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There are four different levels for which information systems can be certified and accredited.The four levels are known simply as Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4.The information system owner is supposed to decide at what level to certify the information system, and then obtain buy-in on that level from the authorizing official.The ISSO and C&A prearation team should assist the information system owner in determining the proper level at which to certify and accredit the information system.
Level 1 is for information systems that are not sensitive, and have few security requirements.
Level 2 is for information systems that are somewhat sensitive, and have some Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability requirements.
Level 3 is for systems with sensitive information that have significant Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability requirements.
Level 4 is for extremely sensitive information systems that have the highest requirements for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.
Most information systems will fall into the category of Level 2 or 3. Deciding at which level to certify and accredit your information systems—2 or 3—can be somewhat thoughtprovoking.
Level 1
A Level 1 C&A requires a minimal security review. A Level 1 Certification Package requires only a Security Plan, an Asset Inventory, and a completed
Security Self-Assessment. Additionaly, security policies must be clearly defined. A sample self-assessment can be found in Appendix D. Some agencies may have different requirements for a Level 1 and you should of course always follow the existing agency guidelines.
Information systems that typically may require a Level 1 C&A are systems that:
■ Publish general public information
■ Deliver courseware and training programs
■ Publish information on product information
■ Publish information on workplace policies
■ Publish forms, maps, or charts that are nonsensitive
Level 2
A Level 2 C&A requires a basic review and analysis of the security of the information system. A Level 2 C&A requires everything included in a Level 1, plus a full set of C&A documents, and a Security Test & Evaluation (ST&E), (but not test results). Security policies must be clearly defined and implemented. If an agency requires something different than what I recommend here, you should defer to the agency recommendations.
Information systems that typically may require a Level 2 C&A are information systems that:
■ Are used for contracts, proposals, and legal proceedings
■ Are used for Capital budget applications
■ Serve office applications
■ Operate benefits management applications
■ Manage supply chain management transactions
Level 3
A Level 3 C&A requires a detailed review and analysis of the security of the information system. A Level 3 C&A requires everything that is required in a Level 1 and 2 C&A, plus a network vulnerability scan, as well as tests that show that have been correctly implemented security policies. Some agencies may have different requirements for a Level 3 and you should always use the agency guidelines and follow the recommendations in their handbook.
Information systems that typically may require a Level 3 C&A are information systems that:
■ Monitor information or physical security
■ Manage operations of financial transactions
■ Operate payroll management applications
■ Transmit intelligence information
■ Communicate information about dangerous substances
Level 4
A Level 4 C&A requires an extensive review and analysis of the security of the information system. All items required for Levels 1, 2, and 3 are required for a Level 4, plus a penetration test, and confirmation that all security tests were passed. Some agencies may have different requirements for a Level 4 and just as with a Level 1, 2, or 3, you should always defer to the agency guidance.
Information systems that typically may require a Level 4 C&A are information systems that:
■ Operate and monitor nuclear power plants
■ Make decisions on where to drop a bomb
■ Monitor a patient during surgery
■ Operate and monitor a large dam
■ Manage and operate mass transportation facilities
■ Monitor water quality and safety of public drinking water
■ Manage top secret Department of Defense projects
■ Prevent terrorist attacks
■ Perform large monetary transactions
Determining the level of the Certification Package up front is one of the most often-overlooked parts of C&A.There are numerous organizations that don’t perform this step until the entire Certification Package has been developed, which is the absolute wrong way to go about this. One of the reasons for determining the level up front is because the level determines what types of information need to be included in the Certification Package.The Certification Package is evidence that security risks have been understood and mitigated properly.The higher level of Certification that one seeks, the more evidence is required. For example, network vulnerability scanning is required for Level 3 Certification, but not for Level 2. If you are seeking Level 3 Certification, you need to complete a network vulnerability scan and address the resulting risks identified and include this information as part of the Certification Package. | 
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