, designed for cloud systems and services that process, store, or transmit federal information with a high security impact level. This authorization level implements the most comprehensive set of security controls to protect information and systems where the consequences of a security breach would have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on government operations, government assets, or individuals.

According to the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199, a high-impact system is one in which the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability would have a severe or catastrophic adverse effect on organizational operations, assets, or individuals. “Severe or catastrophic adverse effect” means that a security breach might cause severe degradation or loss of mission capability for an extended period, major financial loss, or severe harm to individuals that could involve loss of life, serious injuries, or devastating impacts on personal welfare.

FedRAMP High authorization requires cloud service providers to implement and document 421 security controls across 17 control families, as defined in NIST Special Publication 800-53 (NIST 800-53). These controls address various aspects of security, including access control, incident response, system and information integrity, contingency planning, physical and environmental protection, and security assessment and authorization. The High baseline represents the most substantial security investment within the FedRAMP framework, providing the most robust protection for highly sensitive government information.

To achieve FedRAMP High authorization, a cloud service provider must undergo the most comprehensive assessment process within the FedRAMP framework, including an exhaustive security assessment by a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), and receive an Authority to Operate (ATO) from a federal agency or a Provisional Authority to Operate (P-ATO) from the FedRAMP Joint Authorization Board (JAB). This rigorous process ensures that the cloud service has implemented the required controls effectively and maintains the highest level of security practices to protect high-impact government information.

How FedRAMP High Differs from FedRAMP Low and FedRAMP Moderate

FedRAMP High represents a significant step up from both FedRAMP Low authorization and FedRAMP Moderate authorization in terms of security rigor, control implementation requirements, and assessment depth. Understanding these differences is crucial for organizations determining the appropriate authorization level for their cloud services.

In terms of security control volume, FedRAMP High requires implementation of 421 controls, compared to 125 controls for Low and 325 controls for Moderate. In 2023, FedRAMP introduced an intermediate Moderate-High baseline with 425 controls as a transition step between Moderate and High. The substantial increase in controls from Low to Moderate, and the further enhancement from Moderate to High, reflects the progressive security needed for systems with increasingly sensitive government information. The High baseline implements additional controls and enhances the rigor of existing controls to address the elevated risk associated with high-impact systems.

The control implementation requirements at the High level are significantly more stringent than those at Moderate and Low levels. For authentication, High requires the strongest authentication mechanisms, including multi-factor authentication for all users, stronger cryptographic requirements, more frequent credential rotation, and advanced identity management capabilities. Low may only require single-factor authentication, while Moderate typically requires multi-factor authentication for privileged users and remote access but may not have the same cryptographic strength requirements or rotation frequency.

Security monitoring and incident response capabilities must be substantially more robust at the High level compared to Moderate and Low. High requires comprehensive event logging with near real-time analysis capabilities, sophisticated intrusion detection and prevention systems, and advanced threat monitoring. While Moderate has strong logging requirements, High demands more granular logging, more sophisticated analysis tools, and more immediate response capabilities. The incident response requirements for High include more detailed procedures, more frequent testing, automated response capabilities for certain scenarios, and coordination with external response teams and government agencies.

Contingency planning represents another area of significant difference. High requires the most comprehensive disaster recovery and continuity of operations capabilities, including fully redundant systems, minimal recovery time objectives, regular testing of recovery procedures, and detailed business impact analyses. Moderate requires robust backup and recovery capabilities but may have less stringent recovery time objectives and redundancy requirements. Low focuses on basic backup and restoration capabilities without the advanced continuity features required at higher levels.

System and communications protection controls are substantially enhanced at the High level compared to Moderate and Low. High requires the most advanced encryption for data at rest and in transit, more comprehensive boundary protection mechanisms, more rigorous network security, and more restrictive application security controls. The security architecture requirements for High include more advanced segmentation, more comprehensive threat protection, and more rigorous security engineering principles.

The documentation and assessment rigor increases substantially from Moderate to High. FedRAMP High requires the most extensive documentation within the framework, with comprehensive security documentation covering all aspects of the system security posture, including detailed system security plans, configuration management plans, incident response plans, contingency plans, and security assessment reports. The security assessment for High involves the most comprehensive penetration testing and vulnerability assessment, with extensive testing of all security controls and their implementation. Continuous monitoring requirements are the most stringent for High (monthly scanning, more frequent reporting, and more immediate remediation timelines), reflecting the highest risk associated with High-impact systems.

Each authorization level is appropriate for different types of systems and data based on sensitivity and criticality. While FedRAMP Low is suitable for public-facing websites and non-sensitive information, and Moderate is appropriate for most federal systems containing controlled unclassified information (CUI), High is reserved for the most sensitive unclassified systems. These High-impact systems include those supporting critical infrastructure (such as power grid management or water system control), emergency services, law enforcement systems with sensitive investigative data, healthcare systems with protected health information, financial systems with significant economic impact, and other systems where a breach could severely harm national security, economic stability, or public health and safety.

The path to FedRAMP High authorization is typically more challenging and resource-intensive than the path to Moderate or Low authorization. The comprehensive security requirements, extensive documentation, and rigorous assessment process demand significant investment in security technology, personnel, and consulting services. However, for cloud service providers targeting high-impact federal systems, this investment opens doors to specialized government markets that require the highest level of security assurance.

Benefits of FedRAMP High Authorization

FedRAMP High authorization provides access to specialized segments of the federal market that handle the most sensitive unclassified government information. While these high-impact systems represent a smaller portion of the overall federal IT landscape compared to Moderate-impact systems, they often involve mission-critical functions with correspondingly higher contract values. The specialized nature of these systems often results in longer contract terms and more stable revenue streams for authorized providers.

With High authorization, cloud service providers can target federal opportunities that are inaccessible to providers with only Low or Moderate authorization. These opportunities include contracts for systems supporting national security functions, law enforcement operations, emergency services, healthcare delivery, financial management, and other critical government operations. The sensitive nature of these systems often leads to contracts with higher security requirements and correspondingly higher contract values, reflecting the increased security investment required.

For certain specialized federal contracts, FedRAMP High authorization is a mandatory qualification. Without this highest level of authorization, providers are excluded from competing for these high-security contracts regardless of their technical capabilities or pricing. This requirement appears in procurement vehicles for agencies with particularly sensitive missions or information, such as the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and intelligence community agencies, creating a substantial competitive advantage for providers with High authorization.

The “do once, use many times” principle of FedRAMP is particularly valuable at the High level, where security requirements are most stringent. Once a cloud service achieves High authorization, it can be used by multiple federal agencies with high-impact systems without requiring repeated comprehensive security assessments. This agency reuse creates economies of scale that help offset the substantial investment required for High authorization, enhancing the long-term return on security investment.

Beyond direct federal contracts, FedRAMP High authorization establishes a provider as a security leader in the federal marketplace. This reputation often leads to partnership opportunities with system integrators and other vendors serving the highest-security segments of the federal market. Many large federal high-security projects involve multiple vendors, with prime contractors specifically seeking FedRAMP High authorized cloud components to incorporate into their solutions, creating additional revenue streams for authorized providers.

Superior Security Posture

Achieving FedRAMP High authorization establishes an organization’s security program at the highest level of maturity, implementing comprehensive controls that address the most sophisticated threats. The 421 controls required for High authorization represent the most substantial security investment within the FedRAMP framework, addressing threats across all security domains with the most rigorous requirements. This comprehensive approach creates a security posture that can withstand advanced persistent threats and sophisticated attack scenarios that might compromise systems with less robust security.

The depth and breadth of security controls implemented for High authorization inevitably lead to organization-wide security improvements that extend well beyond the specific cloud service being authorized. The advanced security practices developed for FedRAMP High compliance, such as comprehensive threat modeling, advanced security monitoring, sophisticated incident response capabilities, and rigorous change management, typically influence security approaches across the organization’s entire portfolio. This security maturity creates substantial benefits for all customers, not just those using the authorized service.

The extremely rigorous assessment process for High authorization, conducted by an independent 3PAO, provides the most comprehensive validation of security controls available in the FedRAMP framework. This thorough assessment, including advanced penetration testing, detailed control validation, and comprehensive documentation review, often identifies subtle security weaknesses that might remain undetected in less rigorous assessments. The insights gained from this assessment drive security improvements that enhance protection against the most sophisticated threats.

FedRAMP High requires the most extensive security documentation within the framework, creating a comprehensive security knowledge base that supports consistent implementation of advanced security practices. This detailed documentation, covering all aspects of the security program from policies and procedures to technical implementations and contingency plans, ensures that security practices are clearly defined, consistently implemented, and continuously improved. This documentation discipline supports security consistency even as personnel change over time.

The continuous monitoring requirements for High authorization establish the most vigilant security oversight posture, with the most frequent assessments and most immediate remediation expectations. Monthly vulnerability scanning, continuous configuration monitoring, and prompt security status reporting create a security operational rhythm that quickly identifies and addresses emerging threats. This vigilance is essential for protecting high-impact systems against rapidly evolving threats in a dynamic cyber landscape.

Advanced Compliance Framework

FedRAMP High provides organizations with the most comprehensive security compliance framework based on internationally recognized standards. The 421 security controls required for High authorization represent the most complete implementation of NIST Special Publication 800-53 controls within the FedRAMP program, reflecting the consensus of security experts across government and industry regarding appropriate protections for highly sensitive information. This standards-based approach ensures that cloud services implement security best practices that address the full spectrum of potential threats, from basic security hygiene to advanced persistent threats.

The structured approach to security through FedRAMP High implements the most comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy available within the framework, with multiple complementary security layers that provide protection even if individual security measures are compromised. Rather than relying on single security solutions, the High baseline requires mutually reinforcing controls across various domains, from advanced perimeter security and strict access control to comprehensive data protection and sophisticated security monitoring. This layered approach creates a highly resilient security posture that can withstand diverse attack vectors and techniques.

FedRAMP High controls address both technical and administrative aspects of security at the highest level of rigor, creating the most mature and balanced security program within the framework. The High baseline includes the most stringent requirements for security policies, personnel security, awareness training, incident response procedures, and other administrative controls, recognizing that effective security depends on people and processes as much as technology. This holistic approach creates a sustainable security program that addresses human factors as well as technical vulnerabilities at the highest level of assurance.

The security controls required for High authorization align particularly well with other high-security frameworks and compliance requirements, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST 800-171, CMMC Level 3, ISO 27001, and stringent industry regulations such as HIPAA for healthcare and financial regulations. This alignment allows organizations to leverage their substantial FedRAMP High investment across multiple compliance initiatives, creating a unified security approach that satisfies numerous regulatory requirements with minimal duplication of effort. Many organizations find that achieving FedRAMP High authorization positions them exceptionally well for other security certifications with similar security objectives.

The continuous monitoring aspect of FedRAMP High establishes the most rigorous framework for ongoing security assessment and improvement, with the most frequent assessments and most immediate remediation expectations within the program. Rather than treating security as a static implementation, the continuous monitoring requirements create a dynamic security program that constantly evaluates security effectiveness against evolving threats and vulnerabilities. This adaptive approach to security is essential for maintaining protection against sophisticated adversaries who continuously develop new attack techniques.

Premium Trust and Market Differentiation

FedRAMP High authorization signals to customers and partners that a cloud service meets the most rigorous government security standards, establishing the provider as a security leader in the marketplace. The federal government is widely recognized for having some of the most stringent security requirements globally, and achieving High authorization represents an implicit endorsement of an organization’s security capabilities at the highest level. This government validation at the highest security tier carries exceptional weight with security-conscious customers across various sectors, creating a halo effect that extends far beyond federal sales.

The comprehensive independent validation provided through the 3PAO assessment process for High authorization adds exceptional credibility to security claims, differentiating authorized providers from competitors who may make similar security assertions without the same level of verification. This independent assessment provides assurance that security controls are not just documented but effectively implemented and functional at the highest level of rigor. The depth of the High assessment, which includes the most comprehensive testing and evaluation within the FedRAMP framework, makes this validation particularly valuable for customers with high security requirements.

For commercial customers in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, defense industrial base, and critical infrastructure, FedRAMP High authorization provides the strongest possible assurance of robust security practices. While these customers may not explicitly require FedRAMP, they often recognize the value of the security rigor associated with the highest level of government-approved cloud services. The comprehensive nature of High authorization addresses security concerns across various regulated industries, making it a powerful trust signal for these security-sensitive customers.

The transparency fostered through the FedRAMP High process builds exceptional confidence with customers concerned about sophisticated threats. The standardized documentation and reporting requirements create a common language for discussing advanced security capabilities and controls, facilitating clearer communication about security risks and mitigations. This transparency helps customers make informed decisions about using the cloud service for their most sensitive information, based on their specific security requirements and risk tolerance.

The ongoing commitment demonstrated through FedRAMP High continuous monitoring requirements assures customers of the provider’s dedication to maintaining the highest level of security over time. Rather than a one-time security achievement, High authorization requires the most vigilant ongoing security assessment, remediation, and reporting to maintain authorized status. This demonstrated commitment to continuous security improvement at the highest level resonates with customers who view security as a critical requirement for their most sensitive information.

Use Cases for FedRAMP High

FedRAMP High authorization is appropriate for the most sensitive federal use cases involving information where compromise could severely impact organizational operations, assets, or individuals. Systems supporting defense and national security operations often require the protection provided by High authorization. These systems may process sensitive military information, support defense planning, manage defense logistics, or coordinate military operations. While classified information requires separate security measures beyond FedRAMP, many defense systems process sensitive unclassified information that falls into the High impact category due to potential national security implications if compromised.

Law enforcement systems containing sensitive investigative data typically require High authorization. These systems often support criminal investigations, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement operations across federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and DHS. The sensitivity of this information stems from its potential to compromise ongoing investigations, endanger informants or agents, or reveal law enforcement techniques and capabilities if unauthorized disclosure occurs. The potential harm from compromise makes High the appropriate impact level for these systems.

Emergency management and critical infrastructure systems often require High authorization due to their essential role in public safety and national resilience. These systems support disaster response, emergency communications, and management of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water systems, and transportation networks. The potential for severe harm to public safety if these systems are compromised or unavailable during emergencies necessitates the highest level of security controls to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Healthcare systems processing protected health information (PHI) for large federal healthcare programs like the Veterans Administration, Department of Defense health systems, or Indian Health Service may require High authorization. These systems contain sensitive medical information protected by HIPAA and other regulations, where unauthorized disclosure could cause significant harm to individuals. The combination of personal sensitivity, privacy requirements, and potential life-or-death implications of healthcare data accuracy and availability often justifies High impact categorization.

Financial management systems handling significant federal financial data may require High authorization, particularly those supporting Treasury operations, federal payment processing, or tax collection. These systems process information with major financial implications for the government and citizens, where unauthorized modification could result in significant financial losses or economic impact. The potential for severe financial harm or economic disruption from compromise makes High the appropriate impact level for these critical financial systems.

Systems supporting mission-critical scientific research, particularly in areas with national security implications, intellectual property concerns, or public health impacts, may require High authorization. These systems process research data related to advanced technologies, biomedical research, energy development, or other sensitive scientific domains where unauthorized disclosure could compromise national interests or intellectual property. The combination of sensitivity and potential long-term impacts often justifies High impact categorization for these research systems.

Command and control systems that coordinate critical government functions across agencies during emergencies or other high-stakes situations often require High authorization. These systems provide essential coordination capabilities where availability and integrity are paramount, and where compromise could severely impact the government’s ability to respond to crises. The potential for catastrophic consequences if these systems fail during critical situations necessitates the highest level of security controls.

These use cases represent specialized opportunities for cloud service providers with High authorization, as federal agencies continue to modernize their most sensitive IT systems. While these high-impact systems represent a smaller portion of the federal market compared to Moderate-impact systems, they often involve mission-critical functions with correspondingly higher security requirements and contract values, making them attractive targets for providers willing to make the investment in High authorization.

Kiteworks is FedRAMP Moderate Authorized

FedRAMP High authorization represents the pinnacle of cloud security within the federal government’s risk management framework, providing the most comprehensive protection for the most sensitive unclassified federal information. As the most rigorous authorization level, High addresses the security needs of systems where a security breach could have severe or catastrophic consequences for government operations, assets, or individuals, making it essential for cloud services supporting mission-critical functions and processing highly sensitive data.

Organizations that achieve FedRAMP High authorization develop security capabilities at the highest level of maturity, implementing comprehensive controls that address the most sophisticated threats. This advanced security posture benefits all customers, not just federal clients, creating a competitive advantage in security-sensitive commercial markets. The security practices established for High authorization typically influence the entire organization, raising the security bar across all services and systems.

Kiteworks has achieved FedRAMP Authorization for moderate impact level information, signaling that its platform meets the rigorous security standards required for federal data protection. By obtaining this authorization, Kiteworks assures government agencies and businesses that its platform can securely handle sensitive information in compliance with federal guidelines.

For government agencies, this authorization simplifies the procurement process by providing a vetted solution that meets stringent security requirements, thereby enhancing data security and compliance. For businesses, particularly those looking to work with government entities, Kiteworks’ FedRAMP Authorization provides a competitive edge, as it ensures their data handling practices align with federal expectations. This can help businesses access government contracts and partnerships, expand their market opportunities, and build trust with government clients.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a FIPS 140-2 Level validated secure file sharing and file transfer platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP and managed file transfer, so organizations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organization.

Organizations leveraging Kiteworks’ FedRAMP authorized services benefit from an enhanced level of security, efficiently safeguarding critical data in adherence to established compliance mandates. This ensures reliable content protection and data management.

Kiteworks FedRAMP virtual private cloud. With Kiteworks: control access to sensitive content; protect it when it’s shared externally using security infrastructure integrations; see, track, and report all file activity, namely who sends what to whom, when, and how. Finally demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards like GDPR, HIPAA, CMMC, Cyber Essentials Plus, IRAP, and many more. 

To learn more about Kiteworks, schedule a custom demo today. 

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