What Is an ATO in Cyber Security?

Emerging cyber security threats are escalating at an alarming rate. For example, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports that cyberattacks have more than doubled since the pandemic. While new security solutions are also developing at breakneck speed, red tape often delays digital transformation initiatives across government agencies, including modern software delivery practices critical for mitigating disruption from emerging threats. Continuous authority to Operate (cATO) enables a process for changes in near real-time. In contrast, the traditional Authorization to Operate (ATO) provides neither the speed nor adequate security to address these concerns.

What Is the Meaning of ATO?

If you’re wondering if Authorization to Operate (ATO) is a process, it’s important to understand that ATO is a product of the  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF). ATO is a formal declaration that a system meets the necessary government security and privacy standards for deployment as the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) requires. Regarding the ATO meaning for government, federal government agencies are the primary users of the RMF, although private sector organizations seeking a structured approach to security risk management may also use it.

In a federal agency context, an Authorizing Official (AO) grants an Authorization to Operate. The AO is a senior official, responsible for evaluating and accepting the security risks associated with an information system; this is a critical decision-making role to determine whether a system is fit for operational use on the agency’s network. Federal ATOs aren’t just rubber-stamped approvals; they’re comprehensive reviews that address system risks, performance, and compliance. Here’s a quick look at the key RMF steps:

• Categorize Risks: Identify risks associated with new software or major updates and categorize them based on impact.
• Meet Security Requirements:  Fufill baseline security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-53.
• Create a System Security and Privacy Plan (SSPP): Detail baseline controls to address risks. 
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate security control effectiveness using frameworks like the Cybersecurity and Risk Assessment Program (CSRAP).
• Annual Reviews: Conduct regular reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with NIST SP 800-37.
• Continuous Monitoring: Identify and address emerging threats in real time. 

What Is an ATO in Cyber Security?

In cybersecurity, an ATO indicates an information system has passed rigorous security evaluations and has authorization to operate on a network. Obtaining an ATO in a cybersecurity context involves a comprehensive review of the system's security controls, vulnerability management, and risk mitigation strategies. While this rigor ensures the integrity and confidentiality of data, it often delays the adoption of new technologies—ironically introducing risks as legacy systems and software grow increasingly vulnerable.

Unlike traditional ATO, continuous Authority to Operate (cATO) is ongoing authorization tailored for continuous delivery. After achieving initial ATO, cATO represents a more dynamic and continuous approach to identifying mitigating, and managing risk over time. It requires continuous monitoring, implementation or remediation, and assessment to keep pace with the low lead times of continuous delivery found in high-performing DevOps organizations. 

What Is an ATO from the DOD and What is the ATO Process?

Like other federal agencies, Department of Defense (DOD) ATO requirements and the process to obtain an ATO are synonymous with the structured, but flexible RMF: 

1. Prepare: Establish risk management roles, strategies, and a tailored framework for assessing risks and controls.
2. Categorize: Evaluate the system's impact level based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (NIST FIPS 199).
3. Select Security Controls: Choose baseline controls from NIST SP 800-53B and customize as needed to mitigate identified risks.
4. Implement Security Controls: Deploy and document the selected controls within the system.
5. Assess Security Controls: Conduct a thorough assessment (e.g., penetration tests, vulnerability scans) to validate risk mitigation.
6. Authorize the System: Prepare an Authorization Package for review by an Authorizing Official to determine if an ATO should be granted.
7. 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.