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| [1] | Per VA Handbook 6500, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certified encryption must be used to encrypt data in transit and at rest if Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI) or VA sensitive information is involved or additional mitigating controls must be documented in an approved System Security Plan (SSP). Additionally the technology must be implemented within the VA production network (not in a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) unless those specific uses and instances of this technology are approved by the Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) along with a Memorandum of Understanding and Interconnection Security Agreements (MOU/ISA) which detail the security requirements for those users and systems that share information and resources outside of the VA production network.
Per VA Handbook 6500 (Appendix F) all systems with a Moderate or High risk assessment are required to use a FIPS 140-2 compliant DBMS solution to protect information at rest or have mitigating controls documented in an approved 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.
Finally, new installations or major expansions of this technology must complete a Systems Engineering Design Review (SEDR) prior to implementation. |
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| [2] | Additionally, Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of NSi Output Manager and recommended that the following constraints be applied:
In the event that the product and its associated components is used to store and process VA sensitive data, system owners should work with the vendor to ensure data at rest and in motion are protected using FIPS 140-2 encryption.
VA Handbook 6500 states that the local CIO and the ISO must approve specific user actions that can be performed on the information systems without appropriate identification and authentication (i.e., service accounts, site-to-site VPN accounts, training accounts in test system). In addition the following controls must be in place for service accounts as outlined in VA Handbook 6500:
a) The service accounts must contain at least 12 non-blank characters and use 3 of the following four categories: English upper case characters, English lower case characters, Base 10 digits, Non-alphanumeric special characters. Six of the characters must not occur more than once in the password.
b) Service accounts will be changed every 3 years at a minimum. Employs the concept of least privilege, allowing authorized access only for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) who are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with VA missions and business functions.
c) Document and maintain information such as full text recording of privileged commands and individual identities of group account users.
d) System Owner reviews and analyzes information system audit records for indications of inappropriate or unusual activity and reports findings to designated organizational officials.
Ensure only authorized users have access to the system and activate activity logging to allow tracing of activities to specific user. In addition, end-users should access only the print jobs for which they are authorized.
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| [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 ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500. |
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| [4] | 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. |
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| [5] | 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). |
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| [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. |
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| [7] | Additionally, Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of NSi Output Manager and recommended that the following constraints be applied:
- The VA Handbook 6500 states that the local CIO and the ISO must approve specific user actions that can be performed on the information systems without appropriate identification and authentication (i.e., service accounts, site-to-site VPN accounts, training accounts in test) employs the concept of least privilege, allowing authorized access only for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) who are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with VA missions and business functions.
- Document and maintain information such as full text recording of privileged commands and individual identities of group account users.
- System Owner reviews and analyzes information system audit records for indications of inappropriate or unusual activity and reports findings to designated organizational officials.
- Ensure only authorized users have access to the system and activate activity logging to allow tracing of activities to specific user. In addition, end-users should access only the print jobs for which they are authorized.
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| [8] | Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of Nuance Output Manager and recommended that the following constraints be applied:
- The VA Handbook 6500 states that the local CIO and the ISO must approve specific user actions that can be performed on the information systems without appropriate identification and authentication (i.e., service accounts, site-to-site VPN accounts, training accounts in test) employs the concept of least privilege, allowing authorized access only for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) who are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with VA missions and business functions.
- Document and maintain information such as full text recording of privileged commands and individual identities of group account users.
- System Owner reviews and analyzes information system audit records for indications of inappropriate or unusual activity and reports findings to designated organizational officials.
- Ensure only authorized users have access to the system and activate activity logging to allow tracing of activities to specific user. In addition, end-users should access only the print jobs for which they are authorized.
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| [9] | 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. |
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| [10] | Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of Nuance Output Manager and recommended that the following constraints be applied:
- The VA Handbook 6500 states that the local CIO and the ISO must approve specific user actions that can be performed on the information systems without appropriate identification and authentication (i.e., service accounts, site-to-site VPN accounts, training accounts in test) employs the concept of least privilege, allowing authorized access only for users (and processes acting on behalf of users) who are necessary to accomplish assigned tasks in accordance with VA missions and business functions.
- Document and maintain information such as full text recording of privileged commands and individual identities of group account users.
- System Owner reviews and analyzes information system audit records for indications of inappropriate or unusual activity and reports findings to designated organizational officials.
- Ensure only authorized users have access to the system and activate activity logging to allow tracing of activities to specific user. In addition, end-users should access only the print jobs for which they are authorized.
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| [11] | 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. |
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| [12] | 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 approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations. |
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| [13] | Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO). This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [14] | If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. |
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| [15] | 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). |
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| [16] | Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form.
(Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [17] | This technology should only be used when required by a Veterans Affairs (VA) business partner for an approved 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. As of January 27th, 2017, Risk-based Decisions (RBD) will be handled per VAIQ # 7769667. 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. |
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| [18] | 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. |
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| [19] | 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). |
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| [20] | Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form.
(Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [21] | This technology should only be used when required by a Veterans Affairs (VA) business partner for an approved 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. As of January 27th, 2017, Risk-based Decisions (RBD) will be handled per VAIQ # 7769667. 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. |
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| [22] | Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (PSF) team, please use their online form.
(Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [23] | 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, Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server are implemented within VA-approved baselines. |
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| [24] | 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. |
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| [25] | Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the VA OIT Product Engineering team, please use their online form.
(Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [26] | 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 VA Handbook 6500. |
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| [27] | 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 approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations. |
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| [28] | 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 System Security Officer (ISSO) 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). |
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| [29] | 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 ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can advise on the ESCCB review process. |
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| [30] | 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. |
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| [31] | 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, Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS), and Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server are implemented within VA-approved baselines. |
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| [32] | Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 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 or its successor 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 or 140-3 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the storage device 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 System Security Officer (ISSO) 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). By September 22, 2026, all FIPS 140-2 certificate validations will be placed on the Historical List, please refer to FIPS Transition Effort for further guidance and timeline of changes. |
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| [33] | Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request, visit the Product Marketplace.
(Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102). |
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| [34] | 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. |
