NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 · AT-3

Role-based Training

US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) · cited in 7 of our lessons

Explanation

What it asks for. Role-based security and privacy training must be provided to personnel in defined roles before they are authorised to access systems or perform duties, when required by system changes and at a defined frequency afterwards, and updated over time.

In practice. Doing this well means targeted training for administrators, developers, incident responders, privacy staff and executives, matched to the risks of each role. Developers might receive secure coding training, and administrators training on privileged access. Auditors expect role-to-training mappings and completion records. NIS2 also expects management bodies to receive cybersecurity training.

Common gaps. Role-based training is often replaced by the general awareness course for everyone. New staff in privileged roles may start work long before receiving specialist training.

The official text
a. Provide role-based security and privacy training to personnel with the following roles and responsibilities: [Assignment: organization-defined organization-defined roles and responsibilities]: 1. Before authorizing access to the system, information, or performing assigned duties, and [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] thereafter; and 2. When required by system changes; b. Update role-based training content [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] and following [Assignment: organization-defined events] ; and c. Incorporate lessons learned from internal or external security incidents or breaches into role-based training. Discussion: Organizations determine the content of training based on the assigned roles and responsibilities of individuals as well as the security and privacy requirements of organizations and the systems to which personnel have authorized access, including technical training specifically tailored for assigned duties. Roles that may require role-based training include senior leaders or management officials (e.g., head of agency/chief executive officer, chief information officer, senior accountable official for risk management, senior agency information security officer, senior agency official for privacy), system owners; authorizing officials; system security officers; privacy officers; acquisition and procurement officials; enterprise architects; systems engineers; software developers; systems security engineers; privacy engineers; system, network, and database administrators; auditors; personnel conducting configuration management activities; personnel performing verification and validation activities; personnel with access to system-level software; control assessors; personnel with contingency planning and incident response duties; personnel with privacy management responsibilities; and personnel with access to personally identifiable information. Comprehensive role-based training addresses management, operational, and technical roles and responsibilities covering physical, personnel, and technical controls. Role-based training also includes policies, procedures, tools, methods, and artifacts for the security and privacy roles defined. Organizations provide the training necessary for individuals to fulfill their responsibilities related to operations and supply chain risk management within the context of organizational security and privacy programs. Role-based training also applies to contractors who provide services to federal agencies. Types of training include web-based and computer-based training, classroom-style training, and hands-on training (including micro-training). Updating role-based training on a regular basis helps to ensure that the content remains relevant and effective. Events that may precipitate an update to role-based training content include, but are not limited to, assessment or audit findings, security incidents or breaches, or changes in applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.

From NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, a work of the US government in the public domain.

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