Amazon has announced that their Amazon Web Services has received an advanced Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Government Security Accreditation. This is a key endorsement for Amazon’s Cloud services and their security, and it is more advanced than the one originally held. The new accreditation is the fifth Amazon has obtained for its web services, featuring the Elastic Compute Cloud infrastructure-as-a-service platform.
Significance of the FISMA Accreditation
The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a United States legislation that defines a comprehensive framework to protect government information, operations, and assets against natural or man-made threats. Achieving FISMA accreditation is a rigorous process that involves meeting stringent security standards and undergoing thorough evaluations. For Amazon Web Services (AWS), obtaining this advanced accreditation signifies a robust commitment to security and compliance, making it a trusted partner for government agencies.
“We announced the Moderate certification level today, but previously, AWS was certified at the FISMA Low level,” – “Additionally, AWS had provided the controls to allow government agencies to build and certify their own FISMA Moderate applications on AWS infrastructure. Now the AWS security and compliance framework covers FISMA Low and Moderate, and government agencies can now easily procure cloud computing services from AWS at the FISMA Moderate level using the GSA IaaS BPA (blanket purchase agreements).
Implications for Government Agencies
The new FISMA Moderate certification level opens up significant opportunities for government agencies. Previously, agencies had to build and certify their own FISMA Moderate applications on AWS infrastructure. Now, with AWS itself certified at this level, the process becomes much simpler and more streamlined. Government agencies can now easily procure cloud computing services from AWS at the FISMA Moderate level using the GSA IaaS BPA (blanket purchase agreements). This not only saves time and resources but also ensures a higher level of security and compliance.
Other cloud operators such as Google and Microsoft also have FISMA certification for their cloud infrastructures. However, the advanced accreditation achieved by AWS sets a new benchmark in the industry, highlighting Amazon’s leadership in cloud security and compliance.
Broader Impact on Cloud Services
The advanced FISMA accreditation for AWS is not just a win for Amazon but also a significant milestone for the broader cloud services industry. It underscores the growing importance of security and compliance in cloud computing, especially as more organizations, including government agencies, migrate to the cloud. This accreditation could potentially influence other cloud service providers to enhance their security measures and seek similar certifications, thereby raising the overall security standards in the industry.
Moreover, this development could lead to increased adoption of cloud services by government agencies, which have traditionally been cautious about cloud migration due to security concerns. With AWS now offering a higher level of security and compliance, these agencies can confidently leverage cloud technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
In conclusion, Amazon’s advanced FISMA Government Security Accreditation for its AWS platform is a significant achievement that reinforces its position as a leader in cloud security and compliance. It provides government agencies with a reliable and secure cloud computing option, paving the way for broader adoption of cloud services in the public sector. As the cloud services industry continues to evolve, such advancements in security and compliance will play a crucial role in shaping its future.
Source: Ars Technica
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