3.13.3 has a weight of -1 points

(System and Communication Protection Family) 3/16

Separate user functionality from system management functionality

Example of Sysytem Security Plan (SSP):

    Separation of User and System Management Functionality

    1. Policy Statement: The organization separates user functionality from system management functionality to enhance security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access to critical administrative functions.
    2. System Management Functionality: This includes tasks required to administer databases, network components, workstations, or servers, typically requiring privileged user access.
    3. Physical or Logical Separation: User and system management functionality are separated either physically or logically within the organization’s infrastructure.
    4. Implementation Methods: Separation can be achieved through different computers, central processing units, operating system instances, or network addresses. Virtualization techniques or other suitable methods can also be used.
    5. Web Administrative Interfaces: Web administrative interfaces must use separate authentication methods for users compared to other system resources.
    6. Isolation of Administrative Interfaces: Administrative interfaces may be isolated on different domains with additional access controls to ensure restricted access.
    7. Benefits: Separating user functionality from system management functionality reduces the risk of unauthorized access to critical administrative functions, enhancing overall system security.
    8. Guidance: [SP 800-53 Rev. 5] provides guidance on security controls for system and organizational security, including measures to enforce the separation of user and system management functionality.

    Example of Plan of Action and Milestones ( POA & M):

    Milestone 1: Policy Development and Communication

    • Develop a comprehensive policy statement that emphasizes the separation of user functionality from system management functionality to enhance security. Clearly outline the purpose and benefits of this approach. Communicate the policy to all relevant personnel and stakeholders. [Target Date]

    Milestone 2: Identification of System Management Functions

    • Identify all system management functions required to administer databases, network components, workstations, or servers within the organization. Define the scope of privileged user access and the critical administrative functions that need to be protected. [Target Date]

    Milestone 3: Physical and Logical Separation Strategies

    • Determine the most appropriate methods for separating user functionality from system management functionality, considering both physical and logical separation approaches. Evaluate options such as using different computers, central processing units, operating system instances, or network addresses. Select the most suitable techniques for the organization’s infrastructure. [Target Date]

    Milestone 4: Virtualization and Other Techniques

    • Explore the use of virtualization techniques and other suitable methods to achieve separation effectively. Assess the feasibility and security implications of employing virtualization technologies to segregate user and system management functionality. [Target Date]

    Milestone 5: Isolation of Administrative Interfaces

    • Isolate administrative interfaces on different domains or network segments with additional access controls to ensure restricted access. Implement appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized users from accessing critical administrative functions. [Target Date]

    Milestone 6: Web Administrative Interfaces

    • Implement separate authentication methods for web administrative interfaces compared to other system resources. Ensure that only authorized users with privileged access can access these interfaces. [Target Date]

    Milestone 7: Integration with Security Controls

    • Align the separation of user and system management functionality with relevant security controls provided in [SP 800-53 Rev. 5]. Integrate the policy with other security measures to create a comprehensive security framework. [Target Date]

    Milestone 8: Compliance and Reporting

    • Ensure compliance with the policy statement and the established separation measures. Regularly monitor and assess the effectiveness of the separation approach. Provide periodic reports on the security posture and the successful implementation of separation controls. [Target Date]

    Milestone 9: Training and Awareness

    • Conduct training and awareness programs for all personnel involved in user functionality and system management. Educate employees about the importance of separation and the role it plays in enhancing system security. [Target Date]

    Milestone 10: Continuous Improvement

    • Foster a culture of continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from personnel, conducting regular assessments, and staying informed about emerging best practices and technologies. Regularly review and update the policy and separation measures to adapt to evolving security threats and requirements. [Target Date]

    RELEVANT INFORMATION:

    System management functionality includes functions necessary to administer databases, network components, workstations, or servers, and typically requires privileged user access. The separation of user functionality from system management functionality is physical or logical. Organizations can implement separation of system management functionality from user functionality by using different computers, different central processing units, different instances of operating systems, or different network addresses; virtualization techniques; or combinations of these or other methods, as appropriate. This type of separation includes web administrative interfaces that use separate authentication methods for users of any other system resources. Separation of system and user functionality may include isolating administrative interfaces on different domains and with additional access controls.



    Resources to consider:

    Security Policy Document:

    This comprehensive document outlines the organization’s security policies and procedures, including information system access controls and the specific measures implemented, such as password protection, multi-factor authentication, and device access controls. It should also cover consequences of unauthorized access and the importance of user training and awareness.

    Asset Inventory and Access Control Sheet:

    Create a spreadsheet that lists all information system resources in your organization, such as laptops, desktops, servers, network devices, printers, scanners, mobile devices, and paper documents. Alongside each resource, include information about authorized users, access rights, and any access restrictions.

    User Account Management Log:

    Maintain a log to track user account creation, modification, and removal. Include details like the date of account creation, purpose, and the individual responsible for approving the account.

    Password and Multi-Factor Authentication Policy:

    Combine the password policy and multi-factor authentication policy into a single document. Outline the organization’s password requirements, including complexity, length, expiration, and regular password change, as well as the implementation of multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.

    Process and Script Accountability Log:

    Maintain a log that associates automated scripts and processes with the specific authorized user who initiated them. This ensures accountability and prevents the use of generic accounts for critical processes.

    Device Access Control and VPN Policy:

    Merge the device access control and VPN configuration documents into a single policy. Detail the measures for controlling device access, authentication mechanisms, and VPN configuration, including which devices are allowed to connect and the authentication methods used.

    Access Control Review and Monitoring Schedule:

    Create a schedule for periodic reviews of access controls, including the process for adding, modifying, or revoking access rights based on personnel changes or business needs. Also, document the monitoring mechanisms implemented to track access to the information system, including logs and reports of access attempts and unusual activities.

    User Training and Awareness Materials:

    Prepare training materials and conduct regular sessions for authorized users. Document the topics covered, the date of the training, and the attendees.