RMF Control PS-4: Personnel Termination requires organizations to disable information system access within a defined time period, terminate or revoke any authenticators and credentials associated with the individual, conduct exit interviews that include a discussion of security topics, retrieve all security-related organizational information system-related property, and retain access to organizational information and systems formerly controlled by the terminated individual.
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 PS-4: Personnel Termination is one of the controls in the PS family, which addresses personnel security.
Personnel termination is the process of ending an employee’s relationship with an organization. It is important to have a well-defined personnel termination process in place to protect the organization’s information systems and other assets.
Benefits of Implementing RMF Control PS-4
There are a number of benefits to implementing RMF Control PS-4, including:
- Reduced risk of security incidents: By terminating or revoking the terminated individual’s access to information systems and retrieving all security-related organizational information system-related property, organizations can reduce the risk of security incidents caused by terminated individuals.
- Improved compliance: Many regulations require organizations to have controls in place to manage personnel termination. By implementing RMF Control PS-4, organizations can improve their compliance with these regulations.
- Reduced costs: The cost of responding to a security incident caused by a terminated individual can be significant. By implementing RMF Control PS-4, organizations can reduce the costs associated with security incidents caused by terminated individuals.
How to Implement RMF Control PS-4
To implement RMF Control PS-4, organizations should:
- Develop a personnel termination policy and procedures. The personnel termination policy and procedures should include the requirements for disabling information system access, terminating or revoking authenticators and credentials, conducting exit interviews, retrieving security-related organizational information system-related property, and retaining access to organizational information and systems formerly controlled by the terminated individual.
- Train employees on the personnel termination policy and procedures.
- Monitor the personnel termination process to ensure that it is being followed correctly.
Examples of Personnel Termination Controls
Some examples of personnel termination controls include:
- Disabling information system access: Organizations should disable the terminated individual’s access to information systems as soon as possible after their termination. This can be done by changing the individual’s passwords, revoking their access privileges, and/or disabling their account.
- Terminating or revoking authenticators and credentials: Organizations should terminate or revoke any authenticators and credentials associated with the terminated individual, such as smart cards, tokens, and passwords.
- Conducting exit interviews: Organizations should conduct exit interviews with terminated individuals to discuss security topics, such as the importance of confidentiality and the individual’s obligation to protect organizational information after their termination.
- Retrieving security-related organizational information system-related property: Organizations should retrieve all security-related organizational information system-related property from the terminated individual, such as laptops, mobile devices, and badges.
- Retaining access to organizational information and systems formerly controlled by the terminated individual: Organizations should retain access to organizational information and systems formerly controlled by the terminated individual in order to investigate any potential security incidents.
Conclusion
RMF Control PS-4: Personnel Termination is an important control that can help organizations to reduce the risk of security incidents, improve compliance, and reduce costs. By implementing RMF Control PS-4, organizations can develop and implement a personnel termination policy and procedures that includes the requirements for disabling information system access, terminating or revoking authenticators and credentials, conducting exit interviews, retrieving security-related organizational information system-related property, and retaining access to organizational information and systems formerly controlled by the terminated individual.
Additional Tips for Implementing RMF Control PS-4
- Involve stakeholders in the development and implementation of the personnel termination policy and procedures: Organizations should involve stakeholders, such as IT staff, security staff, and human resources staff, in the development and implementation of the personnel termination policy and procedures. This will help to ensure that the policy and procedures are comprehensive and effective.
- Regularly review and update the personnel termination policy and procedures: Organizations should regularly review and update the personnel termination policy and procedures to ensure that they are effective and up-to-date.
- Use a checklist to ensure that all personnel termination steps are followed: Organizations can use a checklist to ensure that all personnel termination steps are followed correctly. This will help to reduce the risk of errors or omissions.