In the realm of cybersecurity and compliance, the authorization process stands as a critical checkpoint, determining the readiness of systems to operate securely within government agencies and organizations. As technology advancements continue to reshape the digital landscape, the traditional methods of using Excel spreadsheets for assessments and authorizations are proving to be inefficient and error prone.

Excel, a widely used tool for data management and analysis, has long been employed for documenting security controls, tracking compliance status, and managing authorization documentation. However, the inherent limitations of Excel, such as version control issues, lack of audit trails, and manual data entry errors, present significant challenges in maintaining the integrity and accuracy of authorization processes. Koniag Government Services (KGS) offers insights into how organizations can transition towards more efficient, automated, and secure solutions to enhance their authorization workflows and compliance activities.

• Version Control Issues: Excel spreadsheets lack robust version control mechanisms, leading to challenges in tracking changes and ensuring the accuracy of data over time.
• Lack of Audit Trails: Excel does not provide comprehensive audit trails, making it difficult to monitor who made changes to the document and when those changes occurred.
• Manual Data Entry Errors: The reliance on manual data entry in Excel increases the likelihood of errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in assessments and authorizations.
• Limited Collaboration Capabilities: Excel’s limitations in real-time collaboration hinder effective teamwork and communication among stakeholders involved in the assessment and authorization process.
• Security Risks: Storing sensitive information in Excel spreadsheets can pose security risks, especially if proper encryption and access controls are not implemented, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations.

Solution

Team Koniag has successfully deployed a solution that aligns with NIST SP 800-218 by offering Standardized Security Controls, Comprehensive Task Spectrum, Customizable Policy Development, Data-Driven Remediation Planning, and Continuous Monitoring.

KGS Authorization and Assessment (A&A) tool uses a guided discovery process that starts with a concise, visually engaging, and intuitive discovery questionnaire tailored for each client to gauge their unique cybersecurity needs.  The KGS A&A solution leverages Data-Driven remediation planning by developing a list of remediation tasks, assessing their relevance and impact, and prioritizes them ensuring an efficient and effective cybersecurity solution.

Prior to adopting this solution, our client relied on manual assessment processes using Excel spreadsheets, which were prone to human error, thereby extending the time required to finalize assessments. The implementation of a modern automated system enabled us to fulfill our customers’ needs efficiently, simplifying their cyber risk assessment and management tasks. This streamlined approach saved time by offering guided risk audits that delivered risk scores with just a few simple clicks, enhancing the overall assessment experience for our clients. Other benefits of our solution are:

1. Demonstrates Ongoing Value. Tracks and evaluates your security posture over time. Monitor progress and demonstrate the tangible value of your services, showcasing improvements in cybersecurity stance over time.
2. Clear, User-Friendly Task Descriptions. Tasks are presented straightforwardly, making them easy to understand and actionable across diverse cybersecurity areas.
3. Collaboration and Transparency: Our solution aligns with the principles of reciprocity in accredited processes and DevSecOps infrastructure by providing a comprehensive platform that facilitates streamlined ATO processes and enhances security posture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, enhancing assessments and authorizations in cybersecurity is paramount to strengthening organizational security, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks in today’s complex threat landscape. By transitioning from manual, spreadsheet-based processes to modern solutions like automation tools, customized policy frameworks, continuous monitoring capabilities, and compliance with industry standards, organizations can streamline their A&A processes and achieve more robust security postures.

The adoption of advanced technologies and best practices not only improves efficiency and A&A accuracy but also enables organizations to adapt to evolving threats and regulatory requirements. As organizations continue to prioritize cybersecurity as a critical component of their operations, investing in enhanced A&A processes is essential to maintaining trust, protecting sensitive data, and demonstrating commitment to security excellence.

By embracing innovation, collaboration, and a proactive approach to assessments and authorizations, organizations can navigate the complexities of cybersecurity risk management with confidence and resilience. The journey towards enhancing A&A processes is an ongoing endeavor, requiring continuous improvement, adaptation, and vigilance to stay ahead of emerging threats and compliance challenges. Through strategic investments in modern solutions and a commitment to best practices, organizations can elevate their security posture, fortify their defenses, and safeguard their assets in an increasingly digital world.

Acquisition Strategy

KGS and its 28 subsidiaries are ideally suited as the prime contractor to receive a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) directed award following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 19.804 and 13 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 124.503. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) owned business, KGS provides the Federal Agencies with comprehensive capabilities and capacity that includes access to a deep portfolio of technical abilities, personnel, and experience from 2,600+ staff supporting 550+ contracts/tasks spanning technology, consulting, and operations support for defense, national security, health, and civilian agencies.

KGS provides a wide array of technology-focused services, including:

Software engineering and development	Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)
DevSecOps	Enterprise infrastructure operations
System and database administration	System engineering
Data management	Cybersecurity
Cloud modernization	Intelligence analysis
Risk management	Business transformation
Program management	Cybersecurity operations

We deliver these services to multiple Government agencies, enabling national security, intelligence, and law enforcement missions. Our processes and service delivery approach uses industry best practices from Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI), International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Information Technology, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies that have been integrated into our tools and templates. KGS is appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 3 at the corporate level, reinforcing our robust processes, disciplined execution, and commitment to quality delivery support.

KGS subsidiaries possess Top-Secret Facility Clearances. Over 400 staff possess a Top-Secret clearance and over 200 have Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. Additionally, we are experienced in Special Access Programs (SAPs), Communications Security (COMSEC), and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) requirements.