AT — AWARENESS AND TRAINING

AT-2: SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING

• NIST 800-53R4 Membership AT-2:

• LOW
• MODERATE
• HIGH

The organization provides basic security awareness training to information system users (including managers, senior executives, and contractors):

• a. As part of initial training for new users;
• b. When required by information system changes; and
• c. [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] thereafter.

SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE

Organizations determine the appropriate content of security awareness training and security awareness techniques based on the specific organizational requirements and the information systems to which personnel have authorized access. The content includes a basic understanding of the need for information security and user actions to maintain security and to respond to suspected security incidents. The content also addresses awareness of the need for operations security. Security awareness techniques can include, for example, displaying posters, offering supplies inscribed with security reminders, generating email advisories/notices from senior organizational officials, displaying logon screen messages, and conducting information security awareness events.

CONTROL ENHANCEMENTS

AT-2 (1) SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING | PRACTICAL EXERCISES

The organization includes practical exercises in security awareness training that simulate actual cyber attacks.

Supplemental Guidance:

Practical exercises may include, for example, no-notice social engineering attempts to collect information, gain unauthorized access, or simulate the adverse impact of opening malicious email attachments or invoking, via spear phishing attacks, malicious web links.

RELATED CONTROLS: AT-2 (1)

• CA-2 — SECURITY ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORIZATION | SECURITY ASSESSMENTS
• CA-7 — SECURITY ASSESSMENT AND AUTHORIZATION | CONTINUOUS MONITORING
• CP-4 — CONTINGENCY PLANNING | CONTINGENCY PLAN TESTING
• IR-3 — INCIDENT RESPONSE | INCIDENT RESPONSE TESTING

AT-2 (2) SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING | INSIDER THREAT

• NIST 800-53R4 Membership AT-2 (2):

• MODERATE
• HIGH

The organization includes security awareness training on recognizing and reporting potential indicators of insider threat.

Supplemental Guidance:

Potential indicators and possible precursors of insider threat can include behaviors such as inordinate, long-term job dissatisfaction, attempts to gain access to information not required for job performance, unexplained access to financial resources, bullying or sexual harassment of fellow employees, workplace violence, and other serious violations of organizational policies, procedures, directives, rules, or practices. Security awareness training includes how to communicate employee and management concerns regarding potential indicators of insider threat through appropriate organizational channels in accordance with established organizational policies and procedures.

RELATED CONTROLS: AT-2 (2)

• PL-4 — PLANNING | RULES OF BEHAVIOR
• PM-12 — PROGRAM MANAGEMENT | INSIDER THREAT PROGRAM
• PS-3 — PERSONNEL SECURITY | PERSONNEL SCREENING
• PS-6 — PROGRAM MANAGEMENT | INFORMATION SECURITY MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE

REFERENCES:

• C.F.R. Part 5 Subpart C (5 C.F.R. 930.301)
• Executive Order 13587
• NIST Special Publication 800-50