Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) Implementation Playbook

In today’s rapidly evolving cyber environment, obtaining an initial Authorization to Operate (ATO) under the Risk Management Framework (RMF) can take anywhere from 6 to 36 months. Given the complexity of information systems and the increasing need for rapid business service delivery, enhancements to ATO processes and the implementation of Continuous Authorization to Operate (cATO) are critically important to meet mission requirements. The overarching strategic objective of cATO is to make government cyber activities more efficient for all.