Addressing FedRAMP Communication

FedRAMP MUST convey the criticality of the message in the subject line, IF the message requires an elevated reaction, using one of the following designators:

• Emergency: There is a potential incident or crisis such that FedRAMP requires an extremely urgent reaction; emergency messages will contain aggressive timeframes for reaction and failure to meet these timeframes will result in corrective action.
• Emergency Test: FedRAMP requires an extremely urgent reaction to confirm the functionality and effectiveness of the FedRAMP Security Inbox; emergency test messages will contain aggressive timeframes for reaction and failure to meet these timeframes will result in corrective action.
• Important: There is an important issue that FedRAMP requires the cloud service provider to address; important messages will contain reasonable timeframes for reaction and failure to meet these timeframes may result in corrective action.

FedRAMP MUST clearly specify the corrective actions that will result from failure to complete the required actions in the body of messages that require an elevated reaction; such actions may vary from negative ratings in the FedRAMP Marketplace to suspension of FedRAMP Certification depending on the severity of the event.

FedRAMP MUST clearly specify the expected timeframe for completing required actions in the body of messages that require an elevated reaction; timeframes for actions will vary depending on the situation but the default timeframes to provide an estimated resolution time for Emergency and Emergency Test designated messages will be as follows:

• Class D: within 12 hours
• Class C: by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 2nd business day
• Class B: by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 3rd business day
• Class A: by 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the 5th business day

FedRAMP MUST post a public notice at least 10 business days in advance of sending an Emergency Test message; such notices MUST include explanation of the likely expected actions and timeframes for the Emergency Test message.

FedRAMP MAY track and publicly share the time required by cloud service providers to take the actions specified in messages that require an elevated reaction.

FedRAMP MUST clearly specify the required actions in the body of messages that require an elevated reaction.

FedRAMP MUST send Emergency and Emergency Test designated messages from fedramp_security@gsa.gov OR fedramp_security@fedramp.gov.

FedRAMP MUST send messages to cloud service providers using an official @fedramp.gov or @gsa.gov email address with properly configured Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) email authentication.

Providers SHOULD promptly and automatically acknowledge the receipt of messages received from FedRAMP in their FedRAMP Security Inbox.

Providers MUST complete the required actions in Emergency or Emergency Test designated messages sent by FedRAMP within the timeframe included in the message.

Providers MUST route Emergency designated messages sent by FedRAMP to a senior security official for their awareness.

Providers SHOULD complete the required actions in Important designated messages sent by FedRAMP within the timeframe specified in the message.

Providers MUST establish and maintain an email address to receive messages from FedRAMP; this inbox is a FedRAMP Security Inbox (FSI).

Providers MUST immediately notify FedRAMP of any changes to the email address for their FedRAMP Security Inbox.

Providers MUST receive and react to email messages from FedRAMP without disruption and without requiring additional actions from FedRAMP.

Providers MUST treat any email originating from an @fedramp.gov or @gsa.gov email address as if it was sent from FedRAMP by default; if such a message is confirmed to originate from someone other than FedRAMP then the FedRAMP Security Inbox rules no longer apply.