Overview

Security Requirements for 03.02.01 Role-Based Risk Awareness

Organizations determine the content and frequency of security awareness training and security awareness techniques based on the specific organizational requirements and the systems to which personnel have authorized access. The content includes a basic understanding of the need for information security and user actions to maintain security and to respond to suspected security incidents. The content also addresses awareness of the need for operations security. Security awareness techniques include: formal training; offering supplies inscribed with security reminders; generating email advisories or notices from organizational officials; displaying logon screen messages; displaying security awareness posters; and conducting information security awareness events.[SP 800-50] provides guidance on security awareness and training programs.

Assessment GuidanceExamine 0/8

How an assessor determines this requirement is met. Source: CMMC Assessment Guide – Level 2, Version 2.13 (NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2).

Discussion

Awareness training focuses user attention on security. Several techniques can be used, such as:

synchronous or asynchronous training;

simulations (e.g., simulated phishing emails);

security awareness campaigns (posters, reminders, group discussions); and

communicating regular email advisories and notices to employees.

Awareness training and role-based training are different. This requirement, AT.L2-3.2.1, covers awareness training, which provides general security training to influence user behavior. This training can apply broadly or be tailored to a specific role. Role-based training focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to complete a specific job and is covered by AT.L2-3.2.2.

Examples

  1. Example 1

    Your organization holds a DoD contract which requires the use of CUI. You want to provide information to employees so they can identify phishing emails. To do this, you prepare a presentation that highlights basic traits, including:

  2. Example 2

    suspicious-looking email address or domain name;

  3. Example 3

    a message that contains an attachment or URL; and

  4. Example 4

    a message that is poorly written and often contains obvious misspelled words.

  5. Example 5

    You encourage everyone to not click on attachments or links in a suspicious email [c]. You tell employees to forward such a message immediately to IT security [d]. You download free security awareness posters to hang in the office [c, d]. You send regular emails and tips to all employees to ensure your message is not forgotten over time [c, d].

Assessment Methods

Examine
The process of reviewing, inspecting, observing, studying, or analyzing assessment objects (e.g., policies, procedures, plans, system designs, mechanisms) to facilitate understanding, achieve clarification, or obtain evidence.Example: An assessor reads the access control policy and inspects system configuration settings to confirm they match.

Not all of the evidence listed is required to meet this requirement — check the items your organization has collected.

Interview
The process of holding discussions with individuals or groups within an organization to facilitate understanding, achieve clarification, or identify the location of evidence.Example: An assessor asks a system administrator to describe how user accounts are approved, reviewed, and disabled.
  • Personnel with responsibilities for security awareness training
  • Personnel with information security responsibilities
  • Personnel composing the general system user community
  • Personnel with responsibilities for role-based awareness training
Test
The process of exercising assessment objects (e.g., activities, mechanisms) under specified conditions to compare actual behavior with expected behavior.Example: An assessor attempts to sign in with a disabled account to confirm that access is denied.
  • Mechanisms managing security awareness training
  • Mechanisms managing role-based security training

Potential Assessment Considerations

  • Do all users, managers, and system administrators receive initial and refresher training commensurate with their roles and responsibilities [c, d]?
  • Do training materials identify the organization-defined security requirements that must be met by users while interacting with the system as described in written policies, standards, and procedures [d]?

Key References

NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 3.2.1

Evidence

  1. 03.02.01.a

    Security risks associated with organizational activities involving cui are identified

  1. 03.02.01.b

    Policies, standards, and procedures related to the security of the system are identified

  1. 03.02.01.c

    Managers, systems administrators, and users of the system are made aware of the security risks associated with their activities

  1. 03.02.01.d

    Managers, systems administrators, and users of the system are made aware of the applicable policies, standards, and procedures related to the security of the system