Unpacking the NIST 800-53 Rev 5 FedRAMP Update

Ah, the joys of updates in federal compliance standards! The release of NIST 800-53 Rev 5 is a bit like that time I thought I'd impressed my mom by tidying up my room. All I did was shuffle my laundry heap from the floor to the closet. She glanced around and cheered, "Voila! Spotless!" But we both knew it was the same mess in a different place – much like Rev 5’s Moved Requirements.

Then there's the charm of Split Requirements, akin to ordering a pizza and getting it delivered slice by slice. Still a whole pizza, sure, but it means answering the door eight times.

Don't forget Removed Requirements – I know you worked hard on that VOiP control, but no one cares.

And then, as if out of a bad horror movie sequel, here come the New Requirements, with fourth-party vendors emerging from the shadows like unexpected beasts. 

While the control count appears to have shrunk, much like my eagerness to clean my room, the actual workload has mounted, jumping by 13% for high-risk categories. Akin to the spike in my stress levels every tax season. Fun times! But fear not, we've got this. Let's dive in.

FedRAMP Control Counts

Alright, so if we're looking at the tables that came right out of the FedRAMP cookbook, we've got the control changes in the High, Moderate, Low, and Li-SaaS categories from NIST 800-53 Rev 4 to Rev 5:

At first glance, you'd think, "Woohoo! Downhill run! Fewer controls in High and Moderate, sounds like an easy cruise, right?" It's like when you start a diet and the first day, you lose 2 pounds. You think, "Hey, this isn't so bad!"

But then you notice the Low and Li-SaaS categories had to go and spoil the party. They've bulked up like they're preparing for a hibernation, going up by 25% and 127%, respectively.

But then, like a surprise twist in a sitcom, we get the Actual Requirements:

Actual FedRAMP Requirements 

Just like realizing your preferred 'low-calorie' meal is brimming with carbs, the layers within these controls have a surprise in store. These numbers have no intention of embarking on a weight-loss journey. High went up by 13%, Moderate by 16%, and Low and Li-SaaS? They're getting their winter coats ready, going up by a solid 34% and 86%, respectively.

Closer Look at Control Families

Then, we move onto the Control Families. It's kind of like getting your whole extended family together for a reunion and realizing Aunt Mildred had triplets since the last gathering. Looking at these numbers, it's clear that some families have definitely been busier than others. Things like Access Control, Configuration Management, Contingency Planning, and System and Services Acquisition have not been lazing around.

But wait, there's more! To really spice up the compliance soup, we have a new category to consider – "Supply Chain Risk Management".

Big shoutout to Chris Hughes, a leader in this space, for his pioneering work. Dive into his illuminating book here or his insightful podcast episode here. Hats off to Chris for lighting the path!

‍

Changes in the SSP

Crafting a quality System Security Plan (SSP) while keeping up with regulatory changes is like building a complex sandcastle on the beach, just to have the wave come in and scatter everything.

But, let's not get too dramatic. Fortunately, for those using Risk Solutions, you've got 14 shiny new solutions at your disposal. They're like magic tricks for your security controls.

Oh Hey PARAMETERS! GOOD TO SEE YOU!

Just when you thought it was over, we need to update the new PARAMETERS. It's like finding another hidden level in your favorite video game, but way less fun.

As you can see, the parameters have decided to jump up on the bandwagon as well, with increases in all categories. It's like adding extra toppings on an already overstuffed pizza. You thought the supreme was enough? Nope, here come the anchovies, olives, mushrooms, and extra cheese!

Steering through the twists and turns of the new NIST 800-53 Rev 5 can feel like attempting to navigate a labyrinth while blindfolded and juggling flaming torches. It's no leisurely stroll, but this is where Paramify comes to the rescue. With our help, tackling these parameters becomes as breezy as a walk in the park on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

How Do Risk Solutions help?

Navigating the twists and turns of NIST 800-53 Rev 5 doesn't need to feel like an uphill battle. Armed with Paramify's Risk Solutions, you'll find a streamlined strategy for tackling the new requirements and changes. Think of it as reducing a complicated riddle into a set of simple, solvable puzzles.

As we explained in our previous article, these solutions act as your real-time compliance compass, providing clear visibility into your risk posture and allowing for swift, mid-course corrections. With Risk Solutions, you're not just prepared to weather the compliance storm, but to steer confidently through it.

For a refresher on building your own Risk Solutions, revisit our previous article. You'll find helpful insights and practical advice to set you on the right path within the NIST 800-53 Rev 5 landscape.

View our Free Webinar to see for yourself!

Check out our webinar showing you in detail how you can instantly, completely, and accurately upgrade your FedRAMP Package from Rev. 4 to Rev. 5 without hiring a tech writer.

The PMO would like your plans in their hands soon. The time to act is now.

‍

‍

^[1] These numbers have been updated based upon the newest control templates released by the FedRAMP PMO. Previous numbers were estimates.