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NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for implementing the seven-step Risk Management Framework as outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-37, guiding organizations through preparing, categorizing, selecting, implementing, assessing, authorizing, and monitoring security controls.

NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation Checklist is an essential tool for organizations seeking to adopt a comprehensive approach to information security risk management. Based on the guidelines provided in NIST Special Publication 800-37, this checklist offers a structured method for implementing the RMF's seven-step process. It guides organizations through the critical stages of preparing, categorizing, selecting, implementing, assessing, authorizing, and monitoring security controls. By utilizing this checklist, organizations can effectively integrate cybersecurity and risk management activities into the system development lifecycle, ensuring a proactive and continuous approach to managing information security risks.

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Industry

Information Technology

Standard

NIST SP 800-37 - Risk Management Framework

Workspaces

IT Infrastructure

Occupations

Chief Information Security Officer
Risk Manager
IT Project Manager
Security Architect
System Owner
1
Is the risk management process compliant with NIST SP 800-37?
2
What is the frequency of security control assessments?
Min: 1
Target: Annually
Max: 12
3
Is the system authorized under the RMF?
4
Provide a summary of the most recent cybersecurity risk assessment.
5
Is the system development lifecycle (SDLC) compliant with established standards?
6
What is the date of the last SDLC review?
7
How many risks were identified during the SDLC?
Min: 0
Target: 0
Max: 100
8
Describe the risk mitigation strategies implemented during the SDLC.
9
Is the continuous monitoring process effective in identifying risks?
10
What is the frequency of monitoring activities conducted?
Min: 1
Target: Monthly
Max: 12
11
List the tools used for continuous monitoring.
12
What is the date of the last monitoring report?
13
Is the information security governance framework aligned with organizational objectives?
14
Summarize the review of existing information security policies and procedures.
15
How many security training sessions have been conducted in the past year?
Min: 0
Target: 4
Max: 100
16
What is the date of the last information security governance review?
17
Is there an incident response plan in place?
18
How many cybersecurity incidents have been responded to in the last year?
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 100
19
Document the lessons learned from the most recent incidents.
20
What is the date of the last incident response drill conducted?

FAQs

This checklist specifically focuses on the implementation of the Risk Management Framework, providing a step-by-step approach to integrating risk management processes throughout the system development lifecycle, rather than focusing solely on specific security controls or compliance requirements.

By guiding organizations through a comprehensive risk management process, the checklist helps in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks systematically. This proactive approach enhances an organization's ability to respond to and recover from security incidents, thus improving overall resilience.

Key stakeholders include Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), IT managers, system owners, security architects, risk managers, and authorizing officials. The checklist requires collaboration across various organizational levels and departments.

The RMF Implementation Checklist complements other NIST frameworks by providing a process-oriented approach to risk management. It can be used in conjunction with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and specific control catalogs like NIST 800-53 to create a comprehensive cybersecurity program.

Organizations should conduct a full review of their RMF implementation annually. However, certain steps of the RMF, particularly those related to continuous monitoring, should be ongoing processes with more frequent assessments and updates.

Benefits of NIST 800-37 Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation Checklist

Ensures systematic implementation of the NIST Risk Management Framework

Facilitates integration of security and risk management into organizational processes

Supports continuous monitoring and improvement of security posture

Enhances decision-making for system authorization and risk acceptance

Promotes a consistent and repeatable approach to risk management across the organization