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Getting FedRAMP authorization can feel like running an obstacle course – one wrong step, and you’re stuck in compliance limbo. We’ve seen it happen firsthand with companies that wasted time, money, and sanity on the process.
Let’s make sure that’s not you! Our team has been in the trenches. We’ve seen it all, and helped many companies turn their FedRAMP nightmares into success stories.
We’ll break down the biggest mistakes we’ve seen in planning, execution, and reporting on the way to FedRAMP authorization and how you can avoid them.
Common FedRAMP Mistakes:
- Incorrectly scoping your data flows during planning.
- Passing off the process.
- Using an inexperienced, unsupported team for execution.
- Treating FedRAMP as a side project, not a core priority.
- Failing to integrate reporting with the rest of your work.
Let’s take a deeper look.
1. Inadequate Planning: Scoping Data Flows Incorrectly
One of the most significant mistakes happens right at the start – failing to properly scope your data flows and system boundaries.
FedRAMP is all about managing risk, and risk management begins with understanding where your data comes from, where it goes, and who interacts with it.
Many CSPs rush through this step or scope their systems incorrectly because they don’t meticulously follow the data through each stack or enclave of their organization – like authentication flows, file imports/exports, and collaboration processes.
When you don’t map out these flows accurately, it’s like starting a math problem with the wrong numbers; if it starts wrong, it’ll end wrong.
Take the time to identify every data touchpoint, the people involved, and the technology supporting it. This ensures your plan aligns with FedRAMP requirements and sets a solid foundation for the entire process.
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2. Stay Involved – Don’t Hand Off Your FedRAMP Process
Another planning misstep is handing off the entire process to a consultant or partner without staying involved.
Don’t get us wrong, bringing in experts can be very valuable. Completely checking out of the process though? That’s a recipe for disaster.
Partners can guide you efficiently and learn your systems quickly, but they need your input to tailor the plan to your organization’s unique needs.
If you pass off responsibility, you risk ending up with a generic or misaligned plan that doesn’t reflect your actual operations. In return, you’ll get a mediocre outcome that doesn’t meet FedRAMP standards.
Stay engaged, provide insights into your data flows and stacks, and treat your consultants as collaborators, not as a replacement for your involvement.
3. Execution Failure: Assembling the Wrong Team
A common mistake in the execution phase is not building the right team to implement and assure FedRAMP controls.
Experience matters here – risk management isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about understanding what can go wrong and how to prevent it.
If you don’t have team members who have deep cybersecurity expertise (whether from years as an auditor, security practitioner, or similar role), you’re likely to miss critical nuances.
Your team can include internal experts like a Head of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), external consultants, or a Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) that partners closely with you.
Additionally, FedRAMP requires internal changes – process adjustments, budget allocations, etc – that demand executive support. Without an executive sponsor (like a chief officer) to champion these changes, you’ll face constant resistance, turning every decision into a negotiation.
Assemble a knowledgeable, supported team from the outset to keep execution smooth and effective.
4. Treating FedRAMP as a Side Project
Another execution pitfall is treating FedRAMP as a secondary priority rather than a core initiative.
FedRAMP’s comprehensive demands – new controls, process changes, and resource investments – can’t be tackled effectively if it’s just “one more thing” on your team’s plate.
You’ll need dedicated focus, internal support, and a sufficient budget, the project risks stalling or failing entirely.
FedRAMP needs to be a strategic priority with buy-in from leadership and adequate resources allocated in order to succeed. An executive sponsor can ensure changes are implemented without endless debates, keeping the project on track.
Don’t underestimate the commitment required – treat it as a primary objective, not a side hustle.
5. Manual, Disconnected Reporting
In the reporting phase, a major mistake is attempting to handle reporting manually or treating it as an afterthought separate from planning and execution.
FedRAMP reporting isn’t just a final step. It’s about showing your work throughout the process. If you wait until the end to compile everything manually (think sprawling spreadsheets with hundreds of controls), you’re bound to miss details, burn out your team, and risk inaccuracies.
Instead, integrate reporting into your workflow from the start.
Use tools to document controls and your progress as you go. You can use simple solutions like SharePoint or Google Sheets, or more advanced platforms like Paramify.
You’ll reduce eros and stress with this risk-based, concurrent approach ensures everything is collated naturally.
A disconnected or manual reporting process is a fast track to failure; keep it streamlined and tied to your earlier efforts.
Watch this to learn how you can build a great security program using Google Sheets:
Get Started With FedRAMP
The FedRAMP journey is challenging, but avoiding these 5 common mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success.
By addressing these pitfalls proactively, you’ll save time, resources, and frustration – positioning your organization for a smoother path to FedRAMP authorization.
Start right, execute smart, and finish strong.
Working to get FedRAMP Authorized? We can help. Request a free demo below to see how our automated process can streamline and improve your security – from planning and implementing to reporting and assessment.
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