Awareness

StateRAMP is Now GovRamp

by Lazarus Alliance 0 Comment
GovRamp featured

In a significant move to better encapsulate its expansive mission, StateRAMP has announced its rebranding to GovRAMP. This change reflects the organization’s dedication to unifying cybersecurity standards across all levels of government (state, local, tribal, and educational institutions) while fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.

 

A Strategic Evolution

Since its inception, StateRAMP has been at the forefront of enhancing cloud security for state and local governments. By providing standardized security requirements and third-party verification, it has built trust in cloud solutions and streamlined the procurement process for government agencies. 

However, as the digital landscape evolves, so must the frameworks that protect it. The rebranding to GovRAMP signifies a strategic evolution, acknowledging the interconnected nature of today’s governmental operations and the need for a cohesive cybersecurity approach.

Leah McGrath, Executive Director of GovRAMP, emphasized the importance of this transition:

“Our mission remains the same—advancing trusted cloud security standards—but our name is evolving to better reflect the community we serve. With GovRAMP, we are reinforcing our commitment to unify cybersecurity standards across all levels of government while ensuring no member feels left out.”

 

The Rationale Behind the Rebrand

The name “StateRAMP” initially conveyed a focus on state-level initiatives. However, the organization’s reach and impact have extended far beyond. Local governments, tribal nations, and educational institutions have increasingly engaged with the program, recognizing the value of standardized cybersecurity protocols. 

Many cloud service providers operate across multiple government sectors, including federal entities. The rebrand to GovRAMP acknowledges this broader ecosystem and aims to create an inclusive environment where all governmental levels feel represented and supported.

J.R. Sloan, President of GovRAMP, highlights this inclusivity:

“With GovRAMP, we are reinforcing our commitment to unify cybersecurity standards across all levels of government while ensuring no member feels left out.” 

 

Implications for Stakeholders

The transition to GovRAMP is designed to be seamless for all stakeholders involved:

  • Service Providers, Third-Party Assessment Organizations (3PAOs), and Consultants: Existing memberships and certifications will remain active and unaffected. The introduction of GovRAMP branding will be gradual, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption to ongoing compliance and marketing efforts.
  • Public Sector Partners: GovRAMP reaffirms its commitment to serving local, state, tribal, and educational institutions by promoting a unified approach to cybersecurity. This alignment facilitates a more streamlined and secure adoption of cloud services across various governmental levels.

GovRAMP is also committed to ensuring a transparent and smooth transition:

  • Continuity and Commitment: While the organization will operate under the GovRAMP name, StateRAMP will remain the legal entity. All existing contracts and memberships will continue without interruption.
  • Gradual Branding Update: GovRAMP branding elements will be introduced gradually throughout the year. During this period, stakeholders can expect clear communication and guidance to adapt to the new branding.
  • Open Dialogue with Stakeholders: GovRAMP leadership will engage with stakeholders to discuss the strategic direction and address any questions or concerns. Events such as the upcoming StateRAMP Cybersecurity Framework Harmonization Symposium in Washington, D.C., will provide platforms for these discussions.

The Broader Context: Cybersecurity in an Interconnected World

The rebranding of StateRAMP to GovRAMP underscores a broader trend in the cybersecurity landscape—the recognition that cyber threats do not adhere to jurisdictional boundaries.. By fostering a unified approach to cybersecurity, GovRAMP aims to mitigate these risks and create a resilient digital infrastructure that serves all facets of government.

This holistic approach is particularly pertinent given the increasing adoption of cloud services across government agencies. Standardized assessments and authorizations, as facilitated by GovRAMP, ensure that cloud service providers meet rigorous security standards, thereby safeguarding sensitive government data.

 

The Future of GovRAMP: Get Prepared with Lazarus Alliance

As GovRAMP embarks on this new chapter, its core mission remains unchanged: to advance trusted cloud security standards and foster collaboration between government agencies and service providers. 

To learn more about how Lazarus Alliance can help, contact us. 

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