For organizations managing sensitive data or working with government contracts, achieving or maintaining an Authority to Operate (ATO) is essential. At TestPros, we specialize in NIST 800-53 compliance audits, offering thorough, independent evaluations to meet all security control requirements. Whether your organization is pursuing a new ATO or seeking renewal, we provide unmatched support throughout the process.
Service Overview
Our NIST 800-53 audit service provides a complete assessment of your organization’s security and privacy controls. We conduct in-depth evaluations to ensure continuous compliance, helping you mitigate risks and maintain a valid ATO.
Key Features:
- Independent Audits: We offer NIST SP 800-53 independent audits, providing unbiased assessments to ensure your systems are fully compliant with NIST SP 800-53.
- Full Coverage of Control Families: We review all relevant control families, such as system and communications protection, access control, and system and information integrity, to ensure comprehensive compliance.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Receive detailed reports on your compliance status, complete with clear recommendations for remediation and continuous improvement.
- Remediation Services: After identifying gaps, we provide targeted remediation services to help you address security deficiencies and ensure your systems meet NIST requirements for ATO.
We Are Here To Assist You
Certified &
Independent
How long does a NIST 800-53 audit take to complete?
The timeline for a NIST 800-53 audit varies, typically taking 3 to 6 months, depending on the system’s complexity, readiness, and any remediation efforts required. Faster timelines are possible with proper preparation and streamlined documentation.
Our NIST 800-53 Audit Process
1
Initial Consultation
We review your organization’s needs, with specific concentration on overall compliance goals and ATO requirements, to provide a tailor-fit audit plan.
2
Pre-Audit Review
We conduct a gap analysis for the controls in place and the status of existing controls against the NIST 800-53 controls, pointing out where changes are needed.
3
Data Collection and Documentation
The team collects your system documentation, reviews policies and procedures, and maps them against the requirements set out by NIST to ensure full coverage.
4
Comprehensive Audit
Our certified experts perform an in-depth audit reviewing control implementation and the adequacy of security measures.
5
Detailed Findings and Recommendations
We will provide a detailed report of findings with specific recommendations that will help address all identified weaknesses in getting ready for ATO.
6
Post-Audit Remediation Support
If deficiencies are identified, our team offers remediation services to help close compliance gaps and prepare for future audits and ATO renewals.
Trusted Clients
Key Benefits of Our Services
ATO Assurance
Achieve or maintain your Authority to Operate (ATO) by ensuring all required NIST 800-53 controls are properly implemented.
Enhanced Risk Management
Our audits help you identify potential vulnerabilities, allowing you to bolster your risk management and safeguard critical information.
Compliance with Federal Standards
Stay compliant with NIST SP 800-53 standards, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
Cost-Effective Auditing
We deliver comprehensive audit services that are both thorough and efficient, helping you manage the overall audit cost without sacrificing quality.
Security and Privacy Improvements
Beyond compliance, our audit recommendations improve your information security and help protect against emerging threats.
Continuous Improvement Support
Our team ensures that your organization stays compliant year-round, preparing you for future audits and ATO renewals.
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Touch
- 46090 Lake Center Plaza #306, Sterling, VA 20165
- 703-787-7600
- [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to comply with NIST 800-53?
Organizations required to comply with NIST 800-53 include federal agencies, government contractors, and entities managing or handling federal information systems and data. This compliance is mandated to ensure the security and privacy of federal systems and applies particularly to organizations working with the U.S. government, especially those managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or other sensitive federal data. Compliance also extends to hosted systems and applications that support these federal functions.
What documentation is required for a NIST 800-53 audit?
A NIST 800-53 audit generally requires extensive documentation to demonstrate compliance with security controls. This typically includes the System Security Plan (SSP), Risk Assessment Report (RAR), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), security policies and procedures, incident response plans, training records, evidence of control implementation, system architecture diagrams, and any previous audit reports or security assessments.
What is the NIST audit process?
The NIST audit process involves verifying an organization’s adherence to NIST standards by assessing security controls, identifying gaps, and creating a remediation plan to address deficiencies. It ensures that security controls function effectively and incorporates ongoing monitoring and improvement activities.
What are the steps to achieve NIST 800-53 compliance?
- System Categorization
- Select Controls
- Implement Controls
- Document Controls
- Assess Effectiveness
- Develop a POA&M
- Obtain Authorization
- Continuous Monitoring
For a detailed overview of these steps and more, you can refer to our NIST 800-53 Compliance Checklist to guide your organization through the process.
What is the latest version?
NIST SP 800-53, Revision 5 was released in November 2020. The update includes new and revised controls. These address emerging threats, such as ransomware and attacks on critical infrastructure. The revision also includes changes to the structure of the standard to make it easier to use.
To learn more about the key changes and updates, check out our detailed post on NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4 vs. Rev. 5.
