RMF Control AC-19: Access Control for Mobile Devices is a cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by controlling access to information systems from mobile devices. This control is important because it can help to prevent unauthorized access to information systems and data.
Access Control for Mobile Devices Requirements
The RMF Control AC-19: Access Control for Mobile Devices requirements are specified in NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 5. The requirements state that the organization must:
- Establish and document usage restrictions, configuration/connection requirements, and implementation guidance for organization-controlled mobile devices; and
- Authorize the connection of mobile devices to organizational information systems.
Access Control for Mobile Devices Best Practices
In addition to the RMF Control AC-19: Access Control for Mobile Devices requirements, there are a number of best practices that organizations can follow to improve their access control for mobile devices posture. These best practices include:
- Using a mobile device management (MDM) solution to manage mobile devices and enforce security policies;
- Implementing a risk-based approach to access control for mobile devices. For example, you may want to restrict access to certain types of data or applications on mobile devices;
- Monitoring and auditing mobile device activity to identify and respond to suspicious activity;
- Educating users on the importance of access control for mobile devices and how to protect their devices and data.
Benefits of Access Control for Mobile Devices
Access control for mobile devices can provide a number of benefits to organizations, including:
- Improved security posture: Access control for mobile devices can help to improve the organization’s security posture by reducing the risk of unauthorized access to information systems and data from mobile devices.
- Reduced risk of data breaches: Access control for mobile devices can help to reduce the risk of data breaches by making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access sensitive data on mobile devices.
- Increased user awareness: Access control for mobile devices can help to increase user awareness of security threats and how to protect their devices and data.
- Improved compliance: Access control for mobile devices can help organizations to comply with a variety of security regulations.
How to Implement Access Control for Mobile Devices
There are a number of ways to implement access control for mobile devices. One common approach is to use a mobile device management (MDM) solution. MDM solutions can be used to manage mobile devices and enforce security policies.
Another approach to implementing access control for mobile devices is to use a cloud-based service. There are a number of cloud-based services that offer access control for mobile devices capabilities. These services can be relatively easy to implement and use.
Example of Access Control for Mobile Devices
One example of access control for mobile devices is when an organization uses an MDM solution to require all employees to use a strong password on their mobile devices. This helps to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the organization’s information systems and data from employee mobile devices.
Another example of access control for mobile devices is when an organization uses a cloud-based service to prevent employees from accessing certain types of data on their mobile devices when they are outside of the organization’s network. This helps to protect the confidentiality of the organization’s sensitive data.
Conclusion
RMF Control AC-19: Access Control for Mobile Devices is an important cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by controlling access to information systems from mobile devices. By following the RMF Control AC-19: Access Control for Mobile Devices requirements and best practices, organizations can help to improve their security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, increase user awareness, and improve compliance.
Additional Tips for Implementing and Enforcing Access Control for Mobile Devices
- Use a centralized system to manage access control for mobile devices policies and procedures. This will help to ensure that access control for mobile devices is implemented and enforced consistently across the organization.
- Implement a risk-based approach to access control for mobile devices. This will help to ensure that access control for mobile devices efforts are focused on the areas of greatest risk.
- Monitor and audit mobile device activity to identify and respond to suspicious activity. This can be done using a variety of tools and techniques, such as security information and event management (SIEM) solutions and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
- Educate users on the importance of access control for mobile devices and how to protect their devices and data. This can be done through training programs, documentation, and other resources.
By following these tips, organizations can help to ensure that their access control for mobile devices is implemented and enforced effectively.