NextgenID
Knowledge Base

October 24, 2025
From IAL3 Roadblock to ATO: PresenceID™, the Only Nationwide IAL3 Solution

Why Digital Identity Level 3 is the tipping point for FedRAMP High success, and how PresenceID™ accelerates real-world ATOs.

In 2025, federal cloud adoption is booming under the “Cloud Smart” strategy, but so are threats. Identity-related breaches remain a leading cause of federal cyber incidents. Enter FedRAMP, established in 2011 to standardize security for cloud products. Yet true protection demands more than technology: it starts with trusted identities.

Digital Identity Level 3:The Bedrock for FedRAMP High

Digital Identity Level 3 spans IAL3 (Identity Assurance), AAL3 (Authenticator Assurance), and FAL3 (Federation Assurance). Together, they safeguard high-impact data, including PII and mission‑critical information, by ensuring only verified, strongly authenticated, and properly federated users gain access.

FedRAMP High: Safeguarding Critical Government Assets

FedRAMP High targets systems with high‑impact risks and requires NIST SP 800‑53 controls. But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Unauthorized access can undo it all. Strong identities align with Zero Trust principles where identity is the new perimeter.

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Decoding Digital Identity Level 3

• IAL3 (Identity Proofing): Rigorous verification via in‑person or Supervised Remote Identity Proofing (SRIP), using biometrics and government IDs to thwart fraud.
• AAL3 (Authentication): Hardware‑bound multi‑factor credentials (e.g., PIV cards, FIDO2 tokens) resist theft and advanced attacks.
• FAL3 (Federation): Secure identity sharing across systems, maintaining trust in federated environments.

This trio integrates seamlessly with FedRAMP High, closing human‑layer vulnerabilities.

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The Critical Role of IAL3 in FedRAMP High

Without IAL3, even encrypted systems are at risk. It verifies users up front, reduces onboarding delays, and eases audits. In Zero Trust, IAL3 isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Scaling IAL3 with Innovative SRIP Solutions

In‑person proofing alone can’t support today’s remote and distributed teams. Supervised Remote Identity Proofing (SRIP) enables compliant, remote verification and can significantly reduce cost, travel, and scheduling friction for agencies and CSPs.

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NextgenID’s PresenceID™ Network Leads the Way

• Nationwide Infrastructure: PresenceID™ Stations capture IDs and biometrics under live remote supervision, meeting NIST/FedRAMP expectations.
• Exclusive Certification: The only SRIP technology Kantara‑certified at IAL3, ensuring audit‑ready compliance.
• Hybrid Workforce Support: Equitable access via local stations and mobile units, reducing travel and time away from mission.
• Advanced Capture: Multispectral imaging and multimodal biometrics raise accuracy and deter spoofing.
• Human + AI Oversight: Automated checks combined with trained agents for foolproof outcomes.

Cloud providers using PresenceID™ reach IAL3 faster, streamlining FedRAMP authorization timelines.

“FedRAMP High secures the tech, IAL3 secures the people. In Zero Trust, no verified identity means no trust.”

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Conclusion

In a cloud‑first federal landscape, FedRAMP High plus Digital Identity Level 3 sets the security benchmark. It’s not just compliance; it’s mission protection. NextgenID’s SRIP and PresenceID™ make top‑tier assurance achievable, at scale. Request a demo or download the IAL3 guide to move from roadblocks to ATO with confidence.

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About the Author

Andrew Harding, Manager of Inside Sales at NextgenID, collaborates with federal agencies and CSPs on high‑assurance identity solutions. Specializing in IAL3 and FedRAMP, he champions deployments of PresenceID™. Connect via LinkedIn or email:
LinkedIn - Andrew Harding
andrew@nextgenid.com
fedramp@nextgenid.com
(888) 373‑8648
www.nextgenid.com
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