Developing with Python in Regulated Environments (FedRAMP Edition)

Introduction to Developing with Python in Regulated Environments

The ability to innovate quickly is undoubtedly a competitive advantage, but in heavily regulated industries like government, healthcare, and finance, speed must be balanced with compliance.

Python, one of the world’s most widely used programming languages, plays a growing role in enterprise and government software development. However, in regulated environments, software cannot be treated as a prototype playground — it must be built to meet strict security and compliance expectations from day one.

This post outlines what stakeholders need to understand about using Python in environments governed by standards like Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and authority to operate (ATO) requirements.

Why This Matters: FedRAMP and the Path to ATO

In federal and other regulated environments, systems handling sensitive data must achieve an ATO — a formal approval stating that the system meets all required security and compliance controls.

For cloud systems, this typically means aligning with the FedRAMP, which defines a standardized set of controls based on NIST 800-53.

Achieving an ATO is not just about infrastructure — it includes reviewing how software is built, tested, deployed, and maintained. If your Python code fails to follow secure development practices, it can become the very reason a system fails an ATO approval.

5 Principles When Building With Python

Compliance-Ready by Design

Python applications must be built from the ground up to meet regulatory controls. This includes data handling, encryption practices, access control, and traceable development. FedRAMP reviews systems holistically, so insecure or undocumented application logic or programming processes is a risk. It’s important that we prove, so others do not assume, that our software is secure and compliant.

Secure by Default

FedRAMP and ATO reviews require proof that development pipelines prevent vulnerabilities before they enter production. This includes ensuring: Active blocking of unapproved open-source libraries

• Comprehensive implementation of static code analysis and dependency scanning

• Strict enforcement of developer access control and code reviews

• Even a single weak or unvetted Python package can jeopardize authorization.

Automation and Auditability

To achieve and maintain an ATO, teams must show that the software lifecycle is governed by formal processes. CI/CD pipelines serve as that control layer: they enforce policy, create audit logs, and prevent untested or unauthorized changes. In FedRAMP systems, questions like “Who approved this?” and “When was it deployed?” must always have clear answers.

Continuous Testing and Validation

FedRAMP requires evidence that systems behave as intended under normal and edge conditions. Python code must include unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, and security checks that run automatically on every change. This ensures reliability and trustworthiness of system components.Code that isn’t tested cannot be trusted — especially in federal systems.

Documentation and Governance

To pass ATO reviews, development teams must show not just code, but the development processes behind it. That includes version control, design documentation, and secure coding practices. Following a Python coding standard — alongside policies for code review and change management — helps ensure compliance is built-in.Strong governance around code helps maintain your ATO, long after initial approval.

Takeaway

Python can be an engine for innovation in regulated industries — but only when paired with structure. Systems that aim to achieve FedRAMP or any ATO must demonstrate maturity in software practices. Investing early in secure development practices reduces time-to-authorization, prevents rework, and strengthens long-term resilience. Application-layer security is as important as network security. In ATO-bound systems, every line of Python code must be treated as part of your compliance boundary. Shifting security left into the development process is critical to reducing risk and maintaining continuous authorization.

Final Thought

Achieving an ATO under FedRAMP is not just a technical milestone — it’s a business enabler. Developing Python securely means your teams can innovate with confidence while still meeting the high bar required by regulators, customers, and partners.

Secure code is compliant code. Compliant code is business-ready.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss this topic in more detail, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to schedule some time to chat about how Aquia can help you and your organization.