Over the past two decades, cloud computing has dramatically reshaped the way government stores, manages, and delivers digital services. Initial skepticism rooted in security and control concerns have been addressed, as cloud has proven its ability to provide necessary access to data and applications with security levels that exceed on-premises solutions.
Cloud Use Gets Smart
The Federal Government’s cloud journey began with curiosity and a call to be “Cloud First,” a policy that required federal agencies to evaluate cloud-based solutions before considering traditional IT systems. This policy was replaced by the “Cloud Smart” strategy, emphasizing flexibility, security, and workforce readiness. Rather than mandating cloud adoption for its own sake, it encouraged agencies to tailor their IT modernization plans based on mission needs, budget, and risk.
Today, cloud computing is not just an IT choice—it’s a core component of government digital strategy. The cloud-smart approach has provided a baseline for meeting today’s security goals around zero trust principles. It also supports multi-cloud and hybrid environments, as well as emerging technologies like AI and edge computing.
The On-Ramp for Cloud
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) created a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and monitoring for cloud services. The program has evolved along with cloud use. FedRAMP 20X was introduced in the spring of 2025 to further accelerate the adoption of cloud solutions. A big focus of this policy update is introducing automation to increase the pace of authorizations, a longstanding issue with the program. The FedRAMP Program Management Office (PMO) hopes to automate 80% of the current manual work to validate cloud solutions, accelerating the adoption of needed technology.
DoD Cloud Strategy
The Department of Defense has followed the same general trajectory toward cloud as civilian agencies; however, due to its unique mission requirements, security imperatives, and operational complexity, it has implemented separate policies and processes to ensure the secure and efficient use of cloud.
The 2018 DoD Cloud Strategy aimed to create an enterprise cloud environment for use across the department, but the complexity in mission and infrastructure made this approach too costly and difficult. Today, the DoD has a multi-vendor approach to cloud and emphasizes cloud-native development, DevSecOps practices, and the integration of AI and machine learning. The next evolution of the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract vehicle is expected to come out within the next 18 months to support ongoing use of modern cloud technologies.
To stay on top of cloud policy and implementation, check out these resources from GovWhitePapers and GovEvents:
- Cloud Security: First Principles and Future Opportunities (eBook) – This eBook provides a comprehensive guide to securing cloud environments, with insights from SANS experts and major cloud providers (AWS, Google, Microsoft). This edition covers fundamental security principles, architectural best practices, and modern security challenges, including identity modernization, AI security risks, and cloud governance.
- A Year in the Clouds: Reviewing Government Cloud Policy and Use (white paper) – Cloud computing has become a cornerstone of government modernization, transforming how services are delivered to citizens. Over the past year, programs like FedRAMP have expanded to streamline cloud adoption and enhance security across federal agencies. Cloud platforms enable real-time collaboration, disaster recovery, and improved citizen engagement through 24/7 accessible services.
- Unlocking Cloud Innovation in the Department of Defense (white paper) – During a recent roundtable, Federal experts came together to discuss cloud innovation in the Department of Defense. Participants explored the potential for cloud innovation to improve operations, ways agencies are utilizing cloud on the tactical edge, and several challenges with unlocking cloud innovation.
- Federal IT Efficiency Summit (July 10, 2025; Tysons, VA) – Government and industry leaders will explore strategies for optimizing IT operations, reducing costs and enhancing mission effectiveness. Attendees will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies, process improvements, acquisition models and policy frameworks that are driving efficiency across federal IT agencies.
- ATO & Cloud Security Summit (July 24, 2025; Washington, DC) – This event brings together federal, state, and local government leaders with industry experts and solution providers to explore strategies for streamlining the Authority to Operate (ATO) process, advancing cloud security, and fostering collaboration to meet the challenges of a dynamic threat landscape.
- SANS 2025 Multicloud Survey Webcast & Forum: Securing Multiple Clouds at Scale (August 22, 2025; webcast) – The SANS 2025 Multicloud Survey explores how organizations manage security at scale across diverse cloud service providers. This webcast will provide insights into survey results, including the tools, techniques, and strategies needed to secure multicloud environments effectively—offering valuable guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of cloud security at scale.
Search GovWhitePapers and GovEvents to find even more insights about cloud in government.
