Not CUI Compliant
4 NIST 800-171 gaps detected. Not FedRAMP authorized. Using this tool for CUI creates compliance violations under NIST 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012.
Fastmail
by Fastmail
FedRAMP Status
Not FedRAMP Authorized
Impact Level
N/A
Category
Overview
Fastmail is an Australian-based commercial email provider focused on privacy and productivity. It is not FedRAMP authorized and its overseas infrastructure disqualifies it for CUI workloads.
CUI Risk Assessment
Not FedRAMP authorized. Using this tool for CUI creates compliance violations under NIST 800-171 and DFARS 252.204-7012.
Deployment & Architecture
Deployment Model: Cloud SaaS (vendor-hosted)
Fastmail has no FedRAMP authorization on record. DFARS 252.204-7012(b)(2)(ii)(D) requires an external cloud service provider to meet security requirements equivalent to the FedRAMP Moderate baseline — an authorization is the straightforward way to show that, but it is not the only one. Without one, the burden is on you to establish, document, and defend equivalency, and to meet the clause's incident-reporting and media-preservation obligations. Most contractors find an authorized alternative cheaper than carrying that burden.
Migration Checklist
- 1ISSO: Issue immediate stop-use directive for Fastmail within 48 hours (high priority violation)
- 2Contracts team: Notify DCMA and contracting officers of non-compliance discovery within 72 hours per DFARS requirements
- 3IT team: Procure FedRAMP-authorized email solution (Microsoft 365 GCC High or Google Workspace Government) - Week 1
- 4ISSO: Export all CUI-containing emails using IMAP download tools, catalog CUI categories present - Weeks 1-2
- 5Sysadmin: Configure new email system with NIST 800-171 controls (MFA, encryption, audit logging) - Weeks 2-3
- 6IT team: Migrate user accounts and conduct parallel testing period - Week 3-4
- 7ISSO: Update System Security Plan and authorization boundary documentation - Week 4
- 8ISSO: Conduct post-migration compliance verification and close incident documentation - Week 5-6
NIST 800-171 Violations
Using Fastmail for CUI without FedRAMP authorization may violate these NIST 800-171 controls:
Need a CUI-Compliant Alternative?
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FedRAMP Compliant Alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fastmail FedRAMP authorized?
No. Fastmail is not FedRAMP authorized and operates infrastructure outside the United States.
Can I use Fastmail with CUI?
No. Fastmail does not meet FedRAMP, NIST 800-171, or DFARS data residency requirements for CUI.
What is a compliant alternative to Fastmail?
Microsoft 365 GCC High (FedRAMP High) and Google Workspace Government (FedRAMP Moderate) are authorized alternatives.
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