TL;DR: ATO in Cybersecurity
In cybersecurity, an Authorization to Operate (ATO) is the formal RMF-based approval that a federal or DoD information system meets required security and privacy standards and is approved to operate on government networks at acceptable risk. An Authorizing Official grants the ATO after reviewing evidence like security plans, control assessments, and risk mitigation results.
While traditional ATOs protect sensitive data and mission systems, they are often implemented as slow, point-in-time assessments, which can delay updates and limit responsiveness as threats evolve. Continuous Authority to Operate (cATO), as defined by the DoD, extends the initial ATO through continuous monitoring and real-time risk decisions.
What is the Meaning of ATO?
Authorization to Operate (ATO) is a formal risk acceptance decision defined within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF). It is a declaration that a system meets the necessary government security and privacy standards for deployment, as required by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA).
ATO is primarily used by federal agencies, though private sector organizations—especially government contractors—may adopt RMF principles to align with federal risk management expectations.
What is an ATO from the DOD and what is the ATO Process?
In the Department of Defense (DoD), an Authorization to Operate (ATO) is the formal approval that a system is secure enough to operate at an acceptable level of risk. It’s granted by a DoD Authorizing Official after the system completes the required steps of the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).
Like other federal agencies, the DoD follows the structured yet flexible RMF process to obtain an ATO:
- Prepare: Establish risk management roles, strategies, and a tailored framework for assessing risks and controls.
- Categorize: Evaluate the system's impact level based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (NIST FIPS 199).
- Select Security Controls: Choose baseline controls from NIST SP 800-53B and customize as needed to mitigate identified risks.
- Implement Security Controls: Deploy and document the selected controls within the system.
- Assess Security Controls: Conduct a thorough assessment (e.g., penetration tests, vulnerability scans) to validate risk mitigation.
- Authorize the System: Prepare an Authorization Package for review by an Authorizing Official to determine if an ATO should be granted.
- Monitor Security Controls: Continuously assess, update, and report on the system’s controls to maintain security and address new threats.
Note: This list is a high-level overview of the RMF process—multiple steps in each section must be completed. More information is available on NIST's website or when working with an experienced partner like Rise8.
As an authorization to operate (ATO) for the DOD example, consider an update to the inventory management system. By following the seven-step RMF process, the team can reduce the chance of a security breach that may expose sensitive information, including critical supply chain logistics. However, obtaining a traditional ATO could take six months to over two years. The traditional ATO does not allow for necessary changes in near-real time
Turn Cybersecurity into a Tactical Advantage with Rise8
The traditional process to obtain ATO may initially reduce cybersecurity risks, but it can also cost your organization time, money, and the opportunity to keep pace with changing technology and emerging threats.
Rise8 enables large enterprises to continuously deliver valuable software that users love. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help you streamline the authorization process, making it faster and more efficient while maintaining rigorous security standards.