AtHoc Secures FedRAMP Authorization

BlackBerry AtHoc cloud service for government is now the first and only FedRAMP authorized crisis communication solution

Federal agencies trust BlackBerry to meet their secure communication needs.  In fact, more US Federal government agencies use BlackBerry AtHoc to help protect millions of their people than any other crisis communication solution.  AtHoc helps keep more than 70% of all Federal employees safe, including US Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Energy personnel, among many others.

Join agencies like Department of Treasury, Department of Energy, and FAA in their shift to AtHoc's FedRAMP authorized Cloud Services for Government and protect your people.

BlackBerry Secure Solutions + FedRAMP: Security is the core of our business

FedRAMP authorization for our solutions was the result of sponsorship from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and an assessment by a FedRAMP Certified 3rd Party Assessor Organization (3PAO), Kratos SecureInfo. FedRAMP authorization provides government agencies with the confidence they are using the most secure cloud-based services available.

"Securing FedRAMP authorization for BlackBerry AtHoc was a top priority, and showcases our commitment to the needs of federal customers."

Bob Day - VP Cyber Security Operation Services and Former Coast Guard CIO Cyber Commander

BlackBerry AtHoc and the FedRAMP secure cloud

The BlackBerry AtHoc crisis communication platform for government is the only crisis communication solution to receive the government's rigorous FedRAMP authorization and includes AtHoc Alert and AtHoc Connect, among other capabilities.

These offerings enable agencies to securely share information critical to safety during a crisis with their people and across agencies.

  • AtHoc Alert:  secure multi-channel, bi-directional mass notification using almost any type of device, including via secure mobile apps, telephony and texting as well as integrating with other mass notification channels such as loud speakers, two-way radios, and digital displays. 
  • AtHoc Connect: enables agencies to communicate with each other during crises, addressing some of the more critical deficiencies in crisis management and answering interoperability requirements set out by the DHS Interoperable Communications Act H.R. 615

Moreover, BlackBerry hosted communication services for notification delivery are covered in the FedRAMP authorization, providing a secure and authorized solution for customers who choose to deploy hybrid solutions on their networks and behind their firewalls.

How customers benefit from FedRAMP authorization

Existing and new customers benefit from using our FedRAMP certified government cloud service:

Benefits for existing BlackBerry AtHoc cloud and hybrid cloud customers:

  • Confidence of leveraging a cloud solution which adheres to the stringent FedRAMP authorization requirements
  • Compliance with Federal mandate for FedRAMP authorization for all Federal used cloud solutions:
    • Compliance with end-to-end FedRAMP authorized solution when you choose fully hosted deployment option
    • Compliance with FedRAMP authorized notification delivery services that integrate with your secure on-premises AtHoc implementation
  • Continuous Monitoring from the BlackBerry Cyber Security Operation Center (CSOC)
  • Latest and greatest product and security enhancements, automatically applied under Continuous Monitoring

Benefits for customers new to BlackBerry AtHoc:

  • Confidence of leveraging a cloud solution which adheres to the stringent FedRAMP authorization requirements
  • Save time & money by leveraging a FedRAMP authorized solution
    • No need to independently assess security
    • Security posture and authorization will be continuously maintained
  • Compliance with the Federal mandate for FedRAMP authorization for all Federal used cloud solutions
    • Compliance with end-to-end FedRAMP authorized solution when you choose fully hosted deployment option
    • Compliance with FedRAMP authorized notification delivery services to integrate with a secure on-premises AtHoc implementation
  • Continuous Monitoring from the BlackBerry Cyber Security Operation Center (CSOC)
  • Latest and greatest product and security enhancements, automatically applied under Continuous Monitoring

BlackBerry's Cybersecurity Focus

As part of BlackBerry's continued commitment to the U.S. Federal Government, its newly formed U.S. based Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) will provide continual monitoring and visibility ensuring consistent application of existing security practices. The CSOC Center is led by former US Coast Guard CIO and Chief Cybersecurity Officer RADM (ret) Bob Day, VP, Cyber Security Operation Services. Under his leadership, the CSOC will also provide support for other BlackBerry products as they go through the FedRAMP authorization process.

"There is a growing demand in the U.S. Federal Government to move to FedRAMP Authorized Cloud Services. Our team is dedicated to helping our customers meet FedRAMP requirements starting with BlackBerry AtHoc, the first crisis communication platform to achieve this cybersecurity authorization."

Bob Day - VP Cyber Security Operation Services and Former Coast Guard CIO and Cyber Commander

FedRAMP Authorization Technical Details

Service Model: SaaS
Deployment Model: Hybrid Cloud
Impact Level: Moderate
Package ID: F1302271924; Package Access Request Form
Authorization Type:  Agency (Federal Aviation Administration)
Independent Assessor: Kratos SecureInfo
Agency Authorization Date: 2/15/2017
FedRAMP Authorization Date:  3/10/2017

Frequently Asked Questions


Question:
What is FedRAMP authorization and why is it important?
Answer:
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, is a government-wide program that provides and mandates a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. This approach uses a "do once, use many times" framework that saves an estimated 30-40% of government costs, as well as both time and staff required to conduct redundant agency security assessments.

Question:
Which BlackBerry products are FedRAMP authorized?
Answer:
BlackBerry AtHoc is the first BlackBerry Secure solution to be awarded FedRAMP authorization. Our CSOC team is working to get additional products through FedRAMP authorization, check back soon for more.

Question:
What are my options if I already have AtHoc?
Answer:
If you are already using a cloud deployment of AtHoc, your system is now FedRAMP authorized; there is no need for any action on your side.  For hybrid cloud customers, your communication delivery services for notifications – email, phone, SMS, mobile, IPAWS, Connect - are part of our FedRAMP authorization.  Customers wishing to transition to a fully cloud based solution will have an easy migration path as the capabilities of both deployments are similar.

Question:
Are there US Government entities using AtHoc today?
Answer:
Yes, BlackBerry AtHoc's networked crisis communication platform is used to protect more than 80% of federal government personnel, including the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, Department of Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Energy, and the Federal Aviation Administration, along with many more.

Question:
Does my agency require FedRAMP Compliant Solutions?
Answer:
Yes, FedRAMP is mandatory for federal agency cloud deployments and service models at the low and moderate risk impact levels… agencies must submit a quarterly report in Portfolio Stat listing all existing cloud services that do not meet FedRAMP requirements.

Question:
Will BlackBerry AtHoc work with my current communication systems?
Answer:
Yes, BlackBerry AtHoc integrates our cutting-edge technology with your systems like 2-way radios, fire panels, strobes, and digital displays, preserving existing investment and ensuring seamless crisis response. Please contact our team to find out more about our secure integration options.

Question:
Why is the BlackBerry CSOC important for me?
Answer:
As part of the BlackBerry commitment to security, the CSOC will act as the subject matter expert team to facilitate achieving and maintaining FedRAMP authorization, and will act as the single point of contact for all Federal security compliance activities with Federal agencies, streamlining the process and easing migration of agencies to our FedRAMP authorized crisis communication solution.

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