RMF Control PM-5: System Inventory requires organizations to maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all information systems and their components. This inventory must include the following information:
- System name and type
- Hardware and software configuration
- Network connectivity
- Security controls
Supplemental Guidance
The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a cybersecurity framework that provides a process for managing cybersecurity risk to systems and organizations. RMF Control PM-5: System Inventory is one of the controls in the PM family, which addresses protection of information systems and assets.
A system inventory is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps organizations to identify and manage their assets. Second, it helps organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. Third, it helps organizations to comply with regulations.
Benefits of Implementing RMF Control PM-5
There are a number of benefits to implementing RMF Control PM-5, including:
- Improved security posture: A system inventory can help organizations to improve their security posture by helping them to identify and mitigate security risks.
- Reduced risk of security incidents: A system inventory can help to reduce the risk of security incidents by helping organizations to identify and patch vulnerabilities.
- Improved compliance: A system inventory can help organizations to comply with many regulations that require organizations to maintain an inventory of their information systems.
How to Implement RMF Control PM-5
To implement RMF Control PM-5, organizations should:
- Identify all information systems and their components.
- Collect information about the identified information systems and their components, such as system name and type, hardware and software configuration, network connectivity, and security controls.
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all information systems and their components.
- Monitor the system inventory on an ongoing basis and make changes to the inventory as needed.
Examples of System Inventory
Some examples of information that may be included in a system inventory include:
- System name and type
- Hardware and software configuration
- Network connectivity
- Security controls
- System owner
- System purpose
- System location
- System criticality
Conclusion
RMF Control PM-5: System Inventory is an important control that can help organizations to improve their security posture, reduce the risk of security incidents, and improve compliance. By implementing RMF Control PM-5, organizations can maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all information systems and their components.
Additional Tips for Implementing RMF Control PM-5
- Use a system inventory tool: A system inventory tool can help organizations to automate the process of collecting and maintaining a system inventory.
- Regularly review the system inventory: Organizations should regularly review the system inventory to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
- Share the system inventory with stakeholders: Organizations should share the system inventory with stakeholders, such as security teams and IT staff, so that they can use the information to protect the organization’s information systems and assets.