What Is the Information Security Continuous Monitoring Policy?
Because mission requirements and cyber threats change quickly, staying current requires agile development practices that continuously integrate and deliver high-quality software with reduced risk. By applying DevOps principles to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF), and pursuing ongoing authorization for continuous delivery after initially achieving an initial Authorization to Operate (ATO), i.e. continuous Authority to Operate or what some may refer to as “NIST continuous ATO,” organizations can achieve lead time and deployment frequency measured in hours versus days, weeks, or months. As part of this approach, shifting from periodic reviews to constant monitoring avoids drifting out of compliance and creates a more robust security posture.
Note: ATOs are often colloquially referred to as an “Authority to Operate.” The technical term is “Authorization to Operate.” This guide will occasionally use the colloquial term in addition to the technical phrase.
What Is Continuous Monitoring in Information Security?
NIST SP 800-137 defines information security continuous monitoring (ISCM) as maintaining ongoing awareness of information security, vulnerabilities, and threats to support risk management decisions. ISCM requires both manual and automated processes, including automated support tools. Automated, continuous security monitoring tools, e.g. vulnerability scanning tools or network scanning devices, help maintain a dynamic view of control effectiveness and security posture while supporting more cost-effective, consistent, and efficient continuous monitoring. Based on risk tolerance, organizations may respond to security-related information with risk mitigation or reject, transfer, or accept risk.
Why Is Continuous Monitoring Important in Computer Security?
Are you wondering, “What is the NIST continuous monitoring framework?” The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Risk Management Framework (RMF) provides a structured, but adaptable approach to risk management. Continuous monitoring is one of the essential steps.
Continuous monitoring promotes effective, near real-time risk management with automation and modern practices to monitor controls and changes to the system or the environment.
With continuous monitoring, ongoing authorization is a disciplined approach to understanding a system’s risk profile based on building trust through transparency and enabling technologies that create a secure, compliant, agile environment. Organizations that embrace ongoing authorization requirements can respond to mission-critical demands by overcoming bureaucratic delays, managing emerging threats, and accelerating digital transformation initiatives to continuously deliver valuable software users love.
What Is an Information Security Continuous Monitoring Policy?
Information security continuous monitoring (ICSM) policy supports the implementation of ICSM strategy and risk management in accordance with organizational risk tolerance. The NIST RMF is the foundational document for ICSM policy to establish organizational requirements, procedures, and templates to define key metrics; modify and maintain the monitoring strategy; assess security control effectiveness, monitor and report security status; assess risks and gain threat information insights; manage configurations and analyze security impacts; implement and use tools; set monitoring frequencies; determine the sample size and population for object sampling; determine security metrics and data sources; and assess risk for all manual and automated monitoring methodologies.
Continuous monitoring maps to risk tolerance, adapts to ongoing needs, and actively involves management through the following cycle: Define, Establish, Implement, Analyze/Report, Respond, Review/Update.
What Is an Example of Continuous Monitoring?
One information security continuous monitoring plan example in a government context is the deployment of a comprehensive endpoint detection and response (EDR) system across a federal agency's network. This EDR system continuously monitors all endpoints, such as computers and mobile devices, for signs of malicious activity or unauthorized access.
For instance, the EDR system might detect unusual file access patterns indicating a possible insider threat. The system would then alert the agency's cybersecurity team, which can quickly investigate and mitigate threats. This may include isolating the affected endpoints or revoking compromised credentials.
In this context, policies should also include detailed procedures for setting up the EDR system, conducting regular security audits, and ensuring compliance with federal security standards. This continuous monitoring approach helps maintain a robust security posture, protecting sensitive government data and ensuring the integrity of critical operations.
Ship Software with Confidence
Continuous monitoring is essential to achieve ongoing authorization for the continuous delivery of better software, quicker, and with reduced risk. By leveraging advanced monitoring techniques and automated tools, organizations can proactively manage risks and respond to threats in real-time.
Rise8 excels in enabling organizations to implement continuous monitoring in support of continuous delivery under the NIST RMF. With Rise8’s expertise in continuous Authority to Operate (cATO) and Agile methodologies, you can enhance your software delivery process, integrating security from development to deployment. Ready to revolutionize your continuous monitoring strategy? Contact Rise8 today to learn how we can help you ship secure, compliant software users love.
