What’s the Difference Between TX-RAMP, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP?

Navigating compliance frameworks for cloud security can be complex, especially when government agencies at different levels start introducing their own requirements. In the United States, three primary frameworks are TX-RAMP, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP, each tailored to address unique regulatory needs for Texas state agencies, U.S. state and local governments, and federal government agencies, respectively. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the distinctions between these programs and determine which one aligns with your cloud service needs.

Overview of TX-RAMP, StateRAMP, and FedRAMP

While FedRAMP has been the federal gold standard for cloud security since 2011, newer frameworks like StateRAMP and TX-RAMP have emerged to address security requirements at the state and local levels. Here’s a high-level summary of each program:

What Is TX-RAMP?

The Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP) was created to ensure cloud providers meet rigorous security and data protection standards for Texas state agencies. Cloud solutions are required to process, store, or transmit confidential or regulated data for Texas agencies. To be TX-RAMP certified, cloud service providers (CSPs) must meet various security controls defined by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Levels of TX-RAMP Certification

TX-RAMP certification is divided into three levels, each corresponding to the risk associated with the data being handled:

1. TX-RAMP Level 1 – For solutions handling non-sensitive, non-confidential data.
2. TX-RAMP Level 2 – Required for services that manage confidential or regulated data.
3. TX-RAMP Provisional – Applies to solutions in the process of completing a full certification and can be used temporarily under restricted conditions.

Achieving TX-RAMP certification involves a formal assessment to verify compliance with Texas-specific security requirements, often including vulnerability testing, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring.

What Is FedRAMP?

FedRAMP’s Role in Federal Cloud Security

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is the longest-standing of the three programs developed to manage risk for cloud services used by federal agencies. FedRAMP mandates stringent security requirements based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, which assess factors like incident response, data protection, and continuous monitoring.

FedRAMP Certification Levels

FedRAMP includes three impact levels to match the sensitivity of the federal data involved:

1. Low Impact – For non-critical data that would have limited effect if exposed.
2. Moderate Impact – Required for systems handling controlled or sensitive data.
3. High Impact – For highly sensitive data, such as intelligence or national security information.

FedRAMP certification is complex and can take months to complete, as CSPs must undergo rigorous testing by a FedRAMP-authorized 3PAO, document their security practices, and complete ongoing monitoring. Once certified, solutions are listed in the FedRAMP Marketplace.

What Is StateRAMP?

StateRAMP was founded in 2020 to streamline and standardize security assessments for state and local governments across the U.S. by adapting the FedRAMP framework. The StateRAMP framework offers a centralized approach, helping states save time and resources by avoiding individual compliance standards.

StateRAMP Security Levels

Similar to FedRAMP, StateRAMP has designated security levels based on the sensitivity of the data:

1. Low Impact – Basic security measures for public data or less critical information.
2. Moderate Impact – Applied to cloud services dealing with sensitive, regulated, or confidential data.
3. High Impact – For solutions that handle highly sensitive data, though not commonly used by state and local governments.

To achieve StateRAMP certification, a cloud provider must work with a StateRAMP-approved Third Party Assessment Organization (3PAO) to validate compliance. Once approved, StateRAMP-certified solutions are listed in the StateRAMP Marketplace, giving government agencies a vetted list of secure providers to choose from.