What are DoD Impact Levels?

Security is non-negotiable in U.S. defense technology, where the stakes are high and the threats are real. With increasing cyber activity from international adversaries and non-state actors, protecting sensitive defense data is mission critical. 

That’s why the Department of Defense (DoD) developed Cloud Computing Impact Levels (ILs)—a standardized way to classify information systems and data based on the level of protection they require.

Established by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), the DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (CC SRG) outlines the IL framework. The DoD mission owner—the agency, unit, or organization sponsoring the system—defines the required Impact Level (IL) based on the sensitivity of the data and the mission’s operational needs.

Each Impact Level reflects three core security goals:

• Confidentiality: Restricted access to information.
• Integrity: Assurance that data is trustworthy and accurate.
• Availability: Consistent access to information by authorized users.

Mapping the Impact Levels

DoD Impact Levels determine what kind of data your system can handle—and what it takes to meet the bar. From public websites to classified comms, each level brings stricter security, infrastructure, and personnel requirements.

Use the table below as a quick-reference guide to understand how IL2 through IL6 compare in terms of data sensitivity, security controls, hosting rules, and access needs.

DoD Cloud Impact Levels reference table (IL2–IL6)

Impact Level	Information Sensitivity	Security Controls	Location	Off Premises Connectivity	Separation	Personnel Prerequisite
IL2	PUBLIC or Non-critical Mission Info	FedRAMP Moderate	US / US outlying areas or DoD on-premises	Internet	Virtual/logic-al PUBLIC COMMUNITY	National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI)
IL4	CUI or Non-CUI Non-Critical Mission Information Non-National Security Systems	Level 2 + CUI-Specific Tailored Set	US / US outlying areas or DoD on-premises	NIPRNet via CAP	Virtual/logic-al Limited “Public” CommunityStrong Virtual Separation Between Tenant Systems & Information	US PersonsADP-1 Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)ADP-2 National Agency Check with Law and Credit (NACLC)Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
IL5	Higher Sensitivity CUI Mission Critical Information National Security Systems	Level 4 + NSS-Specific Tailored Set	US / US outlying areas or DoD on-premises	NIPRNet via CAP	Virtual/logic- FEDERAL GOV. COMMUNITY Dedicated Multi-Tenant Infrastruct-ure Physic-ally Separate from Non-Federal Systems Str-ong Virtual Separation Between Tenant Systems & Information
IL6	Classified SECRET National Security Systems	Level 5 + Classified Overlay	US / US outlying areas or DoD on-premises CLEARED / CLASSIFIED FACILITIES	SIPRNet Direct With DoD SIPRNet Enclave Connection Approval	Virtual/logic-FEDERAL GOV. COMMUNITY Dedicated Multi-Tenant Infrastruct-ure Physic-ally Separate from Non-Federal Systems Str-ong Virtual Separation Between Tenant Systems & Information	US Citizens w/ Favorably Adjudicated SSBI & SECRET Clearance  NDA

The DoD PA process

To meet DoD-specific security needs, DISA builds on FedRAMP Moderate or High baselines by adding tailored SRG controls. 

To deploy at IL4 or higher, cloud service providers must obtain a DoD Provisional Authorization (PA), which includes:

• Sponsorship by a DoD Mission Owner
• Security Assessment by DISA
• Implementation of DoD-specific SRG controls

Read more about DISA, what a DISA PA is, and how it accelerates access to the DoD for tech companies.

Best practices for IL deployment – and where Second Front comes in

Whether you’re an ISV just entering the public sector or a CSP supporting sensitive DoD workloads, here’s how to prepare for deployment across IL2–IL6.

Classify your data early
Use FIPS 199 and CNSSI 1253 to determine how sensitive your system is. This informs the appropriate Impact Level and shapes your architecture and security roadmap.

Build toward the right IL from the start.
Even though a Mission Owner sets the official IL, aligning your environment early helps avoid costly rebuilds. 2F Game Warden supports IL2–IL6 environments so you can start building with the right guardrails in place.

Don’t wait for a sponsor to get started
While IL4+ requires a Mission Owner to grant a full ATO, you can make meaningful progress before that point. With 2F Game Warden’s commercial environment, you can prep for ATO independently—accelerating readiness and reducing time-to-field.

Staff Strategically, Spend Wisely
Higher ILs require cleared personnel, secure hosting, and STIG-aligned engineering practices. With Second Front, your internal burden is reduced: our platform and playbooks streamline ATO workflows, reduce manual lift, and cut staffing costs—especially for startups and small teams.

Build once. Deploy across defense and civilian markets
Many companies rebuild or rehost for each new environment—slowing momentum and duplicating effort. 2F Game Warden keeps your software compatible across FedRAMP and DoD IL2–IL6 environments, reducing friction at every stage.

Use your ATO as a force multiplier

A DoD ATO unlocks real-world deployment, production contracts, and long-term mission impact—but only if you get there efficiently. Second Front helps software companies go from ATO-in-progress to IL-certified deployment in months—not years.

What’s next?

Whether you’re supporting logistics coordination or delivering classified capabilities to the tactical edge, understanding and aligning with DoD Impact Levels is critical. This framework isn’t just about checking compliance boxes—it’s about building secure, credible software that’s ready for the mission.

At Second Front, we help software companies accelerate deployment at IL2, IL4, IL5, and IL6 by cutting through the red tape and getting your product where it’s needed—faster and with less risk.

Ready to move at mission speed? Let’s talk.