Vendor Security Validation

Ordered from the most complete to the least complete forms of validation for a vendor security program

Interpretation

Use GovRAMP or FedRAMP where cloud risk and government data sensitivity are highest. Accept SOC 2 Type II, HITRUST, or ISO 27001 as strong alternatives where appropriate. Use questionnaires and agency risk assessments only as fallback methods when more mature third-party assurance is unavailable.

1. GovRAMP Authorization: Highest completeness

Government-focused cloud authorization with standardized assessment and continuous monitoring. Best fit where state cloud risk, impact level, and government assurance expectations are highest.

Typical evidence: Authorized status, listing verification, authorization package

2. FedRAMP Authorization: Highest completeness

Federal cloud authorization with formal authorization boundaries and strong third-party assessment rigor. Appropriate where cloud services need high confidence and recognized government assurance.

Typical evidence: Marketplace listing, authorization status, authorization package

3. SOC 2 Type II: High completeness

Independent attestation covering control design and operating effectiveness over a review period. A strong commercial assurance artifact when government authorization is not required.

Typical evidence: SOC 2 Type II report, bridge letter if needed, scope and control coverage

4. HITRUST Certification: High completeness

Structured external validation that is especially useful in healthcare-related environments and other settings that require mature control assurance.

Typical evidence: Certification letter, validated assessment summary, scope statement