Manually Writing SSPs is Outdated: Save Time and Money With Automated Compliance Documents

The Pitfalls of Manually Writing SSPs Using Templates

Expensive and Frustrating

Manually writing hundreds of pages of compliance documentation is not only boring, but also very expensive. The costs can go well over $150,000.

Do you really want to spend hundreds of hours filling out documents and spreadsheets? And those frequent Word crashes during team collaborations sure hurt morale and productivity.

There must be a smarter, more accurate and efficient way to tackle this colossal task.

"We spend a majority of our time filling out spreadsheets and generating control language. There’s gotta be a better way to do this. There is no reason we should be using spreadsheets to fill out templates." FedRAMP Security Consultant

Manual Methods Are Redundant and Inefficient

Security systems constantly evolve. By the time you’ve documented your controls, changes have already occurred.

The changes will affect many controls, sometimes dozens, so updating them by hand takes time and leads to errors.

Late nights, bleeding eyes, endless spreadsheets. Let us help put this pain to an end.

Manual SSPs Are Never Truly Up-to-Date

Systems change frequently, making your freshly-minted SSP obsolete almost immediately.

Updating these documents by hand takes a lot of time. It's hard to keep them up to date, and it's inefficient and risky.

Slow FedRAMP PMO Reviews

Here we are in the 2020s, and it's astonishing that most of us manage our SSPs using DOCX files and Google Forms, some of which can stretch beyond 900 pages.

These antiquated methods are notorious for causing computer crashes and slow loading times.

The aftermath?

Lengthy wait times when submitting these documents for FedRAMP PMO reviews.

All is not bleak. Thanks to the pioneering team at NIST, we have the Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL). This transformative approach promises a brighter, more efficient future.

However, there is a problem. Using OSCAL can be difficult if you don't have expert talent with bandwidth, expertise, and engineering skills in-house.

Enter Paramify ...

The Benefits of SSP Automation Software

Easy Intake Process:

Replace the mind-numbing and miserable data entry process required with SSP templates with Paramify’s simple intake session.

It only takes 30 - 60 minutes. Seriously.

Strategic Focus:

You don't have much time to work on improving your security program strategy when you have to do a lot of manual documentation.

With automated documents and Risk Solutions tailored for your organization, you can spend your time and effort actually improving your security posture.

Efficiency:

Create OSCAL-based SSPs quickly and inexpensively.

→ Learn how our customers can generate complete ATO packages in 3.5 hours.

Accuracy:

‍Minimize human error with automated document generation. Our platform adapts to your evolving environment, ensuring your compliance documents remain accurate.

Faster Assessments & PMO Reviews (FedRAMP):

Machine-readable SSPs in OSCAL format ensure quicker reviews and approvals from the FedRAMP PMO.

→ Learn more about OSCAL.

Tailored Risk Solutions:

We offer custom Risk Solutions compliance deliverables that meet your specific needs. These battle-tested solutions are effective for organizations at any impact level, from FedRAMP Li-SaaS to FedRAMP High. They also meet the DoD Addendum requirements.

Learn about Risk Solutions:

What Customers Say About Paramify

"We used Paramify to quickly assemble and generate three different FedRAMP packages as well as the DoD IL5 addendum. Paramify is an integral part of our FedRAMP process..." Palo Alto Networks, Gov Certifications

"Paramify's approach is brutally efficient: simple to maintain, easy to understand, and rapid to deploy." Aumni, CTO & Founder

Sound too good to be true? Schedule a Free Demo Today!

Reach out with any questions or set up your free demo to experience the potential of the Risk Solutions Platform firsthand.

You'll learn:

How to generate more accurate compliance documentation at a fraction of the cost
The benefits of a security first approach
How fast and easy it is to get an OSCAL-based digital package

Want to learn more first? Check out our pricing or request a video demo below:

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Learn More:

→ What is Paramify

→ How one company built their ATO package in less than 4 hours

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Watch:

Adam Johnson

A 15 year veteran in software development, product marketing and product management. He's now specializing in Cybersecurity and Compliance.‍ A family man at heart, Adam enjoys biking, soccer, and traveling with his wife and three kids.

Mar 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can compliance advisors or consultants work in Paramify with us, and does it help with managed-service models?

Absolutely. Paramify is used by many advisory partners, RPOs, and MSPs to guide, generate, and manage documentation, perform gap assessments, facilitate policy/procedure drafting, and oversee remediation activities. Advisors can fill out templates, manage controls, and generate client-ready documents.

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We have privacy or compliance concerns, can we restrict what external reviewers can access?

Yes, you can assign role-based access controls in Paramify. Advisors or auditors can be given access only to certain programs, assessment and their related evidence.

Sensitive information can be withheld or redacted as needed, and only authorized reviewers see specific items.

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Can auditors or advisory partners get direct access to our Paramify environment, or do we have to export everything for them?

Yes, Paramify allows external assessors/auditors and advisors to be invited as users, with controlled permission levels. They can review specific evidence, policies, SSPs, POA&Ms, or assessment modules without accessing broader company data.

Documentation — such as Appendix A, SSPs, procedures, and POAMs — can also be exported in multiple standard formats (Word, Excel, OSCAL, EMASS, PDF) as needed.

Can I get matched with an Advisor based on my specific needs?

Yes. You can use the Get Matched feature on our website. We will review your specific compliance goals and connect you with the partner best suited for your industry and timeline.

How do Advisors use Paramify during a FedRAMP engagement?

Advisors use Paramify to conduct Gap Assessments, map controls, Automate SSPs, and manage POA&Ms.

Instead of spending months writing Word documents, the Advisor inputs the system architecture and control implementations into Paramify, which then generates the required NIST-formatted documentation.

Does Paramify compete with its Advisors?

No. Paramify is a software company. We do not offer independent audit or long-term consulting services. Our goal is to empower Advisors with better tools so they can serve more clients effectively.

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What are the different partner tiers?

We feature Premier Partners prominently on our site. These are firms that have demonstrated a high level of proficiency with the Paramify platform and have successfully helped many clients through the authorization process using our tools.

How do I become an official Paramify Advisor Partner?

We look for firms with a proven track record in federal compliance. If you are interested in joining our network and leveraging our automation products, you can reach out via our contact page or schedule a demo to see how our tools fit into your workflow.

What is the benefit of using an Advisor who uses Paramify vs. one who doesn't?

Advisors using Paramify can accelerate your implementation and typically deliver documentation in a fraction of the time it takes without Paramify. This means:

Faster Implementation: An accelerated implementation roadmap keeps timelines predictable.
Lower Costs: Reduced manual consultant hours.
Higher Accuracy: Automation eliminates the "copy-paste" errors common in traditional SSPs.‍
Easier Maintenance: Your Advisor can help you manage POA&Ms and continuous monitoring within the platform.

Does working with an Advisor on this list guarantee FedRAMP or CMMC authorization?

No firm can "guarantee" authorization, as the final decision rests with the government authorizing body (e.g., the FedRAMP PMO or the DoD).

However, working with a Paramify Advisor significantly reduces the risk of documentation errors and ensures your package is built on a technically sound, automated foundation.

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How do I choose the right Advisor for my organization?

Our Advisor page allows you to filter partners by their specific expertise, such as FedRAMP, CMMC, FISMA, or GovRAMP.

Why does Paramify partner with Advisors?

Paramify is an “Iron Man suit” for GRC experts. We provide automation technology to generate and manage compliance documentation (like SSPs snd POA&Ms) while Advisors provide the expert human oversight and implementation expertise.

Together, we offer a "best-of-both-worlds" solution: expert consulting powered by industry-leading automation and risk management planning.

What is the Paramify Advisor Partner Network?

The Paramify Advisor Partner Network is a curated group of cybersecurity and compliance firms — including CMMC Registered Practitioner Organizations (RPOs) and accredited Independent Assessors— that use Paramify’s platform to deliver faster, more accurate compliance outcomes for their clients.

I already have an advisor or very capable GRC team. Why do I need Paramify?

Use Paramify's Risk Solution platform to automate ATO packages, improving cost efficiency, speed, and accuracy. This frees your team to focus on more valuable efforts like security posture enhancement and compliance improvements.