Automated Control Chain Generation for Security Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Certification and Accreditation (C&A) process for information systems is time-consuming and overwhelming for users, especially those with little security experience, as it requires manual selection and implementation of security controls, making it difficult to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes a control chain generation module to select and implement security controls based on guidelines and asset attributes, with a control assessor to monitor compliance, simplifying the process and reducing user burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection and implementation of security controls is performed, then security compliance and risk mitigation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and overwhelming for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating control chains and selecting security controls before the user needs to review them. The control chain generation module pre-processes security requirements, asset inventories, and control selections, presenting finalized control chains to users for approval rather than requiring manual construction from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to input basic asset information and security requirements, then the automated control chain generation module independently performs control selection, validation, and chain construction without requiring extensive user expertise or manual intervention in the complex security control selection process.
2Reliability
If comprehensive security controls are implemented, then asset protection is improved, but system complexity increases for users with little security experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex security control implementation into distinct control chains, each targeting specific security requirements. Users interact with individual control chains rather than overwhelming comprehensive security frameworks, breaking down complexity into manageable, context-specific segments that are easier to understand and implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control chain generation module acts as an intermediary between security requirements and implementation details. It translates complex security control selections into structured control chains with clear relationships between controls, assessments, and evidence requirements, reducing the complexity users must directly manage.
3Ease of operation
If automated control chain generation is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but the need for continuous compliance monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control assessors continuously monitor control chain compliance and provide feedback to the control chain generation module. This automated feedback loop detects compliance changes, triggers re-assessments, and updates control chains as needed, maintaining compliance without increasing user burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous compliance monitoring through automated control assessors that continuously evaluate control effectiveness and compliance status. This continuous automated action maintains security compliance without requiring ongoing manual user intervention, balancing ease of operation with sustained automation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a control chain generation module is configured to receive, from a control database, a security guideline control to be implemented with respect to a hardware asset. The control chain generation module is configured to select, based on requirements to satisfy the security guideline and attributes of the hardware asset, a security implementation control. The control chain generation module is configured to select a control assessor to monitor the compliance of the hardware asset with the security guideline and is configured to define a control chain including the security guideline control, the security implementation control, and the control assessor. The control chain generation module is configured to send an instruction to apply the control chain to the hardware asset such that the control assessor monitors the hardware asset for compliance with the security guideline.