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AT-3 ROLE-BASED SECURITY TRAINING


Overview

Number Title Impact Priority Subject Area
AT-3 Role-Based Security Training LOW P1 Awareness And Training

Instructions
The organization provides role-based security training to personnel with assigned security roles and responsibilities:
AT-3a.
Before authorizing access to the information system or performing assigned duties;
AT-3b.
When required by information system changes; and
AT-3c.
Assignment: organization-defined frequency thereafter.
Guidance
Organizations determine the appropriate content of security training based on the assigned roles and responsibilities of individuals and the specific security requirements of organizations and the information systems to which personnel have authorized access. In addition, organizations provide enterprise architects, information system developers, software developers, acquisition/procurement officials, information system managers, system/network administrators, personnel conducting configuration management and auditing activities, personnel performing independent verification and validation activities, security control assessors, and other personnel having access to system-level software, adequate security-related technical training specifically tailored for their assigned duties. Comprehensive role-based training addresses management, operational, and technical roles and responsibilities covering physical, personnel, and technical safeguards and countermeasures. Such training can include for example, policies, procedures, tools, and artifacts for the organizational security roles defined. Organizations also provide the training necessary for individuals to carry out their responsibilities related to operations and supply chain security within the context of organizational information security programs. Role-based security training also applies to contractors providing services to federal agencies.

Enhancements
AT-3 (1) Environmental Controls
Environmental controls include, for example, fire suppression and detection devices/systems, sprinkler systems, handheld fire extinguishers, fixed fire hoses, smoke detectors, temperature/humidity, HVAC, and power within the facility. Organizations identify personnel with specific roles and responsibilities associated with environmental controls requiring specialized training.

The organization provides Assignment: organization-defined personnel or roles with initial and Assignment: organization-defined frequency training in the employment and operation of environmental controls.

AT-3 (2) Physical Security Controls
Physical security controls include, for example, physical access control devices, physical intrusion alarms, monitoring/surveillance equipment, and security guards (deployment and operating procedures). Organizations identify personnel with specific roles and responsibilities associated with physical security controls requiring specialized training.

The organization provides Assignment: organization-defined personnel or roles with initial and Assignment: organization-defined frequency training in the employment and operation of physical security controls.

AT-3 (3) Practical Exercises
Practical exercises may include, for example, security training for software developers that includes simulated cyber attacks exploiting common software vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflows), or spear/whale phishing attacks targeted at senior leaders/executives. These types of practical exercises help developers better understand the effects of such vulnerabilities and appreciate the need for security coding standards and processes.

The organization includes practical exercises in security training that reinforce training objectives.

AT-3 (4) Suspicious Communications And Anomalous System Behavior
A well-trained workforce provides another organizational safeguard that can be employed as part of a defense-in-depth strategy to protect organizations against malicious code coming in to organizations via email or the web applications. Personnel are trained to look for indications of potentially suspicious email (e.g., receiving an unexpected email, receiving an email containing strange or poor grammar, or receiving an email from an unfamiliar sender but who appears to be from a known sponsor or contractor). Personnel are also trained on how to respond to such suspicious email or web communications (e.g., not opening attachments, not clicking on embedded web links, and checking the source of email addresses). For this process to work effectively, all organizational personnel are trained and made aware of what constitutes suspicious communications. Training personnel on how to recognize anomalous behaviors in organizational information systems can potentially provide early warning for the presence of malicious code. Recognition of such anomalous behavior by organizational personnel can supplement automated malicious code detection and protection tools and systems employed by organizations.

The organization provides training to its personnel on Assignment: organization-defined indicators of malicious code to recognize suspicious communications and anomalous behavior in organizational information systems.