Understanding the ATO (Authority to Operate) Process from Start to Finish
If you want to deploy a system in a federal environment or deliver software to a U.S. government agency, you need more than technical features or compliance paperwork. You need an Authority to Operate (ATO). Getting an ATO is one of the most critical and often misunderstood parts of working with the federal government. It’s […]
The Best Framework for Securing Your DoD Contract: CMMC vs. NIST vs. ISO
If you’re pursuing or maintaining a Department of Defense (DoD) contract, one thing is clear: cybersecurity compliance is no longer optional. But with multiple frameworks in play—CMMC, NIST SP 800-171, and ISO 27001—it’s easy to get confused. Which one do you need? What are the differences? And is one better than the others? This guide […]
In-House vs. Outsourced Cybersecurity: Which Is Right for You?
As cyber threats evolve and compliance requirements tighten, businesses are being forced to ask a tricky question: Should we build an in-house cybersecurity team or bring in outside experts? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your budget, risk profile, internal capacity, and long-term goals. In this article, we’ll compare in-house and outsourced […]
Why Most ATO Efforts Fail and How to Avoid the Pitfalls
Securing an Authority to Operate (ATO) is a critical milestone for any contractor working with federal systems. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: most ATO efforts don’t go smoothly. And many never reach full authorization at all. If you’ve tried to navigate the ATO process, you already know it can feel overwhelming, unclear, and frustrating. In […]
What Factors Affect the Price of a Compliance Roadmap in the Defense Sector?
If you’re working with the Department of Defense or any part of the federal supply chain, compliance isn’t optional. But if you’ve ever tried to price out a compliance roadmap, you’ve likely noticed a wide range of costs. and very few clear answers. Let’s fix that. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors […]
US Government Shifts To Skills-Based Hiring, Removing Degree Requirements
In a move to address the growing cybersecurity talent gap, the U.S. government is removing the four-year degree requirement for cybersecurity jobs across multiple federal agencies! This decision marks a significant shift from traditional hiring practices that have predominantly valued academic credentials over practical skills, and subsequently smothered many amazing opportunities for highly skilled, but […]