FedRAMP 20x: Change is Coming, But Are We Ready?
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Compliance, FedRAMP, News
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The federal government is reimagining FedRAMP with a bold new vision. But for cloud service providers, it’s a time to lean in - not sit back.
“Ok, what’s actually changing with FedRAMP?”
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is undergoing one of its most significant evolutions yet - and it’s called FedRAMP 20x. Designed to modernize how cloud service providers (CSPs) get authorized and stay secure, this initiative promises to rethink the structure, process, and even the tech stack behind FedRAMP.
At the heart of this transformation are four new working groups announced by the General Services Administration (GSA), each designed to drive modernization in different areas:
Rev 5 Continuous Monitoring Working Group (https://www.fedramp.gov/20x/working-groups/rev5-monitoring/)
Automating Assessments Working Group (https://www.fedramp.gov/20x/working-groups/automation
Applying Existing Frameworks Working Group (https://www.fedramp.gov/20x/working-groups/existing-frameworks/)
Continuous Reporting Working Group (https://www.fedramp.gov/20x/working-groups/reporting/)
According to GSA, the goals of these groups are to speed up authorization timelines, reduce redundant documentation, and introduce automation - all noble aims. And yes, we’re here for faster, smarter, and less painful security authorizations.
But like any innovation effort, what matters most is how it’s implemented. And that’s where we should all be paying attention.
“Why should CSPs already authorized under FedRAMP care?”
Because if you’re a CSP already inside the FedRAMP program, you’re the ones who know what’s broken (and what’s working).
FedRAMP 20x isn’t just a federal project; it’s a community project. CSPs should see this as a moment to shape the rules you’ll be expected to follow. And if you’ve already invested in the program, you’ve got more to lose (and gain) than anyone else.
Too often, new regulations or frameworks are created without listening to the organizations that have to operationalize them. The GSA is giving CSPs a seat at the table through these working groups. But a seat is only useful if someone sits in it.
“This all sounds good, so what’s the catch?”
We love innovation. But we’ve been in cybersecurity long enough to know that “faster” doesn’t always mean “safer.” And that’s our biggest concern.
The current plans for FedRAMP 20x talk a lot about speed and automation—but very little about how those things will be accomplished securely. We’re not saying automation is bad (we’re big fans of it when done right). But security doesn’t scale just because code does.
Introducing AI or automated workflows without clear guidance on how risk will be assessed, how controls will be validated, or how oversight will be maintained? That’s where unintended consequences creep in.
If we’re not careful, we could end up undermining the very security that FedRAMP was created to enforce.
“What’s Hive’s perspective on this?”
At Hive Systems, we believe in cybersecurity that’s approachable. And that means building programs that actually work for the people who have to implement them. FedRAMP 20x is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to fix long-standing bottlenecks in the system—but only if the cybersecurity community shows up.
We urge CSPs, assessors, and security professionals to get involved. Join the working groups. Provide your feedback. Advocate for thoughtful implementation—not just rapid deployment.
Because if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that when security is treated like a checkbox, real risks get missed. FedRAMP 20x could set the tone for cloud security across the entire federal ecosystem—and possibly beyond.
Let’s make sure it sets the right one.
“Where can I go to get involved?”
Start here:
And if you’re not sure how to speak up—or what to ask for—reach out to us. We’ve guided organizations, from small startups to Fortune 100s, through compliance frameworks enough to know where the seams tend to split.
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