Securing DoD Cloud: Our Perspective on Navigating the Provisional Authorization Process

As the Department of Defense (DoD) advances its cloud adoption initiatives, navigating the complex landscape of security assessments is crucial. In this newsletter, we share IPKeys' perspective on the DoD Provisional Authorizations (PAs) process and how it benefits cloud service providers and DoD mission owners. 

At IPKeys, we understand the challenges and opportunities the DoD Provisional Authorization (PA) process presents. Here's why we believe PAs are integral to the successful adoption of commercial cloud capabilities within the Department of Defense:  

1. Streamlined Security Assessments: 

PAs streamline the security assessment process by providing a standardized framework that cloud service providers (CSPs) can adhere to. This not only ensures consistency but also reduces the burden on DoD mission owners who would otherwise conduct independent assessments for each CSP. 

2. Cost and Time Savings: 

By leveraging PAs, DoD mission owners can save significant time and resources that would have been spent on redundant security assessments. This allows for faster procurement and deployment of cloud services while optimizing budget allocations. 

3. Enhanced Collaboration: 

The PA process encourages collaboration between CSPs, DoD mission owners, and regulatory bodies such as the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This collaboration fosters a culture of continuous improvement in cloud security practices and standards. 

4. Risk Mitigation: 

PAs provide a level of assurance regarding the security posture of cloud service offerings (CSOs) that have undergone rigorous assessments. This helps mitigate risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access, crucial in safeguarding sensitive DoD information. 

Case Study: Leveraging DoD Provisional Authorizations for Efficient Cloud Adoption 

In our featured case study, we showcase how IPKeys assisted a DLA mission owner in navigating the PA process and achieving successful cloud adoption: 

Challenge: 

DLA needed to migrate its data and applications to a CSP’s cloud service offering (CSO) while ensuring compliance with DoD's stringent cloud impact level security requirements. Moving through the PA process with DLA, CSP (and their 3PAO), and DISA stakeholders can be a slow and vague journey.  

• Picking the right 3PAO is critical, therefore carefully consider their expertise, reputation/track record, cost, communications skills, and flexibility.  
• The PA process doesn’t help vendors pinpoint their discrepancies along the path or what evidence must be provided to get back on track. 
• The PA process can be lengthy, which leaves many important DoD mission owners without a solution. 
• The PA process leaves CSPs with a great deal of concern because of the lack of specific information about the in-progress journey toward an IL4 (FedRAMP High+), IL5, or IL6 authorization. 

Solution: 

IPKeys collaborated with DoD 4th Estate agencies and has relationships with CSPs to optimize CSPs’ going through the DISA JAB or the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC) Hosting and Compute Center (HaCC) processes. By leveraging baseline controls assessments, the agency could expedite the selection and onboarding of a secure cloud service offering (CSO) without compromising on security standards or delaying its mission requirements. 

Results: 

• Accelerated Procurement: Leveraging the PA process introduces additional time and formalities upfront. Once a PA is granted the procurement timeline throughout the DoD is significantly reduced - enabling DLA to deploy cloud services faster. 
• Cost Efficiency: By avoiding redundant security assessments, the agency saved costs associated with independent assessments and streamlined resource utilization. 
• Compliance Assurance: The selected CSO's PA assured compliance with DoD security standards, enhancing data protection and regulatory adherence. 

The success of DLA in leveraging the DISA PA process for efficient cloud adoption highlights the tangible benefits of standardized security assessments. IPKeys' collaboration with DISA and CSPs facilitated a smooth transition to the cloud, demonstrating the value of the PA process in achieving security and operational objectives. 

Embracing Secure and Efficient Cloud Adoption 

As the DoD continues its journey towards embracing commercial cloud capabilities, the DoD PA process remains a cornerstone of secure and efficient cloud adoption. IPKeys is committed to supporting cloud service providers and DoD mission owners in navigating this process, ensuring robust security measures while optimizing resource utilization. 

Stay tuned for more insights and updates on cloud security trends and best practices in our future newsletters.