Cyber Security
Cyber security is a key factor in the evaluation cloud computing options. In countless surveys, organizations have cited security concerns as the primary drawback to cloud solutions.
The federal government in particular must ensure that cloud services comply with numerous security standards, including the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) and the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), among others. FISMA consists of hundreds of security controls that weren’t designed for cloud computing. The particular controls required vary depending upon the nature of the system, and the cloud provider must show compliance with those controls. Only then can a federal agency gain an Authority to Operate (ATO) — that is, to implement and use the cloud solution.
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is designed to facilitate the process of gaining an ATO by enabling a cloud provider to leverage security clearance from one project to streamline another. Nonetheless, meeting federal security requirements is a complex process involving the cloud provider, multiple federal agencies and a third-party assessor.
Security must be integrated into any cloud solution — not bolted on after the fact. This is particularly true with integrated solutions, which may incorporate storage, applications and other services from multiple cloud providers. All components of the solution must satisfy security control requirements, particularly at the boundaries of control.
IP DataSolutions has experience helping public- and private-sector organizations meet these security standards and regulatory requirements. We deliver integrated solutions that address clients’ security concerns and provide a seamless transition to the cloud.
