When a crisis unfolds, whether it’s a cyberattack, natural disaster, or operational disruption, organizations face one critical question: Can they communicate securely and effectively to protect lives and operational continuity? For government agencies, emergency responders, healthcare providers, and organizations managing critical infrastructure, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
BlackBerry® AtHoc® has achieved FedRAMP High Authorization, building on its 2017 FedRAMP Moderate certification. This represents the highest level of security compliance, ensuring that organizations can rely on BlackBerry AtHoc for secure, efficient, and scalable communication during critical events. With this authorization, BlackBerry AtHoc can now be used by federal agencies to protect their most sensitive information and communicate effectively with stakeholders during emergencies. This milestone underscores BlackBerry AtHoc's commitment to delivering the highest standards of security and reliability, making it an essential tool for government agencies navigating complex and high-stakes environments.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of FedRAMP High Authorization and why choosing a solution that meets these rigorous standards is crucial in today’s ever-evolving landscape.
What Is FedRAMP High Authorization?
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) standardizes the security assessment of cloud-based solutions used by government agencies and enterprises. Achieving FedRAMP High authorization, the highest impact level, is no small feat. It requires compliance with 421 stringent security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-53. These controls ensure advanced data protection, addressing sensitive information like Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which, if compromised, could severely impact national security, public safety, or core organizational operations.
BlackBerry AtHoc achieving this certification is a testament to its commitment to secure, reliable, and resilient communication infrastructure for classified environments. This is particularly vital for high-stakes environments such as government agencies, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and healthcare sectors, where protecting sensitive data is non-negotiable.
The Landscape of Modern Risks
The urgency for secure communication platforms like BlackBerry AtHoc becomes evident against today’s heightened risk environment. Organizations face escalating challenges such as advanced persistent threats (APTs), ransomware, natural disasters, and compliance pressures across industries.
1. Cybersecurity Threats
From phishing attacks to data breaches, cyber risks have evolved into significant threats capable of undermining entire systems.
2. Compliance Challenges
Adhering to global standards (e.g., FedRAMP, HIPAA, GDPR) requires constant monitoring and advanced security tools.
3. Operational Resilience
When communication channels fail during emergencies, critical infrastructure operations, public safety, and financial stability are placed at risk.
For example, during coordinated ransomware attacks, unsecure communication channels can compromise response strategies, leaving organizations vulnerable to extended downtimes and escalating damages.
BlackBerry AtHoc addresses these risks by enabling encrypted, real-time communication even in the most adverse circumstances, keeping vital organizations operational and secure on a cloud platform authorized for classified environments.
The Challenges of Reliable Communication
Despite the high stakes, many organizations struggle with ensuring secure, two-way communication during crises. These challenges include:
- Protecting Classified Data
Organizations struggle to secure classified information against breaches and unauthorized access, requiring advanced encryption and monitoring solutions.
- Data Interception Risks
Standard communication tools like email or consumer-grade apps are susceptible to cyber espionage and interception by malicious actors.
- Complex Compliance Requirements
Regulatory frameworks demand robust, continuous monitoring and encryption standards, which are difficult to maintain consistently.
- Real-Time Response Delays
Ineffective communication tools lead to slower response times during critical incidents, increasing risks to both lives and operations.
With FedRAMP High certification, BlackBerry AtHoc is uniquely positioned to resolve these issues. By combining compliance leadership and advanced encryption capabilities, it provides secure crisis communication under all circumstances.
BlackBerry AtHoc: Your Ultimate Critical Event Management Solution
BlackBerry AtHoc exemplifies cutting-edge technology for critical event management, redefining how organizations respond to emergencies. The platform incorporates features aligned to meet modern security challenges, including the following capabilities:
- Secure and Resilient Communication: BlackBerry AtHoc ensures uninterrupted, encrypted two-way communication across all channels. This secures messages from tampering or unauthorized access while enabling real-time responses across stakeholders.
- Real-Time Situational Awareness: BlackBerry AtHoc gathers actionable data during crises, providing organizations with an information-rich dashboard to guide decisions and mitigate delays.
- Streamlined Emergency Planning: With automation tools like pre-configured messaging templates and workflows, BlackBerry AtHoc empowers organizations to respond faster, reducing downtime and confusion.
- Centralized Command and Control: BlackBerry AtHoc integrates seamlessly across devices, communication channels, and third-party systems, unifying efforts for an efficient emergency response.
Why FedRAMP High Certification Is Game-Changing
By achieving FedRAMP High authorization, BlackBerry AtHoc demonstrates unparalleled compliance and commitment to resilience. Here’s why this matters for organizations managing high-stakes operations:
Enhanced Security Controls
FedRAMP High adds 96 additional controls, beyond Moderate authorization levels. These cover areas like in-depth encryption, end-to-end continuous monitoring, event logging, and personnel vetting.
Operational Resilience
The stringent recovery time and recovery point objectives (RTOs/RPOs) ensure minimal system downtime. With continuous audits, organizations can maintain readiness against unexpected disruptions.
Government-Grade Design
Built specifically for classified environments, these platforms meet the rigorous standards necessary to handle sensitive government operations and data.
This represents real-world reliability for sectors like critical infrastructure, healthcare providers, and agencies handling sensitive national security data.
The Benefits of Using BlackBerry AtHoc with FedRAMP High Authorization for Crisis Management
Applying BlackBerry AtHoc in critical environments achieves meaningful, tangible results, making it a must-have for crisis management.
1. Unrivaled Security Assurance
With FedRAMP High authorization, BlackBerry AtHoc aligns with the strictest security standards, ensuring even the most sensitive information remains protected from compromise.
2. Trusted by the Most Discerning Organizations
Whether government entities or private enterprises, organizations can rely on BlackBerry AtHoc’s certification to confidently manage critical communications, knowing it is designed to handle data of the highest sensitivity.
3. Confidence in Handling Sensitive Data
The platform’s ability to meet FedRAMP High standards ensures operational integrity, assuring that communication systems are authorized to safeguard sensitive, mission-critical information.
4. Operational Excellence for High-Stakes Scenarios
BlackBerry AtHoc is built for environments where failure is not an option, delivering uninterrupted performance and secure communication during crises.
Take Security Beyond Expectations
The BlackBerry AtHoc platform’s FedRAMP High certification underscores one clear message: secure communication cannot be left to chance. The platform empowers organizations operating in today’s complex and high-risk environment to stay connected, prepared, and resilient.
If protecting data and ensuring streamlined responses are priorities for your organization, explore how BlackBerry AtHoc can redefine secure crisis communication for you.
Download our white paper today and take the next step in fortifying your communication strategy with the BlackBerry AtHoc FedRAMP High-certified platform.
Download "BlackBerry AtHoc: Redefining Secure Crisis Communications with FedRAMP High Authorization."
