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C1Secure Unveils SmartRAMP 20x

In a significant move toward enhancing cloud service compliance, C1Secure has introduced SmartRAMP 20x, a pioneering application designed as a native addition to the ServiceNow platform. As the federal government revamps its certification framework with the FedRAMP 20x model, this innovative solution aims to empower cloud service providers to obtain certification more efficiently and with reduced costs.

Understanding the FedRAMP 20x Model

The FedRAMP 20x initiative marks a fundamental shift in how cloud services are certified. Historically, the process was an arduous journey requiring a sponsoring agency, often costing between $250,000 to $1 million, and involving extensive documentation over a period of 12 to 15 months. Currently, only about 500 cloud services have received authorization. FedRAMP 20x simplifies this process by eliminating the need for a sponsor, and introducing continuous, automated compliance verification against key security indicators — referred to as Key Security Indicators (KSIs).

C1Secure's SmartRAMP 20x is built directly to align with this new model, focusing on the 46 KSIs grouped into ten themes that reflect essential security outcomes. “FedRAMP 20x is a different model, not a tweak to the old one. Compliance is something you prove every day now, not something you document once a year,” states Tom Thomson, CEO of C1Secure.

Features of SmartRAMP 20x

SmartRAMP 20x offers several critical benefits:

• - Continuous Operations: The platform transforms certification from a one-time event into an ongoing operation. It continuously validates compliance evidence according to FedRAMP-defined schedules. When compliance evidence falls short, it automatically opens remediation issues within the ServiceNow Integrated Risk Management system, and closes when compliance is restored.
• - Integration with ServiceNow: SmartRAMP resides within the ServiceNow Continuous Authorization and Monitoring framework, allowing agencies to evaluate and authorize certified services within a familiar workflow enriched with real-time compliance data.
• - Up-to-Date Requirements: Instead of significant redeployments to implement FedRAMP updates, customers receive a continuously updated catalog of requirements, enabling remaining current with every compliance modification effortlessly.

Implications for Cloud Service Providers and Federal Agencies

For cloud service providers, the platform presents an unprecedented pathway to gain FedRAMP 20x certification. As Thomson highlights, being on a platform they already operate reduces complexity and enhances reliability in a highly regulated environment. Consequently, agencies benefit from immediate access to a live compliance posture of the services they procure, significantly enhancing trust and decision-making.

C1Secure is proud to be a part of the ServiceNow Partner Program, which recognizes partners for their expertise in delivering solutions that meet evolving industry needs. Furthermore, SmartRAMP 20x aims to set the groundwork for future enhancements, including AI-driven continuous monitoring, drift detection, and executive reporting capabilities under the upcoming SmartControl Fabric framework.

Looking Ahead

As organizations navigate the complexities of maintaining compliance in a fast-evolving technological landscape, the need for real-time evidence and integrated solutions becomes paramount. SmartRAMP 20x is poised to lead the charge in this transformation, ensuring federal agencies can operate with trust in the services they authorize while providing cloud providers a streamlined, cost-effective pathway to compliance.

C1Secure's commitment to operationalizing compliance necessitates moving away from traditional manual processes toward more intelligent, automated solutions that leverage the ServiceNow ecosystem. This transition reflects broader changes in how organizations perceive and manage risk, ultimately fostering a more secure digital environment for all.

For more information on SmartRAMP 20x and its potential benefits, visit C1Secure’s website. Here, you can explore other exciting initiatives that C1Secure is pursuing as they continue to redefine security and compliance across industries.