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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.11

Audiate

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	Audiate is an audio-to-text and text-to-audio software. This technology turns the users recordings into text, letting the user make precise edits of the closed captions on a video or audio file. It allows for the user to create an audio file from text, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate a voice over of the text inputted into multiple languages.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	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.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v24.6
Decision Date:	06/18/2024 at 17:39:03 UTC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	TechSmith

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

You must be logged into the RSAA website prior to clicking the Attestation URLs or the URLs won't open.

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
2024.0.x	01/09/2024
2024.1.x	06/04/2024

Current Decision Matrix (06/07/2024)

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

CY2024

CY2025

CY2026

Future>

Release

2024.0.x

Unapproved

DIVEST
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Authorized w/ Constraints (DIVEST)
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M)

2024.1.x

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Authorized w/ Constraints
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Decision Constraints


[1]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge are implemented with VA-authorized baselines. (Refer to the ‘Category’ tab under ‘Runtime Dependencies’) Per the Security Assessment Review, users must abide by the following constraints: A vulnerability exists because Audiate checks for updates when the application is launched. Engineers could not find a way in the Graphical User Interface (GUI) to disable automatic updates. System Owners/Administrators should find alternative methods to manage updates. To mitigate, it is recommended that a baseline of communications be established, then all traffic relating to the application be monitored for any deviations from the baseline. This will assist with identifying possible malicious activity. A vulnerability exists because Audiate utilizes commercial cloud computing services. To mitigate, the ISSO shall educate and prohibit users from using the integrated cloud service capability until the VA Cloud Security Requirements have been met and the affected A&A package has been appropriately updated Audiate is not FIPS 140-2 or its successor certified. Audiate will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or its successor certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information A vulnerability exists because Audiate includes a software improvement program. System Owners/Administrators must disable the Software Improvement Program from the GUI of the application. A vulnerability exists because Audiate installs privilege escalation software. To mitigate, System Owners/Administrators should be aware of that privilege escalation using elevate.exe is not permitted with the VA. Only authorized VA privileged escalation techniques should be used. A vulnerability exists because Audiate installs .dll packages that are open source. System Owners/Administrators should be aware of .dll versioning within the Audiate of open-source components and collaborate with the vendor to mitigate any vulnerabilities that may arise. A vulnerability exists because Audiate installs.exe files that are not digitally signed. This prevents verification of the publisher and file integrity. System Owners/Administrators should monitor the .exe files used by the application with a file integrity checker to ensure no unauthorized changes occur.

[2]	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.

[3]	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 ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

[4]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO) 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.

[5]	The Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification status of this technology was not able to be verified. This technology will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information, where applicable. More information regarding the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) can be found on the NIST website.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 2024.1.1 is the most current version, released 06/04/2024.

Type	Name	Source	Description
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.


Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Productivity Software	Multimedia Software

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This technology has a comprehensive set of documentation.
At the time of writing, no National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) vulnerabilities had been reported and no VA Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) bulletins had been issued for the latest versions of this technology.
This technology may improve productivity for specific staff whose responsibilities include audio editing.

Adoption Risks

There are other authorized solutions that provide similar functionality available on the TRM. The use of several similar solutions may increase organization requirements for support and maintenance.
The potential exists to store Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) and/or VA Sensitive data and proper security standards must be followed in these cases.
Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
This technology is available as freeware. If commercial support is not purchased, the product will be without clearly defined support options which may result in suboptimal enterprise level support.
There is no indication based on either the vendor documentation or the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) that this technology is Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 compliant.
This technology has a free trial period, which carries the potential for the disruption of service delivery and inaccurate financial planning.
Microsoft Internet Explorer, a dependency of this technology, is in End of Life status and must no longer be used.

Architectural Benefits

This technology is portable as it runs on multiple TRM-authorized operating systems.

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (06/18/2024 at 17:39:03 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.11

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (06/07/2024)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

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Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.11

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (06/07/2024)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Optional Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

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VA Categories

View the VA Categorization Framework