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MA-4(4)Nonlocal Maintenance | Authentication and Separation of Maintenance Sessions

IL5
IL6

>Control Description

Protect nonlocal maintenance sessions by: (a) Employing organization-defined authenticators that are replay resistant; and (b) Separating the maintenance sessions from other network sessions with the system by either: (1) Physically separated communications paths; or (2) Logically separated communications paths.

>DoD Impact Level Requirements

No specific parameter values or requirements for this impact level.

>Discussion

Communications paths can be logically separated using encryption.

>Assessment Interview Topics

Questions assessors commonly ask

Process & Governance:

  • What formal policies and procedures govern the implementation of MA-4(4) (Authentication And Separation Of Maintenance Sessions)?
  • Who are the designated roles responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring MA-4(4)?
  • How frequently is the MA-4(4) policy reviewed and updated, and what triggers policy changes?
  • What governance structure ensures MA-4(4) requirements are consistently applied across all systems?

Technical Implementation:

  • Describe the specific technical mechanisms or controls used to enforce MA-4(4) requirements.
  • What automated tools, systems, or technologies are deployed to implement MA-4(4)?
  • How is MA-4(4) integrated into your system architecture and overall security posture?
  • What configuration settings, parameters, or technical specifications enforce MA-4(4) requirements?

Evidence & Documentation:

  • What documentation demonstrates the complete implementation of MA-4(4)?
  • What audit logs, records, reports, or monitoring data validate MA-4(4) compliance?
  • Can you provide evidence of periodic reviews, assessments, or testing of MA-4(4) effectiveness?
  • What artifacts would you present during a FedRAMP assessment to demonstrate MA-4(4) compliance?

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