FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5 PE Controls

 Physical and Environmental (PE) controls often don't get the attention they deserve. This is probably because many organizations inherit some or all of the controls from their cloud providers or because they are not technical controls.


Policies and Procedures (PE-1)


Every strong security program starts with solid documentation. For PE-1, you'll need two key documents: 


-a Physical Security Policy, and 

-Environmental Protection Procedures. 


Your policy should clearly define roles, responsibilities, and security zones, while your procedures need to detail step-by-step processes for everything from access authorization to emergency responses.


Pro tip: Don't just create these documents and let them gather dust. Set calendar reminders for annual reviews and maintain a detailed change log. I've seen too many organizations scramble during audits because they forgot to review their policies and procedures at least annually (and also when changes occur).


 Managing Physical Access (PE-2 & PE-3)


Physical access control is where theory meets practice. In a data center, there is usually an implemented multi-tiered approach. Think of it like an onion – each layer requires additional authentication. At the facility entrance, employees use badges. For the server room, access scans, and PINs. More secure zones need dual authentication plus security escort.


Here's what works well: Don't just focus on keeping unauthorized people out – track authorized access too. Review access lists monthly/quarterly and immediately revoke access when people change roles or leave the organization. When someone requests temporary access, document everything: who, when, why, and who approved it.


 Protecting the Infrastructure (PE-4 & PE-5)


Now let's talk about something often overlooked: physical protection of your transmission lines and output devices. Treat our cable infrastructure like crown jewels – using locked cable trays, armored fiber optic cables, and EMI-shielded conduits. Regular visual inspections help catch any attempted tampering early.


For output devices, we've moved beyond the days of papers lying forgotten in printer trays. All our printers require badge authentication for release, and we've implemented secure print release stations. Every print job is logged, and output is automatically purged if not collected within four hours.


Monitoring Physical Access (PE-6)


Monitoring is your best friend in physical security. Our 24/7 monitoring system combines CCTV coverage with a real-time alert system. When something unusual happens – like a door being held open too long or multiple failed access attempts – our security team knows immediately.


The key is setting appropriate response times. An unauthorized access attempt triggers an immediate response, while a door held open might give a 30-second grace period before alerting security. We've found this tiered approach reduces alert fatigue while maintaining security.


 Keeping Track of Visitors (PE-8)


Visitor management might seem straightforward, but it's crucial to get it right. Our digital visitor management system captures everything: visitor details, purpose, escort assignment, areas accessed, and entry/exit times. We take photos of IDs and automatically notify hosts when their visitors arrive.


Remember: visitor logs are only useful if you review them. We conduct monthly audits to identify patterns and potential security issues.


 Emergency Preparations (PE-10, PE-11, PE-12)


When emergencies strike, you don't want to be fumbling through procedures. Our emergency systems include clearly marked shutoff switches, protected shutoff mechanisms, and regular staff training. 


The key is making emergency procedures simple enough to execute under pressure but comprehensive enough to be effective. Read this to say that the procedures need to be simple enough that ANYONE can follow them.


For power protection, we maintain UPS systems for critical components with generator backup. Critical servers have 72 hours of backup power, while network core equipment has 48 hours. Even our security systems have 24-hour UPS backup.


Emergency lighting is often overlooked, but it's crucial for safe evacuation and emergency operations. We use LED emergency lights with battery backup, tested monthly. Every exit is clearly marked, and evacuation paths are illuminated.


 Fire and Water Protection (PE-13 & PE-15)


Fire protection isn't just about sprinklers anymore. In our server rooms, we use VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems coupled with clean agent suppression. Office areas use conventional smoke detectors and sprinkler systems, while network closets have a combination of smoke and heat detection with clean agent suppression.


For water protection, we've installed leak detection cables under raised floors with automated shutoff valves. Equipment is housed in water-resistant enclosures, and we maintain clear procedures for water emergencies.


 Environmental Control (PE-14)


Temperature and humidity control is critical for equipment longevity. Our server rooms maintain temperatures between 65-80°F with humidity between 45-55%. Network closets have slightly broader ranges. The key is continuous monitoring with automated alerts if conditions drift outside acceptable ranges.


 Asset Management (PE-16)


The final piece of the puzzle is controlling how equipment moves in and out of your facility. Every piece of equipment that enters or exits goes through a documented process: authorization, security inspection, technical verification, and chain of custody documentation.


Know where your assets are either by physical check or RFID tags. Destruction certificates are key to ensuring proper management of assets. A frequent issue with work-from-home employees is assets not being returned in a timely manner (or returned at all). This simply means that you need to have additional processes and procedures in place to ensure that your assets are secure when these situations occur.



Successfully implementing FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5 PE controls requires viewing them as an interconnected system rather than individual requirements. Each control supports the others, creating a comprehensive physical security environment. The best physical security controls are the ones that people actually follow. Make your procedures clear and practical, train your staff regularly, and continuously monitor and improve your systems.



#cybersecurity #fedramp #physicalsecurity #compliance #security


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