What does this mean for Vanta users?

With the release of FedRAMP v5, organizations must transition from FedRAMP v4 to remain compliant with the latest federal security standards. FedRAMP v5 introduces updates to security controls, documentation guidance, and control implementation practices. Here’s what the migration from FedRAMP v4 to v5 means for Vanta users.

What’s New in Vanta for FedRAMP v5?

Vanta has made several key updates to enhance your experience and help you comply with FedRAMP v5:

1. Control Baselines:
   Vanta now offers updated control sets aligned with FedRAMP v5 control baselines, ensuring your organization meets the latest cybersecurity requirements. These sets are organized by Impact Levels (Low, Li-SaaS, Moderate, High), allowing you to choose the set that fits your organizational risk profile.
2. Policy Templates:
   As part of the revision 5 upgrade, Vanta provides new policy templates to streamline the process of developing compliant policies. These templates are designed to help your organization implement controls effectively and document them in a way that meets FedRAMP requirements.
3. Improved Documented Guidance:
   Vanta has enhanced its documented guidance on how to implement controls, what to expect during an audit, and how to approach evidence collection. These resources are intended to make the compliance process smoother and more transparent, reducing the burden on your team during assessments.

Steps to Migrate from FedRAMP v4 to v5

1. Connect with Your Customer Success Manager:
   Contact your Vanta Customer Success Manager (CSM) to begin the migration. Your CSM will guide you through the upgrade process and ensure your control set and framework are updated to the latest version.
2. Upgrade to the Latest Version:
   Your CSM will handle the upgrade to the FedRAMP v5 framework. This upgrade includes the updated controls, policy templates, and documented guidance on implementing and preparing for the audit.
3. Prepare for New Controls and Documentation:
   Once the migration is complete, review the new control sets and documentation provided in your Vanta dashboard. Pay attention to any new evidence request or changes in guidance that may require additional resources or adjustments in your security program.

Critical Deadline: End of Support for FedRAMP v4

Please note that FedRAMP v4 will no longer be supported after March 31, 2025. To maintain compliance, all organizations using Vanta must fully transition to FedRAMP v5 after this date. We recommend starting the migration process as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions.

Impact on Your Audit and Compliance Processes

• Control Implementation:
  The new controls in FedRAMP v5 focus on control maturity and effectiveness. Vanta’s improved guidance will help you implement these controls and prepare for audits.
• Evidence Collection:
  Vanta provides detailed instructions on approaching evidence collection under the new v5 requirements. This ensures that your organization can gather the necessary evidence efficiently and meet audit expectations.
• Audit Expectations:
  FedRAMP v5 introduces new audit criteria. Vanta’s resources now include detailed guidance on what to expect during the audit process, including control testing and compliance reviews.

The transition to FedRAMP v5 is essential for maintaining updated federal security standards compliance. With Vanta’s enhanced control sets, policy templates, and documented guidance, migrating from v4 to v5 is a streamlined process. Be sure to connect with your Customer Success Manager to initiate the upgrade, and remember that FedRAMP v4 support ends on March 31, 2025.