FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5 SI Controls

 In this post, I'll break down each SI control in FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5 and provide tips. 


 SI-1: System and Information Integrity Policy and Procedures


The key to a strong base is well-documented policies and procedures. 


For SI-1, organizations must:


- Develop and maintain system and information integrity policies that address purpose, scope, roles, and responsibilities

- Define procedures for implementing security controls

- Review and update these documents at least annually


Example: 

Create a System and Information Integrity Policy document that includes:

- Malware protection requirements with procedures

- System monitoring procedures

- Software and firmware update processes

- Security alert handling processes and procedures

- Error handling protocols


 SI-2: Flaw Remediation


Flaw remediation is key for maintaining system security. 


Organizations must:

- Identify, report, and correct system flaws promptly

- Test software updates before deployment

- Install security-relevant updates within defined timeframes

- Incorporate flaw remediation into configuration management processes 


Implementation example:

```python

 Example vulnerability scanning schedule

vuln_scan_schedule = {

    'critical_systems': {

        'frequency': 'weekly',

        'patch_window': '24_hours',

        'auto_patch': True

    },

    'non_critical_systems': {

        'frequency': 'monthly',

        'patch_window': '72_hours',

        'auto_patch': False

    }

}

```


 SI-3: Malicious Code Protection


This control requires implementing robust malware protections throughout the environment:


- Deploy automated mechanisms at system entry/exit points

- Update malicious code protection mechanisms automatically

- Configure real-time scanning

- Block and quarantine malicious code

- Alert personnel on detection of malicious code


Example:

- Deploy enterprise-wide antivirus solution with centralized management

- Configure automated signature update checks regularly, such as 4 hours

- Enable real-time scanning of all files (check to ensure the solutions can check all file types or restrict usage to the file types that can be scanned)

- Implement USB device scanning and restrictions

- Configure quarantine policies for detected malware


 SI-4: System Monitoring


System monitoring is the best method of detecting security issues:


- Monitor systems for attacks and indicators of potential attacks

- Deploy monitoring devices/tools strategically

- Protect monitoring information and tools

- Heighten monitoring during periods of increased risk


Implementation example:

```python

 Example SIEM alert configuration

siem_alerts = {

    'failed_logins': {

        'threshold': '5_attempts_5_minutes',

        'severity': 'high',

        'notification': ['soc_team', 'system_admin']

    },

    'unusual_traffic': {

        'threshold': '2_standard_deviations',

        'severity': 'medium',

        'notification': ['network_team']

    }

}

```


 SI-5: Security Alerts, Advisories, and Directives


Organizations must:


- Receive security alerts and advisories

- Generate internal security alerts when needed

- Disseminate to appropriate personnel

- Take appropriate actions in response


Implement by::

- Subscribe to US-CERT/CISA and product-specific alerts

- Join industry-specific organizations 

- Create internal notification procedures and processes

- Maintain communication templates for different alert levels


 SI-7: Software, Firmware, and Information Integrity


This control focuses on maintaining integrity:

- Implement automated tools for integrity checks

- Identify unauthorized changes

- Take automated response actions


Implementation example:

```python

 Example file integrity monitoring configuration

fim_config = {

    'critical_files': {

        '/etc/passwd': {

            'check_frequency': 'hourly',

            'hash_algorithm': 'SHA-256',

            'alert_on_change': True

        },

        '/etc/shadow': {

            'check_frequency': 'hourly',

            'hash_algorithm': 'SHA-256',

            'alert_on_change': True

        }

    }

}

```


 SI-8: Spam Protection


Implement spam protection mechanisms:


- Deploy at system entry/exit points

- Update spam protection mechanisms

- Configure the system to prevent and detect spam

- Block spam before delivery


Example:

- Deploy email gateway with spam filtering

- Enable SPF, DKIM, and DMARC

- Configure quarantine policies

- Implement user reporting processes


 SI-10: Information Input Validation


Systems must check the validity of information inputs:


- Check for accuracy, completeness, and validity

- Implement input constraints

- Verify inputs match specified definitions


Implementation example:

```python

 Example input validation function

def validate_user_input(input_data):

    validation_rules = {

        'username': r'^[a-zA-Z0-9_]{3,16}$',

        'email': r'^[a-zA-Z0-9_.+-]+@[a-zA-Z0-9-]+\.[a-zA-Z0-9-.]+$',

        'phone': r'^\d{10}$'

    }

    

    validation_results = {}

    for field, pattern in validation_rules.items():

        if field in input_data:

            validation_results[field] = bool(re.match(pattern, input_data[field]))

    

    return validation_results

```


 SI-11: Error Handling


Implement appropriate error handling:


- Generate error messages that provide only the necessary information

- Reveal minimal information about the system

- Prohibit insertion of malicious code through error handling


Example:

- Create standardized error messages

- Log detailed errors internally

- Display only  generic messages to users

- Sanitize all error outputs


 Conclusion


Implementing FedRAMP Moderate Rev 5 SI controls requires regular reviews, updates, and testing of these controls to ensure their effectiveness in ensuring the security of the environment. 

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