Overview

TX-RAMP Level 1is a state cybersecurity compliance framework that helpsorganizations ensure secure and compliant handling ofnon-confidential data in cloud computing environments used by Texasgovernment agencies. The framework establishes baseline requirementsfor cybersecurity controls and risk management, focusing onminimizing cybersecurity threats in lower-risk cloud services.

Published andoverseen by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR),TX-RAMP applies to cloud service providers and state agenciesmanaging public-sector data in Texas. The Level 1 requirementsaddress areas such as access controls, data protection, incidentresponse, and operational risk, providing foundational assurance forless sensitive workloads.

Organizationsachieve TX-RAMP Level 1 authorization by documenting policies,implementing required security controls, and undergoing DIR’sassessment process. Integrating TX-RAMP Level 1 supports complianceoversight, risk assessment, and alignment with broader cybersecurityand regulatory standards, enabling agencies to responsibly managedata entrusted to external cloud providers.

Why it Matters

TX-RAMP Level 1establishes essential security baselines, helping organizationsresponsibly manage and protect public data in Texas government cloudenvironments.

Key benefitsinclude:

•  Strengthen security governance

Promotesystematic oversight of cloud-based security controls, fosteringaccountability and structured risk management for less sensitivedata.

•  Enhance compliance oversight

Supportorganizations in meeting Texas state regulatory requirements,facilitating transparency and adherence during compliance reviews.

•  Promote operational resilience

Help minimizerisks of service disruption by requiring clear incident responseplanning and robust operational risk controls for cloud systems.

•  Increase audit readiness

Enableorganizations to maintain comprehensive documentation and consistentsecurity practices, improving preparedness for state-level audits andassessments.

•  Improve vendor management

Require cloudproviders to demonstrate minimum cybersecurity standards, supportingbetter third-party risk management across the state’s public sectorecosystem.

How it Works

TX-RAMP Level 1structures its requirements around a set of baseline securitycontrols tailored for cloud solutions used by Texas state agencies.Drawing on control families similar to those found in federalstandards like FedRAMP and NIST SP 800-53, TX-RAMP outlines minimumsafeguards in domains such as access control, risk management,incident response, and regulatory compliance. These controls areorganized in a way that addresses foundational security and privacyrisks relevant to public sector cloud environments.

In practice,organizations seeking TX-RAMP Level 1 certification map their cloudservice offerings to the required security controls by conductingrisk assessments, implementing required safeguards, and documentingpolicies and procedures. Ongoing compliance is maintained throughcontinuous monitoring, regular self-assessments, evidence collection,and readiness for external audits. These activities help ensurealignment with state regulatory expectations and support broadergovernance objectives.

SmartSuitesupports operationalization of TX-RAMP Level 1 by providing controllibraries for mapping requirements, a centralized risk register totrack risks and mitigations, and modules for policy governance andevidence collection. Organizations can streamline compliancemonitoring, document remediation activities, facilitate auditreadiness, and leverage reporting dashboards for real-time oversightof their TX-RAMP compliance posture.

Key Elements

•  Baseline Security Controls

Organizesminimum required cybersecurity measures necessary for protectingnon-confidential data within cloud environments.

•  Access Management Requirements

Specifiescriteria for user authentication, authorization, and identitylifecycle handling in public-sector cloud services.

•  Data Handling and Protection

Describesprocesses and controls for managing, storing, and safeguardingnon-confidential state information.

•  Incident Response Measures

Establishesexpectations for detecting, reporting, and managing security eventsand incidents.

•  Operational Risk Management

Outlinesprocedures for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operationalrisks specific to cloud-hosted services.

•  Assessment and Compliance Oversight

Defines DIR’sassessment process and ongoing compliance monitoring for authorizedcloud service providers.

Framework Scope

TX-RAMP Level 1is used by Texas state agencies and cloud service providersresponsible for managing non-confidential public-sector data in cloudenvironments. The framework governs the implementation of baselinecybersecurity controls, risk management practices, and operationalsafeguards, and is typically adopted to comply with state oversightrequirements while supporting cybersecurity program assurance andfoundational compliance activities.

Framework Objectives

TX-RAMP Level 1defines baseline cybersecurity and risk management standards forcloud-based non-confidential data used by Texas government agencies.

•  Establish minimum security controls for safeguardingpublic-sector data in cloud environments

•  Strengthen cybersecurity governance and oversight for stateagency cloud services

•  Support regulatory compliance with Texas Department ofInformation Resources requirements

•  Improve data protection and risk management for less sensitiveworkloads

•  Enable enhanced operational resilience and incident responsecapabilities

•  Promote audit readiness and accountability for cloud serviceproviders and agencies TX-RAMP Level 1 aligns cloud securityrequirements with FedRAMP baselines and maps to NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, often correlating controls toCIS Critical Security Controls. Organizations implement TX-RAMP Level1 when authorizing cloud services for Texas state agencies,demonstrating regulatory compliance, or improving governance andoperational security.

Common Framework Mappings

Organizationscommonly map TX RAMP Level 1 controls to established frameworksto streamline authorization, demonstrate cloud security baselines,leverage existing audits, and align with federal, industry, andinternational compliance obligations.

Mappedframeworks include:

CIS CriticalSecurity Controls

Cloud SecurityAlliance Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM)

FedRAMP High

FedRAMP Moderate

ISO/IEC 27001

NISTCybersecurity Framework

NIST SP 800-171

NIST SP 800-53Rev. 5