Success Story: Altair + Securisea
Altair Engineering Inc. is an American multinational information technology company headquartered in Troy, Michigan. It provides software and cloud solutions for simulation, IoT, high performance computing (HPC), data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Altair’s products include Altair® HPCWorks®, its high-performance computing and cloud platform, Altair® HyperWorks®, its design and simulation platform, and Altair® RapidMiner®, its data analytics and AI platform. Used across various industries, including automotive, aerospace & defense, banking and financial services (BFSI), technology, consumer goods, electronics, architecture, engineering, & construction (AEC), heavy equipment, health and life sciences, and energy, Altair is a global leader in computational intelligence.
Altair selected Securisea in 2023 to support its ISO/IEC 27001:2022 initial certification audit. Previously, Altair achieved various other compliance certifications, but this was its first foray into ISO 27001. As a global technology company, Altair takes information security seriously and sought achieving ISO 27001 certification to follow the latest global information security frameworks. Additionally, for Altair’s enterprise-level customers, having ISMS certification is becoming more important. In a world where the security boundaries between client and vendor are blurring, an ISMS demonstrates Altair's commitment to information security.
Altair told our team that they had seen many different platform options for assisting with ISO 27001 certification, but they wanted experienced, talented people working on their audit - not just a software platform. They shared that they were looking for collaborative auditors who would both give them a “fair crack of the whip” to drive good business behaviors, but at the same time provide the guidance and feedback they needed to ultimately achieve certification at the end of the process.
Our team at Securisea thoroughly enjoyed working with Altair. The audit process presented some real logistical and language challenges, which we were able to accommodate with ease. Altair has over 3,000 engineers, scientists and other team members spread across 29 countries. They have experienced, tenured professionals that were prepared, and able to quickly tackle any roadblocks that we discovered along the way. Securisea has personnel on the ground globally, which allows us to quickly adapt to country-specific needs and requests, while remaining agile and moving the certification process forward in a timely manner.
Despite their rapid growth, many acquisitions, and large global footprint, Altair has a tremendous open and collaborative culture, with some very security-minded controls in place that made this team a pleasure to work with, and we can’t wait to tackle our next project together.
Understanding StateRAMP: A Comprehensive Guide for Cloud Service Providers
For cloud service providers (CSPs) seeking to do business with state and local governments, StateRAMP (State Risk and Authorization Management Program) has emerged as a critical compliance framework. Modeled after the well-established Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), StateRAMP aims to standardize and streamline security measures for cloud services at the state level, helping governments and providers alike reduce risk and enhance resilience against cyber threats.
“StateRAMP certification is more than just a compliance milestone—it’s a gateway to significant revenue opportunities for cloud service providers. By achieving this certification, CSPs position themselves to access a growing market of state and local government clients who demand secure, reliable solutions. It’s an investment that pays off in credibility, trust, and a competitive edge.”
— Josh Daymont, CEO of Securisea
As a StateRAMP-approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), Securisea is dedicated to guiding CSPs through this rigorous but essential journey. Below, we break down what StateRAMP is, why it matters for CSPs, and how to navigate the certification process effectively.
What is StateRAMP?
Launched in 2020, StateRAMP is a nonprofit organization that sets standardized security criteria for cloud services used by state and local governments. Its purpose is to protect sensitive information and public resources by ensuring that cloud providers meet stringent cybersecurity requirements before their solutions are integrated into government systems. By aligning with StateRAMP standards, CSPs not only build trust but also open the door to more government contracts and partnerships.
Like its federal counterpart, FedRAMP, StateRAMP establishes a robust framework of controls and regular assessments, which provide transparency and assurance to public agencies. However, StateRAMP tailors its requirements specifically to state and local government needs, addressing unique challenges and security requirements at these levels.
Why is StateRAMP Important for Cloud Service Providers?
For CSPs interested in serving state and local governments, StateRAMP certification can be a game-changer. Here's why:
- Increased Trust and Credibility: Achieving StateRAMP certification signals that your organization meets high cybersecurity standards. State agencies are more likely to work with vendors they can trust to safeguard their data, and StateRAMP certification provides that reassurance.
- Market Access and Competitive Advantage: Many state governments are beginning to require StateRAMP certification for cloud service contracts. Having the certification opens doors to a broader market of government clients who need secure cloud solutions.
- Risk Reduction: Meeting StateRAMP requirements helps CSPs reduce vulnerabilities within their systems, minimizing the likelihood of cyber incidents that could damage their reputation and result in significant financial losses.
- Operational Efficiency and Consistency: By adhering to a recognized framework, CSPs can ensure that their internal security practices align with industry standards, leading to operational efficiencies and more streamlined processes.
Key Components of the StateRAMP Program
StateRAMP provides a structured pathway for CSPs to demonstrate security compliance. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Establishing Baseline Controls: StateRAMP categorizes security requirements into different impact levels: Low, Moderate, and High, depending on the sensitivity of the data the cloud solution will handle. CSPs must implement security controls that align with the appropriate impact level for their services.
- Third-Party Assessment: To ensure objective verification of compliance, CSPs work with a StateRAMP-approved Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) like Securisea. The 3PAO conducts a comprehensive security assessment to confirm that the CSP’s cloud solution meets the necessary requirements.
- Continuous Monitoring: StateRAMP isn't a one-time certification. It requires ongoing monitoring to maintain compliance and address any new vulnerabilities as they arise. CSPs must provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to ensure they’re meeting the required standards consistently.
- StateRAMP Authorized Status: Upon successful assessment, CSPs earn a StateRAMP Authorized status, which indicates their solutions are approved for use by state and local governments. This status is publicly available on the StateRAMP Marketplace, making it easier for government agencies to identify compliant solutions.
The StateRAMP Certification Process: What to Expect
For CSPs preparing to undergo the StateRAMP process, here’s a high-level look at what to expect:
- Readiness Assessment: Conduct an internal evaluation to determine whether your organization is prepared to meet StateRAMP’s control requirements.
- Gap Analysis and Remediation: Work with your 3PAO to identify any gaps between your current security measures and StateRAMP requirements. This step often involves implementing or enhancing security controls to close identified gaps.
- Full Assessment and Documentation: Once ready, your 3PAO will perform a thorough assessment, documenting all compliance efforts to provide a complete record for StateRAMP authorization.
- Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: After achieving certification, CSPs must maintain compliance through regular monitoring and reporting, demonstrating that they’re consistently meeting StateRAMP standards.
Why Work with Securisea?
Navigating StateRAMP can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes a manageable process. At Securisea, we specialize in helping CSPs understand, prepare for, and succeed in the StateRAMP certification journey. As an experienced 3PAO, we bring a deep understanding of StateRAMP’s intricacies, offering tailored support to streamline the certification process and ensure long-term compliance.
From initial assessments and gap analysis to full certification and continuous monitoring, Securisea is here to be your partner in achieving and maintaining StateRAMP compliance. By securing this certification, you not only position your organization for growth in the government sector but also contribute to a stronger, more secure digital landscape for all.
If you’re ready to start your StateRAMP journey, reach out to Securisea. Together, we’ll navigate the path to certification, helping you unlock new opportunities with state and local governments while strengthening your organization’s security framework.
Understanding the Differences Between FISMA and FedRAMP
When it comes to federal compliance, two significant frameworks often come into play: FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) and FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program). While both aim to protect federal information, they serve distinct purposes and apply to different types of organizations. Here’s how Securisea approaches these two frameworks, helping organizations navigate their unique requirements and ensuring compliance that aligns with your specific federal goals.
What Is FISMA?
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a U.S. federal law that requires all federal agencies, contractors, and other organizations that handle federal information to develop, document, and implement information security programs. Established in 2002 and later updated by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, FISMA emphasizes continuous monitoring and reporting of cybersecurity risks to ensure that federal data remains protected across all information systems.
At Securisea, we guide organizations through FISMA compliance with a focus on building robust security programs that stand up to the rigorous standards expected by federal agencies. Whether you’re an agency or a contractor, we help align your security processes with the requirements set by NIST 800-53, FISMA’s primary control framework, ensuring that your systems are not only compliant but also resilient against today’s complex cyber threats.
What Is FedRAMP?
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), in contrast, is a government-wide program specifically designed to assess and authorize cloud service providers (CSPs) that work with federal agencies. Launched in 2011, FedRAMP standardizes the security assessment process for cloud products and services used by the federal government, ensuring that CSPs meet strict security requirements.
FedRAMP requirements build on NIST’s 800-53 guidelines, but they’re tailored specifically to cloud environments and focus on areas critical to cloud security, such as data segmentation and multi-tenant architecture. Securisea’s expertise in FedRAMP allows us to support cloud providers through this rigorous process, ensuring that they meet FedRAMP’s high standards and are equipped to serve federal clients securely and efficiently.
Key Differences Between FISMA and FedRAMP
Though both frameworks aim to secure federal data, FISMA and FedRAMP have distinct applications:
- Applicability:some text
- FISMA applies to federal agencies and contractors that manage or work with federal information systems. Essentially, any organization working with federal data outside of a cloud setting will likely fall under FISMA.
- FedRAMP is specific to cloud service providers that store, process, or transmit federal data. If your organization provides cloud-based services to federal agencies, FedRAMP authorization is required.
- Control Frameworks:some text
- Both FISMA and FedRAMP use NIST 800-53 as their foundational control framework. However, FedRAMP introduces additional cloud-specific requirements that are not part of FISMA, ensuring cloud environments meet the unique security needs of federal agencies.
- Assessment Process:some text
- FISMA assessments are typically conducted by federal agencies or an authorized third-party provider. The compliance approach involves continuous monitoring, reporting, and regular audits.
- FedRAMP requires a more standardized and formal authorization process, often involving a Third-Party Assessment Organization (3PAO), like Securisea, that conducts a comprehensive review to ensure the cloud service provider meets FedRAMP’s requirements. This can include an Agency Authorization process or a Joint Authorization Board (JAB) review.
- Authorization Maintenance:some text
- For FISMA, organizations must engage in continuous monitoring and regularly update their security documentation, reporting security posture and compliance status to federal agencies.
- FedRAMP also requires continuous monitoring, with CSPs required to submit monthly reports and undergo annual assessments to maintain their FedRAMP Authorization.
How Securisea Can Help
Securisea offers specialized support for both FISMA and FedRAMP compliance, guiding organizations through the complexities of each framework. Here’s how we make the process simpler:
- FISMA Compliance: We help agencies and contractors develop and implement strong information security programs that meet FISMA requirements, from risk assessments and control implementation to continuous monitoring and reporting. Our team ensures you’re equipped to meet the demands of federal cybersecurity standards with a solution that aligns with your organization’s unique needs.
- FedRAMP Authorization: For cloud service providers, we offer end-to-end FedRAMP support, including readiness assessments, gap analysis, and full authorization packages. Our expertise in cloud security enables us to navigate FedRAMP’s complex requirements efficiently, positioning you for success in serving federal clients. As an authorized 3PAO, Securisea is qualified to assess and validate your compliance, ensuring you meet every standard needed for FedRAMP certification.
Choosing the Right Path Forward
FISMA and FedRAMP serve different, but equally important roles in federal compliance. Whether you’re an agency, contractor, or cloud provider, aligning with the correct framework is essential for protecting federal information and maintaining compliance. At Securisea, we provide expert guidance to help you understand which framework applies to your organization and offer tailored services to simplify compliance and enhance security posture.
By choosing Securisea, you gain a partner who not only understands the intricacies of FISMA and FedRAMP but also delivers a streamlined, supportive approach to compliance. Connect with us today to learn more about our comprehensive compliance services and take the next step toward secure, reliable federal partnerships.
Why Choose Securisea as Your SOC 2 Auditor?
When it comes to SOC 2 compliance, the audit process should be more than a box-checking exercise. For companies seeking value, guidance, and a meaningful partnership, choosing the right SOC 2 auditor can make all the difference. Here’s why Securisea stands out in a sea of options.
1. Big Expertise, Right-Sized Approach
At Securisea, we combine the expertise of a top-tier firm with the personalization that only a dedicated partner can provide. Our team is the right size for businesses that want hands-on guidance without the cumbersome bureaucracy often found with larger auditors. You’ll always have direct access to seasoned auditors who understand your unique business environment and work to simplify the complexities of SOC 2 compliance.
2. More Than Compliance: We’re Your Strategic Partner
Securisea approaches each SOC 2 audit with a goal that goes beyond regulatory compliance. We see ourselves as your partner, helping you navigate risks and find areas for real improvement. Whether it’s identifying vulnerabilities in your systems or offering industry-tailored insights, we go the extra mile to deliver value in every phase of the audit.
3. Dedicated Support Every Step of the Way
Working with Securisea means you’re never just another client. Our firm is structured to provide high-touch, dedicated support throughout the audit process. From scoping to final reporting, we’re here to answer questions, provide clarity, and ensure you’re fully informed on every aspect of SOC 2 compliance.
4. Flexibility to Meet Your Needs
Many auditing firms offer a one-size-fits-all approach that can overlook the nuances of individual businesses. We’re small enough to adapt our processes, allowing us to fit our audit precisely to your business’s risk profile, size, and needs. This adaptability leads to audits that are thorough yet efficient—delivering results without burdening your team.
5. A Reputation Built on Trust and Transparency
Securisea takes pride in building strong client relationships based on transparency and trust. You won’t find hidden fees or surprise delays in our process. We value open communication, so you’re always clear on what to expect. Our goal is to make SOC 2 compliance an empowering experience, giving you a roadmap to build a secure, resilient organization.
6. Comprehensive Compliance Under One Roof
Securisea understands that today’s businesses often face multiple compliance requirements, from SOC 2 to FedRAMP, HIPAA, HITRUST, ISO 27001, PCI, and more. By choosing Securisea, you gain access to a partner equipped to handle all your auditing needs in one place. This unified approach streamlines your compliance process, saving time, reducing audit fatigue, and ensuring consistency across all certifications. With Securisea, you’ll benefit from a team that understands the interconnectedness of these frameworks, allowing for an integrated compliance strategy that supports both your current needs and future growth.
Choosing Securisea as your SOC 2 auditor means selecting a partner that values quality, transparency, and partnership. We’re more than auditors; we’re committed allies in your journey toward robust security and compliance. Experience the Securisea difference—where your needs, goals, and challenges are met with the perfect balance of expertise, personalization, and value.
What Is a SOC2 Exception, and What Does It Mean To My Business?
When undergoing a SOC 2 audit, many organizations aim for a clean report, but even the most prepared companies can encounter exceptions. A SOC 2 exception highlights areas where controls did not fully operate as intended, raising potential concerns for stakeholders. But what exactly does this mean for your business? In this post, we'll break down what a SOC 2 exception is, why it happens, and what steps you can take to address these findings to ensure your organization remains on track for compliance and security.
A SOC 2 exception doesn’t necessarily indicate a failure, but rather an area where controls didn’t function as expected during the audit period, possibly for an entirely legitimate reason. These exceptions can vary in severity, ranging from minor deviations to more significant issues that may require immediate attention. The key is understanding the nature of the exception and determining whether it poses a material risk to your organization’s security, availability, or data privacy. In many cases, exceptions are manageable and can be addressed with corrective actions, helping your organization strengthen its overall control environment.
Types of SOC 2 Exceptions
There are typically two types of SOC 2 exceptions: control deficiencies and deviations.
- Control deficiencies occur when the control was in place but didn’t operate effectively. For example, if an organization has a control for monitoring access logs but failed to review the logs during a certain period, that would be considered a control deficiency.
- Deviations happen when a control did not operate as documented. An example would be a policy stating that users must watch a security awareness training by a certain deadline, but a small number did not watch the video until a week after the deadline, perhaps because they went on vacation shortly before the final reminder was sent.
Understanding the type of exception helps your organization prioritize remediation efforts and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Why Do SOC 2 Exceptions Happen?
SOC 2 exceptions can occur for several reasons, including human error, system malfunctions, or process misalignment. In some cases, exceptions may result from a temporary breakdown in communication between departments, leading to missed compliance steps. Other times, they stem from inadequate documentation or outdated policies that no longer reflect the current operations or risks the company faces.
It’s essential to perform a root cause analysis when exceptions arise to identify the underlying issues. This allows organizations to apply targeted corrective actions rather than short-term fixes.
The Impact of SOC 2 Exceptions
The impact of a SOC 2 exception depends on its severity and relevance to the scope of the audit. For example, a minor exception might not affect the overall audit opinion and could be seen as a learning opportunity. However, more significant exceptions could lead to a qualified opinion, which might cause concerns for clients, partners, or regulators.
A qualified opinion doesn’t necessarily mean your organization is not secure, but it may indicate weaknesses in certain areas that need attention. Clients and partners might request additional information to understand the risk posed by the exception and what steps are being taken to resolve it.
How to Address SOC 2 Exceptions
If your SOC 2 report identifies exceptions, the most important thing is to respond proactively. Here are steps you can take to manage and resolve exceptions effectively:
- Understand the exception: Work with your auditor to understand the specific nature of the exception. Is it a process failure, human error, or system issue?
- Perform a root cause analysis: Identifying the underlying conditions that enabled and/or caused the exception is important in order to identify likely corrections.
- Implement corrective actions: Develop a plan to remediate the exception. This could involve updating policies, improving employee training, or enhancing technical controls to ensure the issue doesn’t recur.
- Communicate with stakeholders: Transparency is key when exceptions are identified. Inform relevant internal and external stakeholders about the nature of the exception, your remediation plan, and the expected timeline for resolution.
- Monitor and document progress: Keep track of the remediation efforts and document each step. This not only helps with the current issue but also serves as a valuable record for future audits.
Preventing SOC 2 Exceptions
While exceptions can happen, there are proactive steps organizations can take to reduce the likelihood of encountering them in future audits:
- Regular internal audits: Conduct internal audits to catch potential issues before the SOC 2 audit. This allows you to address any gaps in controls proactively.
- Ongoing employee training: Ensure your staff is well-versed in the policies and procedures required for SOC 2 compliance. Regular training can help prevent human errors and process deviations.
- Keep policies up to date: As your organization grows or changes, your policies should evolve too. Regularly review and update your procedures to reflect your current operations and risks.
Final Thoughts
SOC 2 exceptions are a common part of the auditing process, but they don’t have to derail your compliance efforts. By understanding the nature of exceptions, implementing corrective actions, and continuously improving your controls, your organization can strengthen its security posture and maintain trust with clients and partners. Embracing these opportunities for improvement will not only help you pass future SOC 2 audits but also ensure you’re better equipped to handle the complex cybersecurity landscape.
About Securisea
Securisea provides audit support for organizations of all sizes, from startups to some of the world’s largest, most complex, and most security-minded technology companies. We are one of only a handful of audit firms in the world certified to provide CSA STAR, ISO27001 and 27701, SOC2, SOC1, PCI DSS, FedRAMP/StateRAMP 3PAO, HITRUST & HIPAA assessments all under one roof. Partnering with Securisea means you have access to experienced, senior security experts focused on delivering the solutions you need.
Understanding required ASV scans for SAQ A Merchants
Achieving and maintaining PCI Compliance is essential to online retailers that want to prove to customers that their sensitive cardholder data is secure. The most common way to do this is through the PCI Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) A, but with the introduction of PCI DSS v4.0, new requirements have been added, specifically around Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV) scans.
What is PCI DSS SAQ A?
Any business that stores, processes, or transmits credit card data must demonstrate PCI compliance. To do so, companies can often complete the "PCI DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire," but it’s important to check with your acquiring bank to confirm the appropriate SAQ for your situation.
Different types of SAQs are available, depending on how payment processing is handled. Online merchants, for example, often choose between SAQ A-EP and SAQ A. For merchants who outsource payment processing to PCI-certified third parties, SAQ A has been a simpler option because it traditionally required compliance with fewer standards—just 29 in total.
ASV Scans and PCI DSS v4.0 SAQ A
What are ASV Scans? ASV scans are designed to identify security vulnerabilities on external systems that could be exploited by attackers to compromise sensitive payment data. Previously, SAQ A did not require these scans, but with PCI DSS v4.0, this has changed.
Now, businesses completing SAQ A must undergo vulnerability scans by an ASV at least every 90 days.
“Even if your business uses a redirect or iFrame for payments, you will still need these scans.”
This is because cybercriminals often exploit weak spots in systems, and unpatched servers hosting your payment page could be targeted to inject malicious code or replace redirects with fraudulent checkout pages, potentially sending payment details to criminals.
This new requirement helps protect your website and your customers by identifying and addressing security issues before they can be exploited.
Why Did The PCI Council Mandate ASV Scans for SAQ A Merchants?
The PCI Council mandated ASV scans for SAQ A merchants to enhance the security of payment card data. While SAQ A merchants may not store or process cardholder data directly, their websites and systems still play a critical role in facilitating transactions. By introducing ASV scans, the PCI Council aims to close security gaps in the broader payment ecosystem, ensuring that merchants maintain secure environments even when using outsourced payment processing.
The PCI Council has found that many data breaches occur due to:
- Weak passwords
- Misconfigured network devices
- Other security flaws (that can be identified through ASV scans.)
By mandating ASV scans for SAQ A merchants, the PCI Council is taking a proactive approach to security, rather than waiting for a data breach to occur before taking action.
What are the PCI DSS v4.0 SAQ A ASV Scan Requirements?
As specialists in PCI DSS, we want to highlight the changes introduced in this version that could impact businesses using SAQ A for their compliance, especially those who have done so in the past or are planning to in the future. This article will provide an overview of the SAQ A and its new ASV scanning requirements to help you prepare for these changes when you start filling out the questionnaire.
Best Practices for PCI DSS ASV Scans
With these new requirements in place, here are some recommended best practices to help businesses meet compliance:
- Expand the scope of your ASV scans beyond just the payment page to include all relevant systems.
- Whitelist trusted iFrame sources to minimize the risk of third-party interference.
- Monitor your payment service provider’s compliance with PCI standards to ensure they’re not compromising your compliance efforts.
- Address vulnerabilities quickly, especially high-risk findings that could be exploited.
- Ensure that your ASV is PCI SSC-approved and properly trained to meet the rigorous standards required for PCI compliance.
- Document your scanning processes to streamline future scans and ensure you’re prepared for compliance audits.
- Consider scanning every 30 days instead of quarterly to catch vulnerabilities sooner.
- Test your redirects and iFrames to ensure they are secure and functioning correctly.
- Stay informed about ongoing changes in PCI DSS and leverage available tools to protect your business.
Securisea's ASV Scanning Services
Securisea is an Approved Scanning Vendor that offers PCI ASV scanning services to merchants of all sizes. Securisea specializes in helping merchants meet the requirements of the ASV scan mandate and maintain PCI compliance. Securisea's ASV scanning services include regular on-demand scans, annual scans for merchants using SAQ A, and vulnerability scanning. Securisea’s goal through this service is to protect consumers from the potential financial and logistical burdens of a data breach.
Securisea Can Help with PCI DSS v4.0
At Securisea, we understand that navigating the complexities of PCI DSS v4.0 can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from understanding new requirements like ASV scans to ensuring you meet all compliance standards with confidence. Whether you're starting your PCI journey or transitioning to the latest version, Securisea can provide the expertise and solutions you need to secure your business and protect your customers. Contact us today to get started on your path to PCI DSS v4.0 compliance and safeguard your business for the future.
The Importance of DNSSEC for FedRAMP Compliance: How Securisea Can Help
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a feature of the Domain Name System (DNS) that verifies the authenticity of data in responses from authoritative DNS servers. It's a key requirement for cloud service providers (CSPs) to achieve and maintain Authority to Operate (ATO) for FedRAMP.
The DNS is essentially the phonebook of the internet, translating human-readable domain names (like securisea.com) into IP addresses that computers use to access websites. However, traditional DNS is inherently vulnerable to attacks like DNS spoofing and cache poisoning, where attackers can redirect users to malicious sites without their knowledge. DNSSEC adds a layer of cryptographic protection to DNS lookups, ensuring that the information returned by a DNS query is authentic and has not been tampered with. For organizations seeking FedRAMP compliance, implementing DNSSEC is essential to protect against these threats and maintain the integrity of their online services.
DNSSEC Requirements for FedRAMP certification
The FedRAMP Readiness Assessment Report includes the following questions in relation to your organization's DNSSEC configuration:
- Does the system’s external DNS solution support DNS Security (DNSSEC) to provide origin authentication and integrity verification assurances? This applies to the controls SC-20, SC-21, and SC-22 in the SSP." (section 4.1)
- Did the 3PAO [third-party assessment organization] verify that the external DNS server replies with valid DNSSEC responses and that the recursive server is within a FedRAMP Authorized boundary, makes DNSSEC requests for domains outside the boundary, and that DNS calls maintain DNSSEC authentication and integrity? [SC-20, SC-21]" (section 4.2)
Here's how DNSSEC helps:
Prevents DNS Spoofing and Cache Poisoning: DNSSEC adds a layer of security to the DNS by enabling the authentication of DNS responses. This prevents attackers from injecting false DNS data into the resolver's cache (cache poisoning) or redirecting traffic through DNS spoofing, which could lead to man-in-the-middle attacks.
Data Integrity Through Digital Signatures: DNSSEC ensures that the data returned by the DNS server is authentic and has not been altered in transit. It does this by using public-key cryptography to sign DNS data. When a DNS resolver receives a response, it checks the signature with the public key published in the DNS. If the signature is valid, the resolver knows the data has not been tampered with.
Enhanced Trustworthiness: For cloud service providers, ensuring the integrity of DNS data is crucial because any tampering could lead to users being redirected to malicious sites or services. DNSSEC helps maintain the trustworthiness of the DNS infrastructure by ensuring that users are directed to the correct IP addresses for cloud services.
Protection Against Downtime and Data Breaches: By securing the DNS infrastructure, DNSSEC helps cloud service providers protect against potential downtime caused by DNS attacks and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data that could result from DNS hijacking.
Support for Secure Authentication Mechanisms: DNSSEC lays the foundation for additional security mechanisms, such as DANE (DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities), which can be used to ensure secure connections to cloud services by verifying the authenticity of SSL/TLS certificates.
How Securisea Can Help with DNSSEC and FedRAMP certification
Achieving and maintaining FedRAMP compliance is no small task, and DNSSEC is just one piece of the puzzle. As cybersecurity and compliance experts, Securisea provides comprehensive services to help your organization navigate the complexities of FedRAMP, including the implementation and management of DNSSEC.
FedRAMP Advisory. Considered by many to be the most comprehensive and challenging security program in the world, many firms seeking a FedRAMP ATO chose to retain a 3PAO company to assist with building their compliance program. At Securisea, we have the experience and expertise to build out an efficient and cost effective compliance program that enhances overall security posture while de-risking the ATO application.
FedRAMP Readiness Assessment. For most cloud service providers, the FedRAMP Readiness Assessment is the fastest route to being listed in the Federal Marketplace. This engagement is especially beneficial for companies seeking an agency sponsor to obtain their first ATO and is seen by many as a requirement for unlisted services that wish to apply for a P-ATO.
FedRAMP Assessment. Undergoing a FedRAMP Assessment is the final step in achieving your Agency or Provisional Authorization to Operate (ATO). As a 3PAO, Securisea is one of a select number of firms qualified to represent your compliance program to your Agency or Joint Authorization Board contact.
Ready to tackle FedRAMP?Contact Securisea today to learn more about how we can help get the ball rolling with our FedRAMP Advisory Services.