Authorization to Operate (ATO)

Authorization to Operate (ATO) is a security authorization process used by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure that information systems meet federal security, privacy, and compliance requirements before they are deployed. The process follows the NIST Risk Management Framework and involves security control implementation, risk assessments, system testing, documentation, and approval by an Authorizing Official. It supports continuous security monitoring, vulnerability management, compliance tracking, and periodic reassessment throughout the system lifecycle, helping protect sensitive information and manage cybersecurity risks.