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Enterprise & Operational Risk

Enterprise & Operational Risk

Business operations are a complex mixture of people, processes and technology. Enterprise and Operational Risk Management is the singular, most important central point of aggregation for organizational risk. Continuum GRC provides a global solution to identify, assess and monitor risks consistently across the enterprise, auto-mapping between all the world's standards.

Audit & Regulatory Controls

Audit & Regulatory Controls

Continuum GRC provides a risk-based approach to Audit and Regulatory Controls Management and consolidates the entire process within a single source of truth. Supporting ALL the frameworks and standards the world has to offer such as StateRAMP, FedRAMP, CMMC, HIPAA, 800-53, CJIS, DFARS, SOC 1, SOC 2, ISO 27001, NERC CIP, SOX 404, PCI, EUCS, C5 and more.

Governance & Policy Controls

Governance & Policy Controls

Governance and Policy Controls Management serves as the foundation for a program by outlining the structure, authority, and processes required for the organization through the clearly defined governance structure, stratification of authority, defined and well-communicated policies, procedures and the supporting processes critical to empowering an effective program.

IT & Cybersecurity Risk

IT & Cybersecurity Risk

Technology drives the global economy. Unfortunately, risks such as cybersecurity threats and technology failures are nearly impossible to predict. Continuum GRC IT & Security Risk Management is foundational to organizational strategy to manage technology risk. Universally, IT and Cybersecurity Risk Management supports organizational business initiatives, or enabling IT Audit and Regulatory Control compliance.

Third-Party & Vendor Risk

Third-Party & Vendor Risk

The exponential increase in organizational dependencies on third-party providers means that organizations also inherit third-party risks. Third-Party and Vendor Risk Management enables you to automate oversight of third-party relationships, allowing organizations to prioritize governance necessary to manage risk across the entire third-party management lifecycle.

Custom Created

Custom Created

Continuum GRC has native functionality for any type of form to be created. Our Form Builder tools allow for the Administrator to easily create any questionnaire, framework, survey, or module with ease. Leverage the power of our patent-pending A.ITAM, automapping, dynamic dashboards, and hundreds of powerful features provided by Continuum GRC rapidly.

Internal Audit & Financial Controls

Internal Audit & Financial Controls

Internal Audit and Financial Controls Management reduces Audit and Regulatory Controls compliance burdens by assessing controls through a risk-based approach. Integrated standards and frameworks help simplify processes, productivity and collaboration. Streamline the process for end-to-end Internal Audit and Financial Controls Management.

Resiliency & Business Continuity

Resiliency & Business Continuity

The exponentially emerging and prolonged onslaught of pandemic, climate change, geopolitical forces, supply chain and technology disruptions can threaten organizations. Resilience and Business Continuity Management provides an interactive, automated approach to the prioritization, planning, coordination, engagement, and insights needed to strengthen resiliency.

Expert Publications

StateRAMP Impact Levels Featured
Balancing Budget and Security with StateRAMP Requirements

The urgent need for standardized cybersecurity protocols has become paramount to mitigate these risks. This is where StateRAMP comes into play. Modeled after FedRAMP, StateRAMP ensures that cloud service providers meet rigorous security standards before working with state governments.

In this article, we’ll explore the cost implications of StateRAMP compliance, its security benefits, and how organizations can strategically manage their budgets while maintaining compliance.

 

Understanding StateRAMP and Its Importance

StateRAMP aims to provide a standardized framework for ensuring the security of cloud solutions used by state and local governments. It brings transparency, consistency, and accountability into the cybersecurity practices of CSPs that handle sensitive public data, thereby offering significant security benefits.

Key components of StateRAMP include:

    • Standardized Security Controls: StateRAMP uses a set of uniform security controls to assess the security posture of CSPs. These controls align closely with FedRAMP and the NIST 800-53 framework.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Once authorized, CSPs must undergo continuous monitoring to ensure their security practices remain compliant.
  • Third-Party Validation: Independent third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs) are tasked with auditing CSPs to confirm they meet StateRAMP’s security standards.

The primary goal of StateRAMP is to safeguard public data and reduce the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Adopting these standards helps state governments identify reliable, secure cloud vendors while protecting citizens’ sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

 

The Cost of ComplianceStateRAMP Impact Levels

 

StateRAMP compliance requires substantial investment from CSPs, and these costs can be classified into direct and indirect categories.

 

Direct Costs of StateRAMP Compliance

Achieving StateRAMP compliance is a multi-step process that entails various direct expenses:

  • Security Infrastructure Upgrades: Many CSPs must upgrade their systems and software to meet the stringent security controls StateRAMP sets. This often involves investing in encryption technologies, multi-factor authentication, intrusion detection systems, and other security solutions.
  • Third-Party Assessment Fees: CSPs must undergo assessments by an accredited 3PAO, which can be a significant expense. Assessment costs vary depending on the organization’s scope and size.
  • Documentation and Certification: Creating the necessary documentation to prove compliance requires time and resources. CSPs must provide evidence for every control area, from data protection policies to personnel security protocols.
  • Continuous Monitoring Costs: StateRAMP doesn’t simply involve a one-time certification. It requires constant monitoring of security controls, which means CSPs must allocate ongoing resources to meet these standards. Regular system audits and reports can add further costs to maintaining compliance.

Per the StateRAMP website, some standard costs include:

  • Annual StateRAMP Membership Fee Starts at $500
  • Monthly advisory calls and quarterly Snapshot scores, at most $1,000 monthly.
  • Annual StateRAMP Membership Fee starts at $500
  • Requires an audit by an independent 3PAO. Cost varies with system complexities, impact levels, and 3PAO choices: Costs start at $70,000

 

Indirect Costs of StateRAMP Compliance

Indirect costs are harder to quantify but just as critical to understand. These costs include:

  • Employee Training and Retention: To ensure compliance, CSPs must have trained personnel who understand StateRAMP protocols and can implement security controls. This requires regular training sessions, workshops, and potentially hiring cybersecurity experts to oversee compliance efforts.
  • Operational Disruptions: Undergoing security assessments and audits can temporarily disrupt normal business operations, especially if any deficiencies need remediation. These disruptions can lead to delays in service delivery, which in turn may affect client relationships and profitability.
  • Resource Allocation: Compliance requires a significant dedication of resources regarding time and staffing. Smaller companies may struggle to allocate these resources without straining their other business functions.

 

Why StateRAMP Is Worth the Investment

While the costs of achieving and maintaining StateRAMP compliance are considerable, the benefits often outweigh the investment, particularly for CSPs looking to work with state and local governments.

  • Improved Cybersecurity Posture: The most apparent benefit of StateRAMP compliance is an improved cybersecurity posture. By adhering to stringent security standards, CSPs can ensure that their systems are better protected against the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. This can save companies from potentially devastating data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybersecurity incidents that could severely damage their reputation and financial health.
  • Competitive Advantage in the Marketplace: For CSPs, obtaining StateRAMP authorization can be a major differentiator. Many state and local governments now require StateRAMP certification as a prerequisite for doing business. By becoming compliant, CSPs can open up new business opportunities and position themselves as trusted, secure partners in the public sector.
  • Standardization and Streamlining of Security Practices: CSPs can streamline their internal processes by adhering to a standardized set of security controls. Rather than navigating multiple disparate state security requirements, StateRAMP allows them to follow one set of guidelines, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
  • Risk Reduction and Liability Management: Complying with StateRAMP reduces the risk of data breaches and other cybersecurity incidents, which can be costly in terms of fines and damage to reputation. This can lower potential liability and ensure the organization remains in good standing with regulatory bodies.

 

Balancing Costs and Compliance: Strategic Approaches

Given the significant costs associated with StateRAMP compliance, organizations must approach the process strategically. Here are some tips for balancing the need for compliance with budgetary constraints:

  • Prioritize Risk-Based Compliance: Organizations should assess their cybersecurity risks and prioritize compliance measures accordingly. Not all controls may be equally critical for every CSP, and focusing on the most essential measures can help organizations minimize costs while improving security. Risk-based assessments help CSPs identify and prioritize high-risk areas, allowing them to focus resources on implementing the most impactful security measures first. 
  • Leverage Cloud Technology for Cost Efficiency: Cloud-based security tools and services can provide cost-effective solutions for CSPs looking to meet StateRAMP requirements. Cloud solutions often offer scalable, pay-as-you-go models that allow organizations to avoid significant upfront costs. Additionally, many cloud security vendors already comply with StateRAMP or FedRAMP standards, making it easier for CSPs to achieve compliance by partnering with these providers.
  • Outsource Compliance Activities: For smaller organizations that lack the internal expertise to manage compliance on their own, outsourcing certain activities can help manage costs. Third-party consultants or managed security service providers can offer specialized services, including monitoring, reporting, and remediation, which can save time and reduce the burden on internal teams.
  • Plan for Long-Term Compliance: StateRAMP is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing effort. CSPs should view compliance as a long-term investment and plan accordingly. Budgeting for continuous monitoring, security updates, and periodic reassessments can help organizations avoid unexpected costs. 

Continuum GRC is a cloud platform that stays ahead of the curve, including support for all certifications (along with our sister company and assessors, Lazarus Alliance). 

We are the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized compliance and risk management solution worldwide.

Continuum GRC is a proactive cyber security® and the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized cybersecurity audit platform worldwide. Call 1-888-896-6207 to discuss your organization’s cybersecurity needs and learn how we can help protect its systems and ensure compliance.

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StateRAMP CJIS featured
StateRAMP Announces CJIS Overlay for Improved Compliance

 To help limit compliance costs and support local adoption of stringent cybersecurity measures, the StateRAMP organization has announced that it is moving forward with a plan to map the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) framework into StateRAMP. 

What does this mean for CSPs at the state level? So far, we don’t know much, but it could have big implications for agencies covering local and state law enforcement.

 

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CMMC 2.0 featured
FedRAMP Equivalent Requirements for CMMC: Navigating Government Responsibilities

As government agencies continue to rely on cloud services and secure data management, companies involved in these sectors must navigate complex regulatory landscapes. The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) are two of the most critical frameworks in this space.

For companies pulling multiple responsibilities in government contracting—such as cloud service providers, cybersecurity firms, and systems integrators—understanding the equivalency between FedRAMP and CMMC is essential. This article explores the nuances of these frameworks, focusing on how businesses can effectively manage compliance when subject to both.

 

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