What is an Authority to Operate (ATO)?
An Authority to Operate (ATO) is a formal authorization granted by a government agency or other organization to a system, network, or application to operate within a specific environment or context. An ATO is typically granted after a thorough review of the system, network, or application to ensure that it meets certain security, compliance, and operational requirements.
ATOs are often required for systems that handle sensitive or critical data or that are used in mission-critical operations. In the context of government agencies, an ATO may be required for systems that are used to support national security or other important functions.
The process of obtaining an ATO typically involves a detailed assessment of the system, network, or application, including a review of security controls and policies, compliance with relevant regulations and standards, and operational readiness. This assessment may be conducted by a third-party organization or by an internal team within the organization that’s responsible for the system.
Once the assessment is complete, a decision is made about whether to grant an ATO, and if so, under what conditions. The ATO may include specific requirements or recommendations for maintaining the system, network, or application, such as regular security updates or periodic assessments.
Overall, an ATO is an important tool for ensuring that systems, networks, and applications are secure and compliant, and that they’re being used in a way that meets the needs of the organization.
