CM Controls
CM controls in NIST 800-53 refers to Configuration Management (CM) controls. These are a set of security controls in the NIST Special Publication 800-53 (Rev. 4) that help organizations manage and maintain the configuration of their information systems and components. The aim of these controls is to ensure that information systems are configured in a secure and consistent manner and that changes to the systems are tracked, authorized, and tested before being implemented. These controls help organizations ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of their systems and data.
How to meet NIST 800-53 CM controls for FedRamp?
To meet the NIST 800-53 Configuration Management (CM) controls, an organization can take the following steps:
- Establish a configuration management policy: Define the overall configuration management process and the roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved.
- Implement a configuration management plan: Specify the procedures for identifying, organizing, and controlling system configurations.
- Document configuration items: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all configuration items, including hardware, software, and firmware components.
- Track changes: Implement a change management process that includes a formal change request, review, and approval process, and keep a log of all changes made to the systems.
- Perform configuration audits: Regularly review the configurations of information systems and components to ensure they are in compliance with the established policies and standards.
- Implement configuration baselines: Establish standard configurations for systems and components, and monitor deviations from these baselines.
- Conduct software testing: Test changes to the system configurations before they are deployed to the production environment to ensure they do not negatively impact system security or functionality.
- Ensure continuous monitoring: Continuously monitor systems and components for changes and deviations from established configurations.
By implementing these steps, organizations can effectively meet the NIST 800-53 CM controls and ensure the security and consistency of their information systems.
There are multiple Configuration Management systems out there and these are a few that use:
- Ansible
- Puppet
- Salt
- Chef
Why is it important to have a Configuration Management System in FedRAMP?
A Configuration Management (CM) system is important in the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) for several reasons:
- Compliance: FedRAMP requires that Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) have a CM system in place to manage and maintain the configurations of their systems and components. Having a CM system helps CSPs comply with the security requirements outlined in FedRAMP and reduces the risk of security incidents caused by unauthorised or unintended changes.
- Security: The CM system helps to ensure that the configurations of the systems and components remain secure and consistent over time, reducing the risk of security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Reliability: The CM system helps to ensure the reliability and availability of systems and components, as changes are tested and approved before being implemented. This reduces the risk of unplanned downtime and disruptions to the service.
- Transparency: The CM system provides a clear and documented record of all changes made to the systems and components, including the reasons for the changes and the approval process. This enhances transparency and accountability, and helps to ensure that changes are authorized and appropriate.
In summary, having a CM system in place is important in FedRAMP as it helps to ensure the security, reliability, and transparency of systems and components, and helps CSPs comply with the security requirements outlined in the program.
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With over 2+ decades of experience in the field of IT and compliance, I have successfully overseen multiple FedRAMP certifications and a dozen ATOs within the realms of the DOJ and DOD.
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