Ensure Compliance with a FedRAMP-Authorized Solution For CMMC SSP Solution
A System Security Plan (SSP) explains how your organization protects sensitive information like CUI or FCI. It is a key document for organizations working with the U.S. government. It’s necessary for defense contractors seeking CMMC, cloud providers and federal agencies following NIST 800-53 for FedRAMP or FISMA.
Making it easier to create, manage, and update an SSP is what we’re all about here at Paramify. Whether you’re just creating an SSP or improving the one you already have, we’re here to help.
Below we’ll explain why it’s important to have a quality SSP, how to create one, and how tools like Paramify can simplify your process and save you time and money.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a System Security Plan is a:
“formal document that provides an overview of the security requirements for an information system and describes the security controls in place or planned for meeting those requirements.”
Your SSP is like a detailed roadmap that explains how your organization implements, monitors, and maintains cybersecurity controls to safeguard sensitive data and systems.
It serves as a living document that evolves with your organization’s IT environment, captures your system’s boundaries, operational context, security controls, and the roles and responsibilities of personnel.
FYI: An SSP is not a high-level policy document but a granular, system-specific plan that details the “how, where, when, and who” of security control implementation.
Example: A security policy might state that access to sensitive data is restricted. An SSP would specify the exact technologies (e.g., Active Directory groups, multi-factor authentication), configurations, and processes used to enforce that restriction.
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A quality SSP includes several critical elements to provide a full view of your cybersecurity posture:
An SSP is not a static document; it must be regularly updated to reflect changes in the system, new threats, or updated regulations.
For organizations subject to frameworks like NIST 800-171 (CMMC), or 800-53 (FedRAMP/FISMA), the SSP is a mandatory artifact reviewed by auditors or assessors to verify compliance.
An SSP is more than a compliance requirement — it’s a strategic tool that enhances your organization’s security posture and operational resilience.
Here’s why it matters:
Failure to maintain an accurate SSP can lead to severe, expensive consequences.
These include failed audits, lost contracts, or penalties under the Department of Justice’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, which has imposed settlements up to $4 million for non-compliance with cybersecurity requirements.
Organizations handling sensitive data, particularly those working with the U.S. government, typically require an SSP. This includes:
Example: A manufacturing company supplying the Department of Defense or a university conducting research with CUI must develop an SSP to meet contractual and regulatory obligations.
Creating an SSP is a complex but structured process that requires careful planning and documentation.
Below is a step-by-step guide, incorporating modern approaches like automation to simplify the process:
Start with a gap assessment to evaluate your current security posture against the required framework (e.g., NIST 800-171’s 110 controls for CMMC Level 2).
Identify which controls are in place, partially implemented, or missing, and document existing policies, technologies, and processes.
A gap assessment provides a roadmap for compliance and informs your SSP’s scope.
→ Take these steps to avoid overspending on your Gap Assessment
Traditional Approach: Manual gap assessments involve weeks of interviews and can cost $10,000–$150,000, depending on system complexity and framework (e.g., FedRAMP vs. CMMC).
Modern Approach with Paramify: Tools like Paramify streamline this process with a 45–60-minute intake session, generating a dynamic gap assessment dashboard that serves as a real-time compliance roadmap.
Priced at $5,000–$15,000 (or included in Paramify’s annual subscription), this approach is faster and more cost-effective.
Clearly delineate the scope of your SSP. Specify which systems, networks, and devices handle sensitive data like CUI.
Include detailed network diagrams and data flow diagrams to illustrate boundaries and interconnections. Accurate boundaries prevent over-scoping (which increases costs) or under-scoping (which risks audit failure).
Example: For a defense contractor, the SSP might include servers hosting CUI, employee laptops with access to CUI, and cloud services like AWS GovCloud, but exclude general business systems like HR payroll.
For each required control, provide detailed implementation statements. For instance, for NIST 800-171 control AC.L2-3.1.1 (limit system access to authorized users), specify the technologies (e.g., Yubikey tokens), processes (e.g., quarterly access reviews), and responsible personnel. Reference supporting evidence like policies or logs.
Traditional Approach: Manually documenting controls in Word or Excel is labor-intensive, often taking 6–24 months and costing $250,000–$1,500,000+ for complex frameworks like FedRAMP. Manual documentation is notoriously inaccurate and difficult to update or adjust.
Modern Approach with Paramify: Paramify automates control documentation, generating SSPs in 1–7 days for $8,000–$60,000, depending on the framework ($8,000/year for CMMC, $30,000–$60,000/year for NIST 800-53 Moderate/High).
Automation ensures accuracy and reduces errors.
Document any compliance gaps in a POA&M, including specific remediation actions, timelines, and responsible parties.
While POA&Ms are acceptable, excessive gaps may signal an immature security program, risking assessment failure.
Traditional Approach: Manual POA&M management via spreadsheets is time-consuming, often requiring 40+ hours monthly.
Modern Approach with Paramify: Paramify’s automated POA&M dashboard streamlines management, cutting tasks to hours and saving approximately $30,000–$60,000 annually in continuous monitoring costs.
Outline a strategy for ongoing compliance, including vulnerability scans, audits, and SSP updates.
NIST 800-171 requires annual reviews or updates after significant system changes.
Modern Approach with Paramify: Paramify’s living dashboard provides real-time updates, ensuring your SSP reflects the current environment and simplifying continuous monitoring.
While NIST provides a free SSP template (available in SP 800-18, Appendix A), it requires significant customization.
Alternative Automation: Paramify’s platform eliminates the need for static templates, using Open Security Controls Assessment Language (OSCAL) to generate machine-readable and human-readable SSPs instantly, saving time and ensuring audit-ready accuracy.
→ Learn how to quickly create a machine-readable compliance package
Engage IT, security, HR, facilities, and leadership to ensure the SSP covers all domains (technical, physical, administrative).
Collaborative workshops help capture accurate details and ensure buy-in.
An SSP must remain current to reflect system changes, new threats, or regulatory updates. Failure to update can lead to non-compliance or penalties under the False Claims Act.
Modern Approach with Paramify: Paramify’s automated updates apply changes across all relevant controls and documents, eliminating manual revisions and reducing costs for updates (included in the subscription).
→ Request a demo of Paramify to see how easy it can be to create and maintain your SSP
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The cost and timeline to create an SSP varies based on system complexity, framework, and approach:
→ Learn the big difference between templates and automated SSP generation.
Not sure about Paramify? While they don’t offer the same simplicity as Paramify’s Risk Solutions system, you may consider other GRC tools like RegScale or Telos.
Paramify’s automation, living dashboard, and seamless integrations (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow) make it a standout choice for organizations seeking efficiency and accuracy.
Example: cloud providers using Paramify have completed FedRAMP Moderate SSPs in 5 days for $15,000, compared to 6 months and $300,000 manually.
→ See how Mirai Security is improving timelines and costs for FedRAMP and CMMC with Paramify
While Paramify offers a cutting-edge solution, other approaches may suit different needs:
Many advisors use Paramify to reduce costs and improve outcomes for clients.
For organizations new to compliance or with limited resources, combining Paramify with a consultant can maximize efficiency while leveraging expert guidance.
Paramify transforms SSP creation and management by automating tedious tasks, reducing costs, and ensuring audit-ready accuracy. Its key advantages include:
Paramify case studies: One client transitioned to NIST 800-53 Rev 5 in under 4 hours, and Paramify itself achieved FedRAMP High readiness in 6 weeks for under $300,000.
Partners like Mirai Security, Prescient, and Steel Patriot Partners use Paramify to deliver faster, more cost-effective results for clients.
Paramify is ideal for organizations seeking to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and improve security, whether you’re new to frameworks like CMMC or FedRAMP or managing an existing SSP.
It’s particularly suited for:
However, Paramify may not be the best fit if your organization lacks the resources to adopt new tools, pursues frameworks not yet supported in-platform (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001), or has minimal documentation needs (e.g., CMMC Level 1).
However you go about creating it, a well-crafted SSP is your foundation for compliance success and long-term security.
By automating gap assessments, documentation, and POA&M management, Paramify empowers organizations to achieve compliance goals efficiently while enhancing security.
To explore how Paramify can simplify your SSP process, request a quick video demo, visit the Paramify pricing page for transparent cost details. Feel free to contact our team with any questions, learn more about how Paramify works, or sign up for a live demo below.
