IT Systems Assessment and Authorization: Ensuring Security and Compliance

Information technology (IT) systems play a crucial role in day-to-day business operations, ensuring their security and compliance is of paramount importance. This is where IT systems assessment and authorization comes into play.  One of my first jobs in IT security was as an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM).  At that time, what was known as the C&A process (Certification and Accreditation) for documenting security controls and testing them was a young process.  As time went on, C&A became A&A (Assessment and Authorization), and what is now referred to as the Risk Management Framework, (RMF) developed and matured the process.  

IT systems assessment and authorization is the process of evaluating a system's security controls and determining if it meets the necessary security requirements and standards. Through this process, organizations can identify potential vulnerabilities and risks, mitigate them, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.

The first step in the assessment and authorization process is to define the system boundaries and the security requirements. This requires a thorough understanding of the system's purpose, architecture, and intended usage. The security requirements should be aligned with organizational policies and standards, as well as any regulatory requirements that may apply.

Once the system boundaries and security requirements are defined, a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted. This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. And now that Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering is widely used to gather information on people and potentially organizations, identifying these types of risk exposures is especially important. Vulnerability scanning tools and techniques are used to identify weaknesses in the system, such as outdated software versions, misconfigured security settings, or weak password policies.

(Video: BE INFOSEC YouTube Channel)

Based on the risk assessment findings, appropriate security controls are selected and implemented to mitigate the identified risks (examples of these controls using the NIST 800-53 controls are shown below). This can include measures such as firewall configurations, access controls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and regular patching and updates. The effectiveness of these security controls is then assessed through various testing methods, such as penetration testing or vulnerability scanning, to ensure that they are correctly implemented and functioning as intended.

In addition to technical controls, assessing the operational processes and procedures associated with the system is also crucial. This includes conducting an evaluation of the organization's incident response plan, disaster recovery plan, backup procedures, user access management processes, and security awareness training programs. These operational controls ensure that the system is supported by appropriate policies, procedures, and user behaviors that align with the security goals and objectives.

Once the system's security controls are implemented and operational, the authorization process can begin. This involves a formal review and approval by management or a designated authorization authority. The authorization authority evaluates the system's security posture and determines if it meets the established security requirements and is ready for operational use. This authorization decision is typically based on a risk-based approach, considering the potential impact and likelihood of a security breach.

Throughout the system's operational lifecycle, continuous monitoring and periodic reassessment are essential to ensure ongoing security and compliance. This includes monitoring the system logs, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and responding to any security incidents or changes in the threat landscape. Reassessment of the system's security controls and compliance with regulations is necessary whenever significant changes occur, such as system upgrades, changes in the system's operational environment, or changes in applicable regulations or standards.

NIST 800-53 Controls:

When I was doing A&A duties as an ISSM, I was primarily using the NIST 800-53 controls.  So, I wanted to show them here because many of the security control processes out there either use these same controls, or they map their controls to the NIST 800-53 controls.  NIST Special Publication 800-53 "Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations" provides a comprehensive catalog of security controls for federal information systems. The controls are divided into 18 families, which are further categorized into three main classes: management, operational, and technical controls. Here is a list of the NIST 800-53 security control families:

• Access Control
• Awareness and Training
• Audit and Accountability
• Security Assessment and Authorization
• Configuration Management
• Contingency Planning
• Incident Response
• Maintenance
• Media Protection
• Physical and Environmental Protection
• Planning
• Personnel Security
• Risk Assessment
• System and Communications Protection
• System and Information Integrity
• Program Management
• Identification and Authentication
• Acquisition (acquisition controls are not typically used for system security control selection; instead, they are used during the system acquisition process)

Each control family contains multiple controls that organizations can selectively implement based on their specific needs and risk assessments. The controls serve as a foundation for securing federal information systems and can also be adopted by non-government organizations as a best practice framework.

Wrapping It All Up:

IT systems assessment and authorization represent the linchpin of modern cybersecurity strategies. They are pivotal in safeguarding sensitive data and upholding compliance standards. This multifaceted process extends beyond mere checkbox exercises. It demands a comprehensive understanding of potential threats and the constant evolution of security measures.

The NIST 800-53 security controls serve as an invaluable framework, offering a structured approach to security implementation tailored to diverse environments. By meticulously identifying risks, organizations can deploy pertinent controls to ward off threats, thus fortifying their IT systems. This proactive stance is not just a regulatory obligation but a proactive strategy to preserve an organization's integrity.

In today's dynamic threat landscape, cybersecurity is an ongoing mission. Threats evolve, vulnerabilities emerge, and regulations change. Therefore, continuous monitoring and reassessment are essential. Organizations must remain adaptable, regularly fine-tuning their security measures to combat emerging threats. This continual commitment to vigilance ensures not only compliance but also the resilience of IT systems in the face of an ever-shifting digital landscape.

Resources:

• Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (This is V1.1. V2 is out for public comment)
• Risk Management Framework for Information Systems and Organizations
• NIST SP 800 Special Publications
• CISA: Critical Infrastructure Sectors

Author's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy.

Hashing versus Encryption

The various encryption standards and methods have been one of the most interesting aspects of my job in cyber security, but usually the most elusive for me to grasp.  So, I thought I would dust off the cobwebs, do a little digging, and post an article on the hashing versus encryption aspects of cryptography.  If nothing else, this refresher has helped ME to remember some of the parts of cyber security that I often dealt with back in the day.

In the CIA triad of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, hashing versus encryption play an important part in two of those aspects.  Namely, confidentiality and integrity.  As will be discussed in this article, hashing can play an important part in verifying the integrity of files, while encryption plays a role in ensuring that files, passwords, and the like are not exposed for unauthorized people to see.

Hashing and encryption are two commonly used techniques in the field of information security. While they serve different purposes, both techniques play a crucial role in protecting sensitive data. In this article, we will delve into the differences between hashing and encryption.

To begin with, hashing is a one-way process that converts data into a fixed-sized alphanumeric string, known as a hash value or digest. The main objective of hashing is data integrity verification and authentication. This means that once data is hashed, it is virtually impossible to reverse-engineer the original data from the hash value. In other words, hashing is non-reversible.

On the other hand, encryption is a two-way process that uses an encryption algorithm and a secret key to convert data into an encoded form, known as ciphertext. Encryption is primarily used for data confidentiality, ensuring that the information can only be accessed or read by authorized parties who possess the key to decrypt the ciphertext.

One important distinction between hashing and encryption is the purpose for which they are used. Hashing is employed in scenarios where the original data needs to be verified for integrity, such as password storage. When a user sets a password, it is hashed and stored on a server. When the user tries to login, the entered password is hashed again and compared with the stored hash value. If they match, the password is considered valid, as even a slight modification in the original password would result in a completely different hash value.

Hashing:

There are several common types of hashing, a few of the more common examples are:

• MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5): It is a widely used hashing algorithm that produces a 128-bit hash value. However, MD5 is now considered to be insecure for cryptographic purposes due to its vulnerability to collision attacks.
• SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) family: SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, etc. These algorithms are widely used in various security protocols and applications. They produce hash values of different lengths, such as 160-bit (SHA-1), 256-bit (SHA-256), or 512-bit (SHA-512).
• CRC32 (Cyclic Redundancy Check): It is a simple, non-cryptographic hashing algorithm commonly used for error detection in data transmission. It produces a 32-bit hash value and is used in various checksum calculations.

When it comes to cryptographic hashing, selecting the right algorithm is paramount to ensure the security and integrity of data. It is highly recommended to employ the latest and most secure hashing algorithms, such as SHA-256 (Secure Hash Algorithm 256-bit) or SHA-512 (Secure Hash Algorithm 512-bit). These algorithms are widely recognized and respected in the field of cryptography for their robustness and resistance to various forms of attacks.

SHA-256 and SHA-512 are part of the SHA-2 family of cryptographic hash functions, which provide a high level of collision resistance, making it extremely difficult for two different inputs to produce the same hash value. This property is essential in applications like password storage, digital signatures, and data integrity verification.

Using outdated or less secure hashing algorithms can leave systems vulnerable to attacks and compromises, as attackers may exploit weaknesses in these algorithms. Therefore, adopting SHA-256 or SHA-512, which are considered state-of-the-art, is a best practice in cryptographic security to safeguard sensitive information and protect against potential threats in the digital world.

Encryption:

Encryption, on the other hand, is used to protect sensitive information during transmission, storage, or communication. It ensures that even if unauthorized individuals gain access to the data, they cannot comprehend its meaning without the encryption key. For example, when you access a website over HTTPS, the data exchanged between your browser and the server is encrypted to prevent eavesdropping and data interception.

Another crucial difference between hashing and encryption lies in their reversibility. As mentioned earlier, hashing is a one-way process. Once the data is hashed, it cannot be reversed back to its original form. Therefore, hashing is not suitable for scenarios where the original data needs to be recovered.

Unlike hashing, encryption is a reversible procedure. The encrypted data, or ciphertext, can be decrypted back to its original form using the appropriate decryption key. This reversibility of encryption is what allows authorized parties to read and understand the encrypted data.

Wrapping it all Up:

Hashing and encryption are fundamental techniques in the realm of data security, each serving distinct but equally vital purposes. Hashing, a one-way process, is predominantly utilized for verification and authentication, safeguarding the integrity of data. When data is hashed, it is converted into a fixed-size string of characters, which is practically impossible to reverse-engineer back to its original form. This non-reversible property makes hashing ideal for password storage and ensuring that data remains unchanged during transmission or storage. By comparing hash values, one can quickly verify data integrity.

On the other hand, encryption focuses on maintaining data confidentiality. It's a reversible process that transforms plaintext data into ciphertext using an encryption key. This ciphertext can be decrypted to retrieve the original data when needed. Encryption is pivotal when protecting sensitive information, such as credit card details or classified documents, from unauthorized access.

Understanding these distinctions is paramount for implementing robust information security strategies. Hashing secures data integrity, while encryption secures data confidentiality. Depending on the situation, organizations can employ both techniques in tandem to comprehensively safeguard their data, ensuring it remains unaltered and confidential in the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats.

Encryption Resources:

• NIST Cryptographic Standards and Guidelines:  https://csrc.nist.gov/Projects/Cryptographic-Standards-and-Guidelines
• NIST FIPS 140-3 Standards:  https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/fips/140-3/final
• Hashing Algorithm Overview:  https://www.okta.com/identity-101/hashing-algorithms/
• Types of Cryptography Attacks:  https://www.infosectrain.com/blog/different-types-of-cryptography-attacks/
• MD5 Hash Generator:  https://www.md5hashgenerator.com/
• Check MD5 Hash Value:  https://technastic.com/check-md5-checksum-hash/  
• Check File Hash Values (using PowerShell/MAC/Linux):   https://www.howtogeek.com/67241/htg-explains-what-are-md5-sha-1-hashes-and-how-do-i-check-them/

Author's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy.

Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan

In today's increasingly complex and unpredictable world, businesses must be prepared for any eventuality that could disrupt their operations. Disasters can come in various forms – from natural calamities like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes to man-made crises such as cyber-attacks, power outages, or even pandemics like the ongoing COVID-19. To mitigate the impact of such events, organizations need to have a well-defined disaster recovery plan (DRP) in place.

A disaster recovery plan is a strategic framework that outlines the steps a business will take to recover and resume its critical operations after a disruption occurs. It aims to minimize downtime, data loss, and financial repercussions, thereby ensuring business continuity. Developing an effective and comprehensive DRP involves several important steps.

Firstly, a thorough risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential vulnerabilities and their possible impacts on business operations. This assessment should take into account both internal and external factors and involve key stakeholders from various departments within the organization. By analyzing the risks and their probabilities, businesses can prioritize their recovery efforts and allocate resources accordingly.

Once the risks are identified, the next step is to define recovery objectives and set recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for critical systems and data. RTO refers to the maximum tolerable downtime after an incident, while RPO determines the acceptable amount of data loss. These objectives help organizations establish realistic targets for recovery and enable them to measure their progress in achieving these targets.

After setting recovery objectives, organizations need to develop a clear and well-documented plan of action. This plan should outline the specific steps to be taken during and after a disaster, including communication protocols, allocation of responsibilities, backup strategies, and restoration procedures. The plan should be easy to understand and regularly updated to reflect any changes in business processes, technologies, or regulatory requirements.

Communication is a vital component of any successful disaster recovery plan. Organizations must establish effective channels to communicate with employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders during a crisis. This includes providing regular updates, emergency contact information, and instructions on how to proceed in case of emergencies. A clear and concise communication strategy will help prevent confusion and facilitate a timely recovery process.

Testing and training are crucial components of disaster recovery planning. The plan should be regularly tested through simulated drills and exercises to ensure its effectiveness and identify potential weaknesses. Regular training sessions should also be conducted to familiarize employees with their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disaster. By regularly reviewing and practicing the plan, organizations can refine their processes and minimize recovery time.

Several types of tests are performed in disaster recovery plan testing to ensure its effectiveness in the event of a disaster.  Depending on staffing and availability issues, one or more tests can be performed, but it is important to not do the same test every time the plan is tested.  Do a variety of tests to exercise as many functions as possible. Here are some common types:

• Paper Test: This involves reviewing the DR plan and conducting a walkthrough exercise to identify any gaps or inconsistencies.
• Checklist Test: A checklist is used to ensure that all required tasks, resources, and procedures are included in the DR plan.
• Simulation Test: This test simulates a disaster scenario, allowing organizations to assess the effectiveness of communication, decision-making, and recovery processes.
• Full-Scale Test: This is the most comprehensive test, where actual recovery operations are executed to validate the entire DR plan. It involves mobilizing resources, switching to secondary systems, and recovering data.
• Component Test: In this type of test, specific components or subsystems of the DR plan are evaluated independently. It focuses on testing individual disaster recovery procedures, such as data backup, system restoration, or service provider capabilities.
• Tabletop Exercise: This is a collaborative exercise involving relevant stakeholders discussing and working through hypothetical disaster scenarios. The participants assess the plan's feasibility, identify potential issues, and propose solutions.
• Contingency Test: This test involves temporarily shifting operations to a recovery site while maintaining primary production systems. It allows organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of the alternate site and recovery procedures.
• Failover Test: This test primarily focuses on testing the failover capabilities of IT systems, where operations are switched from primary to secondary systems. It helps determine if the secondary systems can handle the load and function properly.

It is important to note that the specific tests performed may vary depending on an organization's needs, industry, and the criticality of its systems and operations.

In addition to these core steps, organizations must also consider various technological measures to support their disaster recovery efforts. This includes implementing robust backup systems, redundant infrastructure, and secure offsite storage for critical data. Cloud computing and virtualization technologies can also play a significant role in enhancing data recovery capabilities and reducing downtime.

Developing a disaster recovery plan is not a one-time activity; it requires ongoing review and improvements. Regular audits and assessments must be conducted to ensure that the plan remains aligned with changing business needs and evolving risks. It is essential to involve key stakeholders, including IT personnel, risk managers, and top management, in this process to ensure a comprehensive and effective disaster recovery strategy.

Wrapping it All Up:

Creating a comprehensive disaster recovery plan is not just a prudent precaution; it's a strategic imperative for organizations of all sizes. In an unpredictable world, where natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other unforeseen events can strike at any moment, having a well-thought-out plan is akin to having a safety net for your business operations.

To develop an effective disaster recovery plan, organizations must take a methodical and forward-thinking approach. This entails identifying potential risks, assessing their potential impact, and formulating strategies to mitigate these risks. It also involves defining roles and responsibilities within the organization so that everyone knows their part in executing the plan when needed.

Furthermore, regularly testing the disaster recovery plan is crucial. Testing helps identify weaknesses and areas for improvement, allowing for necessary adjustments to be made. It ensures that employees are familiar with the plan's procedures and can respond promptly in high-stress situations.

A robust disaster recovery plan goes beyond just data backup; it encompasses the entire spectrum of an organization's operations. It safeguards not only critical data but also the reputation, customer trust, and financial stability of the business. In this context, investing time, resources, and effort into creating and maintaining such a plan is not an expense but an essential investment in long-term success and resilience. In the face of adversity, a well-executed disaster recovery plan can be the difference between recovery and irreparable damage, making it an indispensable asset for any organization.

Disaster Recovery Planning References:

• NIST Contingency Plan Guide for Federal Information Systems
• NIST Guide for Cybersecurity Event Recovery
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework Policy Template Guide
• Ready.Gov:  IT Disaster Recovery Plan
• Ready.Gov:  Business Continuity Plan
• Ready.Gov:  Business Impact Analysis

Author's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy.

Navigating the Path to Success: Unlocking Opportunities with CompTIA Certifications

One of the most frequent questions I get is "What certifications should I have to get a job?"  There are so many certifications to choose from, and it is hard to know exactly which ones will get you in the door when you are applying for a job.  So, I wanted to post a series of articles that describe some of the more commonly recognized and sought after certifications.  This is one in a series that will cover specific families of certifications, such as CompTIA, Cisco, ISC2, and EC-Council certifications.  Stay tuned, as I will outline other types of certifications in future articles.

Having a solid foundation of IT knowledge and skills is becoming increasingly important in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world. It is no longer enough to simply have a basic understanding of computers and technology; employers are now looking for individuals who possess advanced expertise and industry-recognized certifications. One of the most reputable and widely recognized certification programs in the IT industry is CompTIA.

CompTIA offers a wide range of certifications that cater to different skill levels and areas of expertise. These certifications are highly valued by employers as they demonstrate a candidate's commitment to professional development and their ability to meet industry standards. Whether you are just starting your career in IT or looking to advance to a higher position, there is a CompTIA certification that is right for you.

Among the most reputable and widely recognized certifications, CompTIA certifications hold a special place because they are "vendor neutral" and widely accepted in the IT job market. In this article, we will explore the various CompTIA certifications, outline the ideal candidates for each, and delve into the types of jobs that align with these certifications.

CompTIA A+ Certification:

The CompTIA A+ certification serves as an entry point into the IT industry. It establishes a fundamental understanding of computer hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting techniques. This certification is suitable for individuals pursuing a role as technical support specialists, service desk technicians, or computer repair technicians. With an A+ certification, individuals can confidently handle tasks such as assembling PCs, installing operating systems, and resolving software issues.

CompTIA Network+ Certification:

Designed to enhance networking knowledge and skills, the CompTIA Network+ certification is highly valued by employers seeking professionals responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. Network administrators, system engineers, and network analysts are ideal candidates for this certification. Those who hold a Network+ certification are equipped to tackle tasks such as implementing and configuring network hardware, identifying network security issues, and troubleshooting network connectivity problems.

CompTIA Security+ Certification:

The CompTIA Security+ certification is the gold standard for validating cybersecurity skills. In an increasingly interconnected world, this certification ensures professionals possess the knowledge to safeguard valuable information and defend against potential threats. Security analysts, network administrators, and IT auditors benefit from the Security+ certification. With this credential, individuals can protect systems from cybersecurity breaches, manage identity and access management, and implement secure network infrastructures.

CompTIA CySA+ Certification:

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification is tailored for individuals with an intermediate level of expertise in cybersecurity operations and analytics. It focuses on risk management, threat intelligence, and incident response strategies. Security analysts, security engineers, and vulnerability analysts are well-suited for this certification. A CySA+ certification demonstrates skills such as monitoring and detecting system vulnerabilities, developing proactive threat intelligence, and applying mitigation strategies to protect organizational assets.

CompTIA PenTest+ Certification:

The CompTIA Penetration Tester (PenTest+) certification is dedicated to professionals who aspire to become penetration testers or ethical hackers. This certification validates skills in conducting penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and analyzing security weaknesses. Penetration testers, security consultants, and ethical hackers can benefit from holding this certification. With a PenTest+ certification, individuals can confidently identify network vulnerabilities, exploit weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, and provide recommendations for remediation.

CompTIA Project+ Certification:

The CompTIA Project+ certification is geared toward individuals with an interest in project management. It focuses on essential project management concepts, from initiation and planning to execution and closure. Project coordinators, project managers, and business analysts seeking project management roles should pursue this certification. A Project+ certification equips individuals with skills to define project scope, manage stakeholders, allocate resources, and ensure project success within budgetary and timeline constraints.

(Video: IT Career Questions YouTube Channel)

Wrapping It All Up:

As students and entry-level job seekers inch closer to entering the professional realm, acquiring CompTIA certifications can serve as a distinct advantage. These certifications demonstrate proficiency, confidence, and credibility to prospective employers. Whether you aspire to be a computer repair technician, network administrator, cybersecurity expert, penetration tester, or project manager, there is a CompTIA certification catered to your chosen career path. Invest in your future today by embarking on the journey of acquiring CompTIA certifications, unlocking a world of possibilities, and propelling your career forward in the technology landscape.

Training Resources:

CompTIA Official Website:

This is the official website of CompTIA, the organization that offers a wide range of certifications. It provides detailed information about all the available certifications, including exams, objectives, and study resources.

CompTIA CertMaster:

CertMaster is an online training and learning tool offered by CompTIA. It provides interactive and adaptive learning experiences specifically designed to help individuals prepare for various CompTIA certifications.

CompTIA Reddit Community:

Reddit is a popular online community where you can find a dedicated subreddit for CompTIA certifications. This community consists of professionals and exam takers who often share resources, study tips, and discuss their experiences with the exams.

Study Guide Network: 

Study Network is an online platform that offers comprehensive study materials and resources for various IT certifications, including CompTIA. They provide study guides, practice exams, flashcards, and other resources to help individuals prepare for their certifications.

Udemy: 

Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, including many focused on CompTIA certifications. These courses are created by industry professionals and often cover all the necessary topics and exam objectives in an easily accessible format.

Author's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy.