MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FROM: Clay Johnson III
Deputy Director for Management
SUBJECT: Protection of Sensitive Agency Information
In an effort to properly safeguard our information assets while using information technology, it is essential for all departments and agencies to know their baseline of activities.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provided a checklist for protection of remote information. (See attachment) The intent of implementing the checklist is to compensate for the lack of physical security controls when information is removed from, or accessed from outside the agency location. In addition to using the NIST checklist, I am recommending all departments and agencies take the following actions:
1. Encrypt all data on mobile computers/devices which carry agency data unless the data is determined to be non-sensitive, in writing, by your Deputy Secretary or an individual he/she may designate in writing;
2. Allow remote access only with two-factor authentication where one of the factors is provided by a device separate from the computer gaining access;
3. Use a “time-out” function for remote access and mobile devices requiring user re-authentication after 30 minutes inactivity; and
4. Log all computer-readable data extracts from databases holding sensitive information and verify each extract including sensitive data has been erased within 90 days or its use is still required.

Most departments and agencies have these measures already in place. We intend to work with the Inspectors General community to review these items as well as the checklist to ensure we are properly safeguarding the information the American taxpayer has entrusted to us. Please ensure these safeguards have been reviewed and are in place within the next 45 days.
Attachment