In the fast-paced world of federal IT, the traditional Authority to Operate (ATO) process has long been a cornerstone of system security. However, as cyber threats evolve and the demand for rapid deployment intensifies, agencies shift towards a more dynamic model: the Continuous Authority to Operate (cATO). While the term cATO has its own connotations, some prefer continuous Risk Management Framework (C-RMF) or other branch/org-specific terminologies; for this discussion, we’ll use cATO to further describe the maturity process for rapidly fielding secure software. This transition promises not only enhanced security but also agility in operations in line with DevSecOps and industry best practices.
The Traditional ATO: A Time-Tested Approach Facing Modern Challenges
Historically, obtaining an ATO involved a rigorous, time-consuming assessment, granting systems the green light to operate for a set period, typically three years. While this methodical approach ensured thorough vetting, it often couldn’t keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology and emerging threats. By the time an ATO was secured, the system might already be vulnerable to new exploits.
Moreover, the static nature of traditional ATOs meant that once a system was authorized, continuous oversight wasn’t always guaranteed. This gap could leave agencies exposed, as periodic reviews might miss vulnerabilities that arise in the interim.
Enter cATO: A Proactive Stance on Security
Recognizing these challenges, the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal entities have been championing the movement toward the cATO framework. Unlike its predecessor, cATO emphasizes real-time monitoring and ongoing risk assessments, ensuring systems remain secure amidst evolving threats.
In a 2024 memorandum, the Pentagon outlined the essence of cATO, highlighting the necessity for continuous monitoring, active cyber defense, and the adoption of approved DevSecOps practices. The memo emphasized that achieving cATO isn’t just a procedural shift but a cultural one, requiring agencies to embed security into every facet of their operations.
| Feature | ATO (Traditional) | Continuous ATO (cATO) |
| Security Approach | Static, one-time approval | Ongoing security monitoring |
| Approval Process | Manual risk assessments & audits | Automated, real-time compliance checks |
| Risk Management | Periodic reviews | Continuous risk assessments & mitigation |
| Development Compatibility | Slows down Agile & DevSecOps | Fully integrated with DevSecOps |
| Compliance Maintenance | Requires periodic re-evaluations | Ensures compliance in real time |
| Scalability | Rigid and slow for cloud & CI/CD | Designed for cloud-native, CI/CD environments |
| Efficiency | Time-consuming, high documentation burden | Streamlined, automated security validation |
Real-World Success: Agencies Leading the Charge
Several federal agencies have already embarked on the cATO journey, setting benchmarks for others to follow.
- Platform One
- Driving innovation to accelerate the speed of ATO within US Airforce, Platform One stood up several innovative service offerings for the Department of Defense starting with Party Bus, their fully managed DevSecOps Platform as a Service. Party Bus is able to bring the ATO timeline down to inside 30 days and currently supports over 700 active pipelines.
- Kessel Run
- Founded by enterprising Air Force officers and personnel who knew they could solve mission-impacting issues with rapid software development using modern commercial best practices. The growth of Kessel Run since its founding has seen it stabilize into a leader in the US Air Force DevSecOps movement with its speed of mission determination to solve some of the Department of Defense’s most complex challenges through software innovation.
Navigating the Transition: Steps to Embrace cATO
For agencies contemplating the shift to cATO, the path involves several strategic steps:
- Cultural Transformation: Foster a mindset where security is a shared responsibility. Encourage collaboration between development, security, and operations teams to break down silos.
- Adopt DevSecOps Practices: Integrate security measures seamlessly into the development pipeline, ensuring that every code change is vetted for potential vulnerabilities.
- Implement Continuous Monitoring: Utilize advanced tools to maintain real-time visibility into system activities, enabling prompt detection and mitigation of threats.
- Engage in Active Cyber Defense: Develop capabilities to not only detect but also respond to cyber threats in real-time, minimizing potential damage.
- Leverage Approved Frameworks: Utilize established DevSecOps reference designs to ensure compliance and streamline the authorization process.
It’s essential for those looking to innovate to know that there is a large community within Federal and DoD agencies ready to provide mentorship and guidance. Drawing from many community resources available can give you and your team the headstart necessary to rapidly field secure software in support of critical missions and customer needs.
The Road Ahead: cATO as the New Standard
The momentum towards the continual ability to field software “secure by design” on dedicated pipelines in a cATO approach is undeniable. As agencies witness the tangible benefits—enhanced security postures, accelerated deployment timelines, and improved operational efficiency—the case for cATO becomes compelling. By embedding continuous authorization into the fabric of Federal IT operations, agencies can stay ahead of adversaries, ensuring that security measures are as dynamic and resilient as the threats they counter.
The shift from traditional ATO to cATO represents more than just a procedural update; it’s a paradigm shift towards proactive, integrated, and agile security practices. As federal agencies navigate this transition, the lessons learned and successes achieved will pave the way for a more secure and responsive government IT infrastructure.
Accelerate ATO with SD Elements
Traditional ATO processes can slow down software delivery, but SD Elements enables Continuous ATO by embedding security and compliance into your development lifecycle. Automate compliance checks, streamline security approvals, and maintain real-time compliance—without disrupting innovation.
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