Deliver initial briefing to system owner and stakeholders
3
Approval: System Owner Agreement
4
Review system documentation
5
Perform system categorization
6
Identify and document applicable security controls for the system
7
Implement applicable security controls
8
Perform self-assessment of implemented security controls
9
Approval: Self-assessment Results
10
Develop plans of action & milestones (POA&M) for mitigating identified vulnerabilities
11
Perform validation of security control effectiveness
12
Approval: Security Control Validation
13
Prepare a DIACAP security package
14
Submit DIACAP security package for Certification Determination
15
Approval: DIACAP Security Package
16
Develop a system security plan (SSP)
17
Implement changes based on Certification Determination
18
Monitor system for continuous security control effectiveness
Identify systems for DIACAP assessment
This task involves identifying the systems that need to undergo DIACAP assessment. Determine which systems are in scope and need to be evaluated for compliance with DIACAP requirements. Consider the impact of the systems on the overall process and the desired result of ensuring DIACAP compliance. Can you identify any potential challenges in determining the systems? How can these challenges be addressed?
1
System A
2
System B
3
System C
4
System D
5
System E
Deliver initial briefing to system owner and stakeholders
In this task, you will provide an initial briefing to the system owner and stakeholders regarding the DIACAP assessment process. Explain the purpose and importance of DIACAP compliance. Highlight their roles and responsibilities in the assessment. Discuss any potential challenges they may face and provide guidance on overcoming them. What resources or tools will be needed to deliver the briefing?
Approval: System Owner Agreement
Will be submitted for approval:
Deliver initial briefing to system owner and stakeholders
Will be submitted
Review system documentation
This task involves reviewing the documentation related to the systems undergoing DIACAP assessment. Examine the system documentation including technical specifications, operational manuals, and security policies. Analyze the documentation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system's infrastructure, security measures, and operating procedures. What challenges might you face during the review process? How can you overcome these challenges?
1
Technical Specifications
2
Operational Manuals
3
Security Policies
Perform system categorization
Categorize the systems based on the DIACAP security requirements. Evaluate the systems and assign them to the appropriate security category based on the potential impact of a security breach. Consider the sensitivity of data stored, the system's functionality, and the potential consequences of a security incident. Can you identify any challenges in categorizing the systems? How can these challenges be addressed?
1
Low Impact
2
Moderate Impact
3
High Impact
4
Uncategorized
Identify and document applicable security controls for the system
Identify the security controls that are applicable to the system undergoing DIACAP assessment. Evaluate the system's vulnerabilities, threats, and risks to determine the security controls needed to protect it. Document these security controls to ensure they are implemented effectively. What steps will you take to identify the applicable security controls? How will you document them?
1
Access Control
2
Incident Response
3
Physical Security
4
System Monitoring
5
Data Encryption
Implement applicable security controls
Implement the applicable security controls identified for the system. Ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect the system from potential threats and vulnerabilities. Collaborate with the system owner and stakeholders to implement these controls effectively. What resources or tools will you need to implement the security controls? Can you anticipate any challenges in the implementation process?
1
Access Control
2
Incident Response
3
Physical Security
4
System Monitoring
5
Data Encryption
Perform self-assessment of implemented security controls
Conduct a self-assessment of the implemented security controls to evaluate their effectiveness. Verify that the controls are functioning as intended and providing the desired level of protection for the system. Identify any gaps or weaknesses in the controls and take appropriate actions to address them. What criteria will you use to assess the effectiveness of the security controls? How will you document the results?
1
Highly Effective
2
Effective
3
Partially Effective
4
Ineffective
5
Not Applicable
Approval: Self-assessment Results
Will be submitted for approval:
Perform self-assessment of implemented security controls
Will be submitted
Develop plans of action & milestones (POA&M) for mitigating identified vulnerabilities
Develop plans of action and milestones (POA&M) to address the vulnerabilities identified during the self-assessment. Outline specific actions that need to be taken to mitigate the vulnerabilities. Set milestones and timelines for the completion of these actions. Collaborate with the system owner and stakeholders to develop the POA&M effectively. How will you prioritize the vulnerabilities and determine the actions needed? What challenges might you face in developing the POA&M?
Perform validation of security control effectiveness
Validate the effectiveness of the implemented security controls. Evaluate whether the controls are achieving the desired level of protection and addressing the identified vulnerabilities. Test the controls through various scenarios and assess their performance. Identify any gaps or weaknesses and take necessary actions to improve control effectiveness. How will you conduct the validation process? What challenges might you encounter during the validation?
1
Highly Effective
2
Effective
3
Partially Effective
4
Ineffective
5
Not Applicable
Approval: Security Control Validation
Will be submitted for approval:
Perform validation of security control effectiveness
Will be submitted
Prepare a DIACAP security package
Prepare a DIACAP security package for the system undergoing assessment. Compile all the required documents and information into a comprehensive package. Include system documentation, security controls documentation, self-assessment results, POA&M, and any other relevant information. How will you organize and present the information in the security package? What challenges might you face during the preparation process?
Submit DIACAP security package for Certification Determination
Submit the prepared DIACAP security package to the designated authority for certification determination. Provide all the necessary documents and information for the certification process. Follow the required procedures and timelines for submitting the package. How will you ensure the timely and accurate submission of the security package? Can you anticipate any challenges in the submission process?
Approval: DIACAP Security Package
Will be submitted for approval:
Prepare a DIACAP security package
Will be submitted
Develop a system security plan (SSP)
Develop a system security plan (SSP) for the system undergoing assessment. Document the security measures and controls implemented to safeguard the system. Include detailed information on the system's architecture, security policies, incident response procedures, and other relevant aspects. What resources or tools will you need to develop the SSP? Can you identify any potential challenges in developing the plan?
Implement changes based on Certification Determination
Implement any necessary changes based on the certification determination received. Address any deficiencies or gaps identified during the certification process. Collaborate with the system owner and stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the required changes. How will you prioritize the changes and monitor their implementation? Can you anticipate any challenges in implementing the changes?
1
High Priority
2
Medium Priority
3
Low Priority
4
No Changes Required
Monitor system for continuous security control effectiveness
Monitor the system on an ongoing basis to ensure the continuous effectiveness of the implemented security controls. Regularly assess the system's security posture and identify any new vulnerabilities or risks. Take proactive measures to address these issues and enhance the security controls as needed. How will you establish an effective monitoring process? What challenges might you face in maintaining continuous security control effectiveness?