Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to,
VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information
Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users
should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology
(OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation. |
The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VAIT
position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are
based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the
responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments
to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported.
|
|
Legend: |
White |
Authorized: The technology/standard has been authorized for use.
|
Yellow |
Authorized w/ Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located
below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
|
Gray |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M): This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by
the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee
and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement,
has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
|
Orange |
Authorized w/ Constraints (DIVEST): VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard.
As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of
the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unauthorized may be
found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
|
Black |
Unauthorized: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
|
Blue |
Authorized w/ Constraints (PLANNING/EVALUATION): The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed,
and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available
for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with
your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office
displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T
office should submit an
inquiry to the TRM
if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.
|
|
Release/Version Information: |
VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.
|
For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision
would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.
|
VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than
what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.
|
For example, a technology authorized with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401
is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.
|
Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M). |
<Past |
Future> |
3.6 |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.7 |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.8.0.x |
Approved w/Constraints [1] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.8.8.x |
Approved w/Constraints [1] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.8.9 |
Unapproved |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
DIVEST [3, 4, 5, 8, 9] |
DIVEST [4, 8, 9, 10, 11] |
3.11.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8] |
Approved w/Constraints [3, 4, 5, 8, 9] |
Approved w/Constraints [4, 8, 9, 10, 11] |
3.20.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Approved w/Constraints [3, 4, 5, 8, 9] |
Approved w/Constraints [4, 8, 9, 10, 11] |
3.24.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.28.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.31.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.32.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.39.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
3.40.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
| | [1] | Per VA Handbook 6500 (Appendix F) all systems with a Moderate or High risk assessment are required to use a Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)140-2 compliant Database Management System (DBMS) solution to protect information at rest or have mitigating controls documented in an authorized System Security Plan (SSP) for the system. It is the responsibility of the system owner to ensure that an appropriate DBMS technology is selected or that mitigating controls are in place and documented in the SSP. | | [2] | Configuration and deployment standards for databases and their host server images are defined and maintained by the Core Systems Engineering organization within VA Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE) and must be followed and adhered to unless an appropriate waiver is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.sde.portal.va.gov/svcs/sma/BCM/SitePages/Home.aspx
VA has Enterprise License Agreements (ELAs) in place for preferred relational database management system (RDBMS) technologies (Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle DB). Customers should get their licenses through these channels, not via independent, uncoordinated small procurements. Detailed information can be found at the following location: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/TIPO/default.aspx | | [3] | Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information Security Officer (ISO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP). | | [4] | Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISO can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities. | | [5] | Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500. | | [6] | Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities. | | [7] | This technology should only be used when required by a Veterans Affairs (VA) business partner for an authorized VA Project. Use of this technology must comply with ESCCB requirements which include: Signed Interconnection Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding agreements (MOU/ISA) with each external business partner, compliance with VA Handbook 6500, and must implement appropriate National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) requirements for all devices interacting with this technology. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards and an ISO Risk Based Decision (RBD) must be authorized by the local ISO/CIO before it can be used in the VA Production Environment. In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517
and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process and ensure privacy of information compliance protections are in place. | | [8] | Users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Office (ISO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not authorized and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations. | | [9] | Configuration and deployment standards for databases and their host server images are defined and maintained by the Core Systems Engineering organization within VA Enterprise Systems Engineering (ESE) and must be followed and adhered to unless an appropriate waiver is granted. Detailed information can be found at the following location: https://vaww.sde.portal.va.gov/svcs/sma/BCM/SitePages/Home.aspx.
VA has Enterprise License Agreements (ELAs) in place for preferred relational database management system (RDBMS) technologies (Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle DB). Customers should get their licenses through these channels, not via independent, uncoordinated small procurements. Detailed information can be found at the following location: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/TIPO/default.aspx. | | [10] | Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information Security Officer (ISO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP). | | [11] | Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500. |
|
Note: |
Versions 3.8.1.x through 3.8.7.x and versions 3.9.x and 3.10.x were never supported. For clarity, these versions have been omitted from the calendar year table.
At the time of writing, version 3.40.0 is the most current version, released 12/14/2022. |