What is ‘authorization to operate’ (ATO) in the context of RMF?

In the context of Risk Management Framework (RMF), 'authorization to operate' (ATO) is the official approval granted by a designated authority for an information system to operate within a specified environment. This approval is crucial because it acknowledges that the system meets the necessary security requirements and that the organization has assessed the risks associated with operating the system. The ATO process typically involves a thorough examination of the security controls in place, ensuring that all assessed risks are managed to an acceptable level according to the mission and security policies of the organization. This formal authorization ensures data integrity, confidentiality, and availability, aligning with the Department of Defense's commitment to safeguarding its information assets.

While the framework for security operations, documentation of security controls, and identification of system vulnerabilities are all important aspects of risk management and security practices, they do not encompass the specific significance and function of the ATO. An ATO represents a culmination of processes and assessments leading to the actual permission to operate, making it fundamentally distinct.