Trustwave's recent completion of the FedRAMP authorization process increases our ability to provide exceptional service to the federal government, the defense industrial base, and those with Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements, especially with a cloud service offering.
Working with the federal government is hardly new for Trustwave. Through Trustwave Government Solutions, we’re already proud security partners to a variety of government agencies, including the US Patent Office and Amtrak. Our new FedRAMP authorization will give Trustwave more opportunities to build on this work and continue securing the federal government.
But what is FedRAMP and why is this such great news? Just a little background: The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program or FedRAMP was created to accelerate the federal government’s adoption of cloud computing by creating transparent standards and processes for security authorizations and allowing agencies to leverage security authorizations on a government-wide scale.
Specifically, FedRAMP eliminates duplicative efforts by providing a common security framework. Agencies review their security requirements against a standardized baseline. A cloud service provider (CSP) goes through the authorization process once. After achieving authorization for their cloud service offering (CSO), any federal agency can then reuse the security package. That one-time authorization is what Trustwave has just successfully completed.
Trustwave: Why did Trustwave pursue FedRAMP authorization?
Bill Rucker: The federal government has stringent requirements for consuming cloud services. Our managed security services platform has been commercially available for over a decade, and we wanted to extend that same level of managed detection and response, SOC-as-a-service, and managed log services to the federal government.
To do so, we had to certify our platform so federal agencies and partners could consume our service without the need to build out on-premises solutions.
By adapting our already successful platform into a cloud offering and undergoing the rigorous FedRAMP certification process, we ensured compliance with government security standards. It was a long and extremely arduous process, taking nearly three years, but we remained committed while many others dropped out. Federal agencies understand the level of commitment required to obtain authorization, which is another positive check mark when they consider us a potential security partner.
Finally, FedRAMP authorization tells our current and potential federal government customers they have a platform that a fellow government agency has thoroughly vetted.
Trustwave: What areas are now open to Trustwave with FedRAMP authorization?
Bill Rucker: Our FedRAMP authorization removes previous restrictions, allowing any federal agency that requires a FedRAMP-approved cloud service to acquire and use our solution without additional waivers or permissions.
This is particularly significant for the defense industrial base, where cybersecurity maturity models (such as CMMC) mandate FedRAMP compliance. Unlike competitors who may claim FedRAMP readiness but lack full authorization, we've completed the entire process, uniquely qualified our solution for federal contracts. Our offering stands out as the only pure-play managed security service provider offering both managed EDR and managed SIEM under FedRAMP authorization.
Trustwave: What does FedRAMP authorization mean for Trustwave's interactions with private sector organizations?
Bill Rucker: Achieving FedRAMP authorization is a testament to our commitment to serving highly regulated industries. While FedRAMP primarily applies to federal agencies, it includes security measures highly relevant to private sector organizations, particularly those handling sensitive data or engaging with government contracts.
Many state and local agencies follow similar security frameworks, and private entities working with federal grants or contracts often prefer vendors with FedRAMP authorization. Additionally, achieving FedRAMP and StateRAMP certifications positions us as a leader in secure cloud services across multiple markets.
Trustwave: How does Trustwave’s earlier StateRAMP authorization play into this new authorization? Do some municipalities only look at StateRAMP-authorized vendors?
Bill Rucker: It depends on the specific requirements of each municipality. If a local agency receives funding from the state, they often need to work with StateRAMP-authorized vendors.
Many organizations initially explore StateRAMP-compliant providers, but if no suitable options exist, they may seek waivers to work with FedRAMP-certified solutions instead. The fact that we hold both certifications makes us a natural choice for agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring a consistent security standard across the board.
Trustwave: Do you have any final thoughts on what this means for Trustwave?
Bill Rucker: Being first in the pure-play MDR and co-SOC space to achieve FedRAMP authorization is a major accomplishment. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to serving government agencies and reinforces our position as a trusted cybersecurity provider.
This process wasn't easy. Many companies started but didn't finish due to the cost and complexity. We stayed the course, proving our dedication to this market. Now, we're in a position to help federal, state, and private sector organizations enhance their cybersecurity maturity with a proven, fully compliant solution.
So, the overall FedRAMP process has been a lot of fun for us. We've learned, but now the process continues. We've already started on our FedRAMP 5 process. FedRAMP is a continuous evolution and an investment that we will continue to make back into the government as they consume our services now that we have the FedRAMP authorization.
