RMF Control AC-21: Information Sharing is a cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by facilitating and controlling the sharing of information between organizations. This control is important because it can help to improve the security posture of all organizations involved in the information sharing process.
Information Sharing Requirements
The RMF Control AC-21: Information Sharing requirements are specified in NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 5. The requirements state that the organization must:
- Establish and document information sharing policies and procedures;
- Implement mechanisms to enforce information sharing policies and procedures;
- Monitor and audit information sharing activity; and
- Protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information shared with other organizations.
Information Sharing Best Practices
In addition to the RMF Control AC-21: Information Sharing requirements, there are a number of best practices that organizations can follow to improve their information sharing posture. These best practices include:
- Using a centralized system to manage information sharing policies and procedures;
- Implementing a risk-based approach to information sharing. For example, you may want to restrict the sharing of certain types of data or only share data with certain organizations;
- Monitoring and auditing information sharing activity to identify and respond to suspicious activity;
- Educating users on the importance of information security and how to protect information when sharing it with other organizations.
Benefits of Information Sharing
Information sharing can provide a number of benefits to organizations, including:
- Improved security posture: Information sharing can help to improve the security posture of all organizations involved in the information sharing process. By sharing information about threats and vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect themselves from attack.
- Reduced risk of data breaches: Information sharing can help to reduce the risk of data breaches by making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive data.
- Increased user awareness: Information sharing can help to increase user awareness of security threats and how to protect information.
- Improved compliance: Information sharing can help organizations to comply with a variety of security regulations.
How to Implement Information Sharing
There are a number of ways to implement information sharing. One common approach is to join an information sharing and analysis center (ISAC). ISACs are organizations that provide a forum for members to share information about threats and vulnerabilities.
Another approach to implementing information sharing is to develop bilateral or multilateral information sharing agreements with other organizations. These agreements can be used to establish a framework for sharing information between the organizations involved.
Example of Information Sharing
One example of information sharing is when a financial institution shares information about a known fraudulent transaction with other financial institutions. This helps to protect all of the financial institutions involved from fraud.
Another example of information sharing is when a government agency shares information about a known cyber threat with other government agencies and private companies. This helps to protect all of the organizations involved from cyber attack.
Conclusion
RMF Control AC-21: Information Sharing is an important cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by facilitating and controlling the sharing of information between organizations. By following the RMF Control AC-21: Information Sharing 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 Information Sharing
- Use a centralized system to manage information sharing policies and procedures. This will help to ensure that information sharing is implemented and enforced consistently across the organization.
- Implement a risk-based approach to information sharing. This will help to ensure that information sharing efforts are focused on the areas of greatest risk.
- Monitor and audit information sharing 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 information security and how to protect information when sharing it with other organizations. This can be done through training programs, documentation, and other resources.
By following these tips, organizations can help to ensure that their information sharing is implemented and enforced effectively.