Release Secure Software and Obtain ATO Faster

The ATO process is a formal authorization granted to federal agencies to operate an information system. SD Elements expedites this process by embedding automated compliance checks and real-time risk management into the development workflow, ensuring continuous compliance and faster approvals.

Federal agencies face sophisticated cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive data. These threats include advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, and insider threats. Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and cloud-based services are particularly vulnerable. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in these systems to gain unauthorized access, disrupt operations, and steal sensitive information.

DoD compliance involves meeting stringent cybersecurity standards required by the Department of Defense, such as NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. SD Elements assists by embedding these specific security requirements into the software development lifecycle. The platform automates compliance checks, ensures continuous monitoring, and generates detailed documentation. This integration simplifies the process, helping agencies achieve and maintain compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards.

A DevSecOps approach integrates security into every phase of the software development lifecycle, promoting collaboration between development, security, and operations teams. This ensures that security is a shared responsibility, reduces vulnerabilities, and enhances overall software security. DevSecOps helps federal agencies build more secure and compliant systems by embedding security practices early and throughout the development process.

FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) is a U.S. federal law that mandates federal agencies, their contractors, and any organizations that handle federal information to implement comprehensive information security programs. The goal of FISMA is to safeguard government information and systems from threats like unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Compliance with FISMA is mandatory for all federal agencies and any external organizations involved in managing or processing federal data. Security Compass supports these entities in meeting FISMA requirements by leveraging its SD Elements platform, which helps integrate and implement the necessary security controls throughout the software development lifecycle, ensuring compliance with FISMA’s stringent standards.