Executive Summary: Palo Alto Networks has achieved FedRAMP High Authorization for its Identity Security Platform, providing federal agencies with a precertified, SaaS-delivered path to Zero Trust. This milestone enables agencies to protect their most sensitive unclassified data while accelerating Authorization to Operate (ATO) through a unified, platform-based approach to privileged access and identity governance.
As part of an ongoing commitment to protecting mission-critical, sensitive Federal Government systems, we are thrilled to share that the Idira® Identity Security Platform has officially achieved FedRAMP High Authorization. This milestone marks a significant evolution in Palo Alto Networks federal cloud offerings, introducing SaaS-delivered Privileged Access Management (PAM) to the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Marketplace alongside our existing Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) and Workforce Identity solutions authorized at a FedRAMP High impact level.
The FedRAMP High designation is the gold standard for cloud security, requiring adherence to over 400 rigorous security controls that follow the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 controls framework. By achieving this status, the Idira Identity Security Platform is now authorized to protect the U.S. government’s most sensitive, unclassified data, providing federal agencies with a verified "fast lane" to Zero Trust.
Accelerating Zero Trust Architecture for Federal Agencies
As agencies race to meet the requirements of Executive Order 14028, the need to secure identities (human, machine, AI) has never been more critical. The Idira Identity Security Platform offers a unified, cloud-native approach that eliminates the friction of legacy, siloed identity tools.
By consolidating identity security into a single FedRAMP High authorized platform, agencies can realize immediate operational benefits:
- Accelerated Authorization to Operate (ATO): By leveraging a platform that is already authorized at the High impact level, agencies can bypass complex security assessments and deploy critical PAM capabilities in weeks rather than months.
- Reduced Identity Sprawl: Manage and secure every identity, from standard employees to high-level system administrators, through a single pane of glass, reducing the attack surface across hybrid and multicloud environments.
- Enhanced Mission Velocity: Shift from manual, "check the box" compliance to automated, continuous security. This allows IT and security teams to focus on mission-critical initiatives rather than managing disparate identity silos.
- Intelligent Privilege Controls: Apply AI powered security that intelligently monitors and restricts access in real time, ensuring that only the right users have the right level of access at the right time.
A Unified Platform for the Most Sensitive Workloads
The Idira Identity Security Platform is designed to meet the diverse and stringent needs of the U.S. government, providing deep technical capabilities across the entire identity lifecycle:
- Privileged Access Management (PAM): Secure and monitor access to highly sensitive credentials and administrative sessions via a secure SaaS vault.
- Workforce Identity: Deliver a seamless user experience with phishing resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) that meets NIST AAL3 standards.
In parallel, we have another offering that is FedRAMP High authorized:
- Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM): Discover and secure built-in privileged accounts and enforce policy-based least privilege on the endpoint. Remove local admin rights and implement application control and ringfencing to stop lateral movement and mitigate ransomware risks.
Strengthening Technological Leadership
This authorization reinforces the position of Palo Alto Networks as a comprehensive partner for federal cybersecurity. By providing FedRAMP High authorized solutions across Identity, we empower agencies to build a cohesive security posture that is "Secured in America" and built specifically for the needs of the U.S. government.
Whether protecting healthcare data or securing the software supply chains of defense contractors, Palo Alto Networks is committed to helping the public sector modernize with confidence.
Secured in America. Built for Government.
Headquartered in California, Palo Alto Networks proudly celebrates two decades of cybersecurity innovation and leadership. Across the United States, we employ more than 8,800 people in 49 states with physical offices in California, New York, Texas and Virginia. Championing American production excellence, we assemble all of our hardware firewalls in the United States, with our primary assembly and fulfillment center located in Texas. With over $1.8 billion in annual R&D, Palo Alto Networks is driving continuous innovation to maintain American technological leadership and excellence. Learn more about our commitment to serve federal organizations as the government's cybersecurity partner of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about FedRAMP High Authorization & Identity Security
Q: What does FedRAMP High Authorization mean for PAM?
A: FedRAMP High is the most rigorous security designation for cloud services, requiring compliance with over 400 NIST SP 800-53 controls. For PAM (Privileged Access Management), this means the platform is authorized to protect the government's most sensitive, high-impact unclassified data against advanced persistent threats.
Q: How does this platform support Executive Order 14028?
A: The Idira Identity Security Platform directly addresses EO 14028 requirements by providing a unified architecture for MFA, encrypted privileged credentials and granular access controls, accelerating the federal transition to a zero trust architecture (ZTA).
Q: Can this solution help with ATO (Authorization to Operate) timelines?
A: Yes. By utilizing a SaaS platform that has already achieved FedRAMP High status, federal agencies can inherit existing security controls, significantly reducing the documentation and testing required to achieve their own agency-specific ATO.