Continuous Monitoring: Monthly ConMon Without the Chaos

Earning an ATO is the start, not the finish. Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) is the ongoing work that keeps your authorization valid — and it can either run smoothly or quietly consume your team.

The monthly rhythm

• —Run authenticated vulnerability scans of operating systems, databases, and web applications.
• —Update your POA&M with new findings, remediation progress, and closures.
• —Deliver the monthly ConMon package to your authorizing agency on schedule.

Remediation timelines

FedRAMP sets expected remediation windows by severity — high findings on the tightest clock, then moderate, then low. Track findings against those windows so nothing ages past its deadline unnoticed.

Keeping it sane

Automate scanning and reporting where you can, assign clear ownership for remediation, and handle deviation requests (for false positives or operational risk) promptly. A disciplined, automated ConMon process is the difference between a healthy ATO and a perpetual fire drill.