Cloud security and compliance with stringent regulations are non-negotiable as far as the federal government and the Department of Defense (DoD) are concerned. But how can cloud service providers and government contractors manage security risks effectively and meet mission-critical data protection standards without understanding the compliance frameworks they must adhere to?
Answer: They can't.
In this article, we will explore what FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels are, why they are important, and how they differ from and complement one another. We will also see how Inkit can support organizations that must meet these uncompromising standards.
Read on to learn more about DoD IL4, and IL5 vs IL6, and FedRamp, and how they work.
What is FedRAMP?
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) began in 2011 and was created in order to provide a standardized approach with which to assess and authorize cloud services for use by federal agencies in the US. The main objective of FedRAMP is to allow federal government agencies and departments to securely use cloud products and services whilst maintaining the strictest security and risk mitigation measures.
Key Features of FedRAMP
Let's take a closer look at the criteria the FedRAMP cloud security assessment looks for:
1. Conformity with NIST Standards
FedRAMP relies on NIST SP 800-53 guidelines, which detail the security controls necessary for safeguarding federal information.
2. Levels of Authorization
- Low: Basic security measures for information where the potential impact of a breach is minimal
- Moderate: Applicable to most federal agencies where the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability would be significant
- High: The strictest level, used for mission-critical information that could have severe consequences if compromised
3. FedRAMP High Provisional Authorization
This authorization level is necessary for cloud services dealing with sensitive information and requires adherence to vigorous security assessments and continuous compliance.
The Importance of FedRAMP for Federal Agencies
FedRAMP allows governmental agencies to use services provided by pre-approved cloud service providers. The FedRAMP approval process ensures trust in the technology used by the US government and reduces security risks across all government operations. It also helps to minimize cost inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and operational redundancies that can occur during cloud deployment.
Benefits to Cloud Providers
Achieving FedRAMP compliance signals to potential DoD and federal agencies that a particular cloud service provider's cloud environments meet the highest security standards. The FedRAMP Authorization Act, part of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act, codified FedRAMP, supporting its status as a mandatory compliance program when handling unclassified national security systems data.
What Are DoD Impact Levels?
The DoD Impact Levels are part of the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (DoD CC SRG), which sets out security protocols for cloud computing services used by the Department of Defense (DoD). These levels categorize data based on the likely impact of a breach on national security and dictate the required security controls.
How DoD Impact Levels Work
[TABLE]
Each DoD Impact Level (IL) corresponds to specific data types and security requirements:
- IL2: Suitable for handling publicly releasable information.
- IL4: Protects controlled unclassified information (CUI) that has a low to moderate impact on national security if compromised.
- IL5: Adds stricter controls for CUI and data in unclassified national security systems, requiring moderate confidentiality and moderate integrity.
- IL6: Reserved for handling classified information up to the secret level, requiring the highest level of security controls.
IL4 vs IL5 vs IL6
Now let's go beyond the surface and unpack what the differences between the higher DoD risk management framework levels are:
IL4
Impact Level 4 is the level given to cloud-based services that are suitable for protecting noncritical mission information and controlled unclassified information (CUI). IL4 is usually the level used by defense industrial base contractors that are responsible for handling sensitive (but not classified) data.
IL5
Impact Level 5 encompasses the protections of IL4 but includes added measures for mission-critical information. Because the data in IL5 is more sensitive and susceptible to attack, stricter access controls and continuous monitoring are required. IL5 supports DoD cloud computing and various DoD agencies.
IL6
Impact Level 6 is the highest level for classified information up to the secret level, where the breach impact could have substantial consequences for national security systems. IL6 compliance is compulsory for military or intelligence missions and requires rigorous security assessments and incident response protocols.
Failure to comply with document requirements can have serious consequences. These can include legal fines, damage to your reputation, and disruption of your operations.
— Is your organization compliant?
Learn More about Document Requirements
Comparing FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels
FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels act as integral compliance frameworks for cloud service providers that serve the federal government and DoD agencies. Both address different levels of data sensitivity and the varying operational needs required to keep this data safe.
FedRAMP in Simple Terms
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program is essentially a consistent and reliable way of evaluating the security of cloud services and determining whether they are suitable for federal government agencies.
FedRAMP follows NIST SP 800-53 guidelines and focuses on protecting controlled unclassified information (CUI). It uses three primary authorization levels: Low, Moderate, and High. These levels are decided based on the possible impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this information should it become compromised.
DoD ILs Made Easy
The Department of Defense (DoD) developed Impact Levels (IL4, IL5, IL6) as part of the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (CC SRG). IL levels define the security measures required for processing different types of DoD information. This information can range from unclassified to classified (e.g., secret level). ILs build on FedRAMP's work but add more strict requirements that have been decided with the DoD's specific security needs in mind.
How Do They Compare?
Let's compare DoD ILs and FedRAMP:
Scope and Sensitivity
FedRAMP focuses on authorizing cloud services that handle unclassified federal data, ensuring basic moderate confidentiality and moderate integrity for controlled unclassified information (CUI).
DoD IL4-IL6 goes further than this by addressing mission-critical information, national security systems (NSS), and classified information. IL6 covers data up to the secret level, protecting the more sensitive data relevant to military or intelligence missions.
Security Controls
FedRAMP High provides a robust baseline for protecting CUI, but it is suitable only for non-military data.
Due to their focus on information relating directly to national security, DoD IL5 and IL6 must have enhanced security assessments and continuous personnel security measures. The DoD CC SRG also mandates additional controls, like stricter incident response protocols and direct fulfillment of DoD-specific requirements.
Authorization Process
The authorization process for FedRAMP involves a standardized authorization management program appropriate across the whole federal government. DoD ILs, on the other hand, use the Risk Management Framework (RMF). The DoD RMF integrates NIST SP 800-53 standards but incorporates tailored overlays that address the complexity of DoD systems.
The RMF surpasses FedRAMP by imposing layered security considerations based on what the potential impact of data breaches may be on national security and military missions.
What is FedRAMP+?
FedRAMP+ is an adapted version of FedRAMP that integrates DoD-specific controls into the existing FedRAMP High framework to align with the DoD CC SRG. This allows cloud service providers to meet higher security standards without having to duplicate their efforts.
Enhanced Controls: FedRAMP+ includes supplementary controls required by the DoD, such as more rigorous access controls, encryption standards, and risk mitigation processes tailored to DoD missions.
Reciprocity with DoD: The mutuality established through FedRAMP+ ensures that providers with FedRAMP High Provisional Authorization (PA) can more efficiently transition to meet DoD IL5 or even IL6 standards. This integration helps to reduce the time and cost of achieving compliance with both programs.
Stay Prepared and Keep Updated
Cloud service providers and government contractors need to stay proactive about maintaining compliance with FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels. Not only can failing to comply with these regulations jeopardize business continuity, but it will also pose a gigantic risk to sensitive DoD systems and cloud deployments.
With regulations prone to update and change regularly, organizations with an obligation to remain compliant need to have solid strategies in place to meet these rigid demands. Organizations must work to ensure that they have effective risk management, continuous monitoring, and robust personnel security in place at all times.
Organizations have a duty to remain up to date with NIST SP standards and any changes in the DoD CC SRG. Regular security assessments must happen for all cloud products to remain compliant with the latest guidelines. Organizations that manage classified information and support DOD missions for DoD cloud solutions must remain up-to-date and ready at all times.
How Inkit Can Help
So, why should you trust Inkit to keep your data safe? In March 2024, Inkit achieved DoD Impact Level 5 (IL5) Authority to Operate (ATO). This means that the DoD has recognized Inkit's firm commitment to robust cloud security and compliance and our dedication to offering reliable solutions for organizations that manage controlled unclassified information (CUI) and unclassified national security systems (NSS).
The IL5 authorization helps to show that Inkit meets over 450 of the strictest security requirements and goes beyond DoD Impact Level 4. Inkit meets all FedRAMP High standards and the additional controls and measures from DoD and NIST SP 800-53. This shows that Inkit has a proven ability to protect mission-critical information with its advanced security measures and protocols.
Inkit's Secure Document Generation (SDG) platform is tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies, defense industrial base members, and other organizations prioritizing high-level security and risk mitigation. Some of Inkit's features include:
- Robust user access controls that define and enforce permissions
- Comprehensive document encryption in transit for optimal protection
- Proprietary "View only" documents that prevent unauthorized sharing through screenshots or downloads
- A unique Digital Burn Bag feature ensures strict compliance with data retention policies
- CAC-integrated digital signatures for seamless authentication
- A foundational zero trust architecture that prevents internal access to user documents, even by Inkit employees
As you can see, these stringent security measures position Inkit as the best choice for organizations that must place the highest level of confidence in their secure document management and compliance cloud services.
Final Thoughts
Organizations that provide cloud services to the federal government and DoD must meet the requirements of FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels. Understanding the specifics of IL4, IL5, and IL6 helps these cloud service providers ensure their solutions meet strict national security and compliance standards.
Want to simplify your compliance with FedRAMP and DoD Impact Levels? Inkit is here to help organizations reach these goals and promote secure cloud computing. Book a Demo.
FedRamp and DoD IL FAQs
What is the main focus of FedRAMP?
FedRAMP standardizes the authorization process for cloud services used by federal agencies, ensuring compliance with NIST SP standards and promoting secure data management.
How does IL5 differ from IL4?
Compared to IL4, IL5 includes more stringent security controls and moderate confidentiality protections, supporting more sensitive CUI and DOD systems.
Why is IL6 considered the most secure?
IL6 covers classified information up to secret level and requires the most comprehensive security assessments and controls to protect national security systems.
What role does DISA play in DoD compliance?
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) oversees the application of the DoD CC SRG, ensuring cloud services meet the security standards outlined for DoD Impact Levels.
How can Inkit assist with compliance?
Inkit provides a platform that meets IL5 standards, offering enhanced cloud security, continuous monitoring, and reliable document handling for federal government use.
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