FedRAMP Authorized

FedRAMP Security Testing for Government Cloud

FedRAMP authorization requires rigorous security testing — monthly vulnerability scanning, annual penetration testing, and continuous monitoring. KENSAI helps Cloud Service Providers achieve and maintain FedRAMP ATO with automated scanning that meets PMO requirements.

Start FedRAMP Assessment → See FedRAMP Reporting

FedRAMP Security Testing Requirements

FedRAMP is built on NIST SP 800-53 and requires Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to implement specific security controls with continuous monitoring. Security testing requirements vary by impact level:

FedRAMP Level	Vulnerability Scanning	Penetration Testing	ConMon Frequency
Low	Monthly	Annual	Monthly
Moderate	Monthly (OS, DB, web app)	Annual	Monthly
High	Monthly (all components)	Annual	Monthly + ad hoc

RA-5: Vulnerability Scanning

Monthly authenticated vulnerability scans of operating systems, databases, and web applications. Scans must use current CVE data. Results must be analyzed within defined timeframes.

CA-8: Penetration Testing

Annual penetration testing by a FedRAMP-recognized Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) or equivalent qualified tester. Must cover all components in the authorization boundary.

SI-2: Flaw Remediation

Critical vulnerabilities: 30 days. High vulnerabilities: 30 days. Moderate: 90 days. Low: 180 days. All timeframes are strictly enforced during ConMon reviews.

CM-6: Configuration Settings

USGCB/CIS benchmark configurations required for all components. Vulnerability scanning must verify configurations remain compliant.

💡 FedRAMP Rev5 (2024): FedRAMP updated to NIST SP 800-53 Rev5 in 2024. Key changes include new supply chain risk management controls (SR family), expanded cloud-specific guidance, and updated assessment procedures. Existing authorizations must transition on an agency-agreed timeline.

FedRAMP Continuous Monitoring (ConMon)

ConMon is where many CSPs struggle after achieving initial authorization. Monthly deliverables typically include:

Vulnerability scan results for all in-boundary components
Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) updates with remediation status
Inventory updates for any new components
Incident reporting (if applicable)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tracking vulnerability remediation metrics

Failure to deliver monthly ConMon packages on time can trigger ATO review and potential revocation — a catastrophic outcome for CSPs with federal revenue.

Scan Requirements for FedRAMP

FedRAMP scanning requirements are more specific than most compliance frameworks:

Authenticated scanning required: Credentialed scans of all OS instances, providing deeper vulnerability discovery than network-only scans
Database scanning: Separate credentialed database scans for all relational databases
Web application scanning: DAST scanning of all web application components
Container scanning: (FedRAMP Rev5 addition) Container images and Kubernetes configurations must be scanned
False positive documentation: Vendors must formally document and justify any false positives before closing findings

How KENSAI Supports FedRAMP Authorization

✓ Monthly Scan Automation

Automated monthly scanning across all FedRAMP in-boundary components with scheduling, execution, and report delivery on ConMon deadlines.

✓ Authenticated OS/DB Scanning

Credentialed scanning of Windows, Linux, and major database platforms meets FedRAMP RA-5 authenticated scan requirements.

✓ POA&M Integration

Export findings directly to FedRAMP POA&M format (Excel/CSV). Track remediation status and deadlines against FedRAMP SLAs.

✓ Container & Cloud Scanning

Covers Rev5 container image scanning requirements for Kubernetes and container-based architectures common in modern FedRAMP boundaries.

✓ CVE Currency Verification

KENSAI uses the NVD and CISA KEV catalog — meeting FedRAMP requirements for current vulnerability database usage.

✓ ConMon Package Generation

Automated generation of monthly ConMon packages including scan results, KPIs, and trend analysis in FedRAMP-expected formats.

Accelerate Your FedRAMP Authorization

KENSAI provides the automated vulnerability scanning, ConMon reporting, and POA&M tracking that FedRAMP authorizations require. Reduce the operational burden of monthly ConMon while improving your security posture.

Start FedRAMP Assessment → Talk to a FedRAMP Expert