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CP — CONTINGENCY PLANNING

CP-9: INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP

  • NIST 800-53R4 Membership CP-9:
  • LOW
  • MODERATE
  • HIGH

The organization:

    • a. Conducts backups of user-level information contained in the information system [Assignment: organization-defined frequency consistent with recovery time and recovery point objectives];
    • b. Conducts backups of system-level information contained in the information system [Assignment: organization-defined frequency consistent with recovery time and recovery point objectives];
    • c. Conducts backups of information system documentation including security-related documentation [Assignment: organization-defined frequency consistent with recovery time and recovery point objectives]; and
    • d. Protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of backup information at storage locations.

SUPPLEMENTAL GUIDANCE

System-level information includes, for example, system-state information, operating system and application software, and licenses. User-level information includes any information other than system-level information. Mechanisms employed by organizations to protect the integrity of information system backups include, for example, digital signatures and cryptographic hashes. Protection of system backup information while in transit is beyond the scope of this control. Information system backups reflect the requirements in contingency plans as well as other organizational requirements for backing up information.

CONTROL ENHANCEMENTS

CP-9 (1) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | TESTING FOR RELIABILITY / INTEGRITY
  • NIST 800-53R4 Membership CP-9 (1):
  • MODERATE
  • HIGH

The organization tests backup information [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] to verify media reliability and information integrity.

Supplemental Guidance: NONE

RELATED CONTROLS: CP-9 (1)

CP-9 (2) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | TEST RESTORATION USING SAMPLING
  • NIST 800-53R4 Membership CP-9 (2):
  • HIGH

The organization uses a sample of backup information in the restoration of selected information system functions as part of contingency plan testing.

Supplemental Guidance: NONE

RELATED CONTROLS: CP-9 (2)

CP-9 (3) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | SEPARATE STORAGE FOR CRITICAL INFORMATION
  • NIST 800-53R4 Membership CP-9 (3):
  • HIGH

The organization stores backup copies of [Assignment: organization-defined critical information system software and other security-related information] in a separate facility or in a fire-rated container that is not collocated with the operational system.

Supplemental Guidance:

Critical information system software includes, for example, operating systems, cryptographic key management systems, and intrusion detection/prevention systems. Security-related information includes, for example, organizational inventories of hardware, software, and firmware components. Alternate storage sites typically serve as separate storage facilities for organizations.

RELATED CONTROLS: CP-9 (3)

CP-9 (4) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | PROTECTION FROM UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION

[Withdrawn: Incorporated into CP-9]. (See above.)

CP-9 (5) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | TRANSFER TO ALTERNATE STORAGE SITE
  • NIST 800-53R4 Membership CP-9 (5):
  • HIGH

The organization transfers information system backup information to the alternate storage site [Assignment: organization-defined time period and transfer rate consistent with the recovery time and recovery point objectives].

Supplemental Guidance:

Information system backup information can be transferred to alternate storage sites either electronically or by physical shipment of storage media.

CP-9 (6) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | REDUNDANT SECONDARY SYSTEM

The organization accomplishes information system backup by maintaining a redundant secondary system that is not collocated with the primary system and that can be activated without loss of information or disruption to operations.

Supplemental Guidance: NONE

RELATED CONTROLS: CP-9 (6)

CP-9 (7) INFORMATION SYSTEM BACKUP | DUAL AUTHORIZATION

The organization enforces dual authorization for the deletion or destruction of [Assignment: organization-defined backup information].

Supplemental Guidance:

Dual authorization ensures that the deletion or destruction of backup information cannot occur unless two qualified individuals carry out the task. Individuals deleting/destroying backup information possess sufficient skills/expertise to determine if the proposed deletion/destruction of backup information reflects organizational policies and procedures. Dual authorization may also be known as two-person control.

RELATED CONTROLS: CP-9 (7)

REFERENCES:

  • NIST Special Publication 800-34