AC.L1-3.1.1/b.1.i Authorized Access Control

Limit information system access to authorized users, processes acting on behalf of authorized users, or devices (including other information systems).

Source: FAR Clause 52.204-21 b.1.i, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.1.1

Discussion: Access control policies (e.g., identity- or role-based policies, control matrices, and cryptography) control access between active entities or subjects (i.e., users or processes acting on behalf of users) and passive entities or objects (e.g., devices, files, records, and domains) in systems. Access enforcement mechanisms can be employed at the application and service level to provide increased information security. Other systems include systems internal and external to the organization. This requirement focuses on account management for systems and applications. The definition of and enforcement of access authorizations, other than those determined by account type (e.g., privileged verses non-privileged) are addressed in requirement 3.1.2.

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

• [a] authorized users are identified;
• [b] processes acting on behalf of authorized users are identified;
• [c] devices (and other systems) authorized to connect to the system are identified;
• [d] system access is limited to authorized users;
• [e] system access is limited to processes acting on behalf of authorized users; and
• [f] system access is limited to authorized devices (including other systems).

Examine: [SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing account management; security plan; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; list of active system accounts and the name of the individual associated with each account; list of conditions for group and role membership; notifications or records of recently transferred, separated, or terminated employees; list of recently disabled system accounts along with the name of the individual associated with each account; access authorization records; account management compliance reviews; system monitoring records; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records; list of devices and other systems authorized to connect to organizational systems].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Personnel with account management responsibilities; system or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for managing system accounts; mechanisms for implementing account management].

SPRS Score: 5

POA&M Allowed: No