Who can perform TX-RAMP audits?

Technically, anyone can perform a TX-RAMP audit. However, to ensure that the audit is effective and reliable, it’s important to have the necessary skills and expertise in risk management and compliance. In general, it’s recommended to hire a qualified and experienced auditor with a relevant certification such as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC).

Moreover, the auditor should have a thorough understanding of the TX-RAMP framework and any other relevant regulations and compliance requirements. Without this knowledge and experience, the audit may not be thorough or reliable, and could lead to incorrect or incomplete conclusions about an organization’s risk management practices.

What is the process to attain a TX-RAMP ATO?

To attain a TX-RAMP Authority to Operate (ATO), an organization must follow a rigorous process that includes the following steps:

1. Develop a System Security Plan (SSP): The first step in obtaining a TX-RAMP ATO is to develop a comprehensive System Security Plan (SSP). This document outlines the security controls and processes that will be implemented to protect the system and its data.
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Once the SSP is developed, the organization must conduct a thorough risk assessment of the system. This assessment identifies potential security risks and vulnerabilities and determines the appropriate controls and mitigation measures needed to reduce those risks.
   Implement security controls: Based on the results of the risk assessment, the organization must implement the necessary security controls and processes to mitigate the identified risks.
3. Test Security Controls: Once the security controls are implemented, the organization must test them to ensure that they are working effectively and as intended.
4. Conduct a Security Assessment: After the security controls have been tested, the organization must conduct a security assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the controls and identify any remaining vulnerabilities or risks.
5. Submit documentation to the Authorizing Official (AO): The organization must submit all the required documentation, including the SSP, risk assessment, security assessment, and any other relevant documentation, to the Authorizing Official (AO).
6. Obtain the ATO: The AO will review the documentation and decide about whether the system meets the TX-RAMP requirements and is authorized to operate. If the AO approves the system, the organization will be granted a TX-RAMP ATO.

It’s important to note that the TX-RAMP ATO process is a continuous process, and organizations must maintain ongoing compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements to retain their ATO.

What is the TX-RAMP continuous process after the ATO is awarded?

After a TX-RAMP Authority to Operate (ATO) is awarded, the organization must continue to follow a continuous process to maintain compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements. This process includes the following:

1. Continuous Monitoring: The organization must continuously monitor the system to detect any security events or vulnerabilities that may arise. This monitoring includes regular scanning of the system and its components for vulnerabilities and threats.
2. Incident Response: If a security event or incident occurs, the organization must respond promptly and appropriately to mitigate the impact of the event and prevent it from happening again in the future.
3. Change Management: The organization must have a well-defined change management process in place to ensure that any changes to the system or its components are made in a controlled and secure manner.
4. System Updates: The organization must ensure that the system is kept up to date with the latest security patches, updates, and configurations.
5. Periodic Assessments: The organization must periodically reassess the security of the system to ensure that it remains in compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements.
6. Reporting: The organization must provide regular reports to the Authorizing Official (AO) to demonstrate ongoing compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements and to report any security events or incidents that occur.

By following this continuous process, the organization can ensure that its system remains secure and in compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements, and that it is able to maintain its ATO over time.

How often does a company have to be assessed for TX-RAMP by DIR after they receive an ATO?

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) requires that organizations with a TX-RAMP Authority to Operate (ATO) undergo continuous monitoring and periodic assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements.

The frequency of these assessments will depend on the risk level of the system and the requirements of the Authorizing Official (AO) who granted the ATO. In general, the DIR recommends that organizations undergo a comprehensive reassessment at least once a year.

However, depending on the nature of the system, the level of risk involved, and any changes that may occur, more frequent assessments may be required. For example, if there are significant changes made to the system, such as new functionality or a change in the system architecture, then a reassessment may be required to ensure that the security controls remain effective.

It’s important to note that the DIR may also conduct random or targeted assessments to verify that the organization is maintaining compliance with the TX-RAMP requirements. In addition, organizations are required to report any significant changes or security incidents to the AO and the DIR, and this may trigger additional assessments or reviews.

What are the controls included in the TX-RAMP Controls Framework?

The TX-RAMP Controls Framework includes a comprehensive set of security controls that organizations must implement to comply with the TX-RAMP requirements. The controls are organized into three categories: Administrative Controls, Technical Controls, and Physical Controls.

Here’s a brief overview of the controls in each category:

Administrative Controls

• Risk Management
• Security assessment and authorization
• System and information integrity
• Personnel security
• Awareness and training
• Configuration management
• Incident response
• Contingency planning

Technical Controls:

• Identification and authentication
• Access control
• Audit and accountability
• System and communications protection
• Maintenance
• Media protection
• Security assessment and authorization

Physical Controls

• Facility access controls
• Equipment security
• Physical protection
• Power and environmental controls

These controls are further broken down into specific security requirements and best practices that organizations must implement to comply with the TX-RAMP requirements. The TX-RAMP Controls Framework is based on industry standards and best practices, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP).