Principles: Australian Government Information Security Manual

September Release Australian Government Information Security Manual
2012
PrinciPles
September Release Australian Government Information Security Manual
2012
PrinciPles
Commonwealth of Australia 2012 All material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence. For the avoidance of doubt, this means this licence only applies to material as set out in this document.
The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/deed.en http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode Use of the Coat of Arms The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinets website. www.dpmc.gov.au/guidelines/index.cfm Contact us Inquiries regarding the licence and any use of this document are welcome at: Defence Signals Directorate PO Box 5076 Kingston ACT 2604 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) dsd.assist@defence.gov.au.
foreword
Foreword
Advances in information technology have greatly benefited the conduct of government and commercial business, and have become essential to everyday communication. Information technology is providing greater accessibility, mobility, convenience and, importantly, efficiency and productivity. Australias prosperity is dependent on taking full advantage of the digital revolution and all it offers. But advances in information technology can be a double-edged sword. Australian networks, whether government, commercial or personal, are facing an unprecedented level of intrusion activities. Threats to information can come from a wide range of sources, including individuals, issue motivated groups, organised criminal syndicates and nation states. It is important to know that things can be done to mitigate the security risks presented by this evolving threat environment. DSD supports agencies in embracing the latest technology by providing the information and tools which enable them to minimise the risks involved. Ultimately, technology will change faster than peoples behaviour around it. Helping people make better decisions about new technology will allow us to stay ahead of the curve. The Australian Government Information Security Manual forms an important part of the Governments strategy to enhance its information security capability. The 2012 release of the Manual comprises three complementary documents designed to provide greater accessibility and understanding at all levels of government. This document provides guiding principles and rationale to assist senior decision makers in developing informed risk-based information security policies within their organisations. I encourage you to apply the information security principles described here and to ensure you have effective security governance arrangements in place. Doing so will provide assurance that the information entrusted to you is properly protected.
Ian McKenzie Director Defence Signals Directorate
2012 information security manual | PrinciPles
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Contents
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PrinCiPles | 2012 information seCurity manual
Contents
Contents
Foreword iii
InFormatIon seCurIty: CounterInG tHe tHreat

the threat environment Countering the Cyber threat the australian Government Information security manual DsDs role
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prInCIpLes
Information security risk management roles and responsibilities Industry engagement and outsourcing Information security Documentation system accreditation Information security monitoring Cyber security Incidents physical security personnel security Communications Infrastructure Communications systems and Devices product security media security software security email security access Control Cryptography network security Cross Domain security Working off-site
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12 14 15 16 18 21 23 25 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 47
supportInG InFormatIon
Glossary of terms
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information security: counterinG tHe tHreat

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information security: countering the threat
Information security: Countering the threat

the threat environment
Advances in information and communications technology (ICT) are allowing for greater accessibility, mobility, convenience, efficiency and productivity across almost all aspects of Australian life. Australias national security, economic prosperity and social wellbeing now depend on ICT, and the Internet in particular. The security of sensitive government and commercial information, the security of our digital infrastructure, and public and international confidence in Australia as a safe place to do business online are critical to our future. Because any Internet-connected device or computer system is highly susceptible to malicious cyber activity, our dependence on ICT also brings greater exposure to threats. The threat is not limited to classified systems and information. A wide range of institutions, both public and private, have been subjected to malicious cyber activities.
tools and techniques

The primary cyber threat to Australia is cyber exploitation, a malicious activity to covertly collect information from ICT systems. Cyber attack offensive activity designed to deny, degrade, disrupt or destroy information or ICT systems is also a possible threat to Australia. The vulnerabilities that malicious actors exploit to conduct both cyber exploitation and attack are often the same. Malicious software (malware) is the main tool used to gain unauthorised access to computers, steal information and disrupt or disable networks. Since malware along with instructions and guidance for its use is readily available on the Internet, anyone with intent is able to access the tools and information needed to undertake malicious cyber activity. Examples of malware include trojans programs which seem legitimate but provide malicious actors with a backdoor into systems as well as spyware, a general term for programs that covertly monitor and collect information from a system. Information stolen can be used to craft targeted cyber intrusions, create false identities, or even facilitate access into more valuable commercial or government systems.11
A new piece of malware is created every 1.5 seconds.1
Any computer compromised by malware can potentially be invisibly conscripted into networks of compromised Internet-connected computers, known as botnets, to send spam, steal information, distribute malware and conduct attacks on a larger scale. 2
DID YOU KNOW?

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2
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 2010-2011, the number of mass, indiscriminate email-based attacks declined by more than half, but highly-personalised targeted attacks tripled. Cost-benefit decision-making is driving this trend, as although targeted attacks are estimated to cost five times more than mass attacks, the average value per victim can be forty times higher.2
Trend Micro, Trend Micro Annual Report: The Future of Threats and Threat Technologies, 2009. CISCO White Paper, Email Attacks: This Time its Personal, 2011.
PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual
A commonly used technique to spread malware is social engineering, in which malicious emails are tailored to entice the reader to open them. Unaware users may be tempted to open malicious email attachments or follow embedded links to malicious websites either action could lead to a compromise. These campaigns are becoming increasingly tailored and credible. Malicious emails often appear to be from someone the reader knows, such as their employer, colleague or friend. Some even have convincing-looking commercial logos and signatures and target a specific personal interest or a subject matter relevant to their work. Some malicious websites can be equally convincing. They can masquerade as a legitimate site used by an individual, such as their personal banking website, in order to mislead them into revealing personal information.
actors
The Defence Signals Directorate (DSD), through the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC), communicates key assessments to government regarding the actors and trends observed in the Australian cyber threat environment.
users
Cyber exploitation and cyber crime are unintentionally enabled by everyday users at home, at work or on mobile computing devices. Many users still assume that responsibility for information security rests with the organisations with which they interact, such as banks and online retailers. However, even the best technical security measures can be defeated by inappropriate user behaviour. Some users, in particular individuals and small businesses, are more vulnerable due to a general lack of awareness of cyber threats and relatively low resources devoted to information security. Users are targets in themselves for cyber crimes such as fraud and identity theft. When compromised, users In 2010, 88% of Fortune can also become unintentional enablers of malicious 500 companies had botnet cyber activity. The increasingly interconnected nature activity connected to their of our private, public and work ICT means that Internet domains, and 60% malware accidentally downloaded on one system can had business email addresses quickly lead to the infection of other devices across compromised by malware.3 different environments. Inadvertently visiting the wrong website or opening the wrong email attachment can have wider consequences, including the conscription of the device into a botnet which can then be used to facilitate large-scale cyber crime or cyber attacks or establish an access point into a connected personal, commercial or government system.3
DID YOU KNOW?
malicious actors
Australia is an attractive target for cyber exploitation due to its prominent role in the Asia-Pacific region and major international organisations, and its strong diplomatic, defence and intelligence relationship with the United States. Australias wealth, resource industries and niche expertise in some research and development fields also motivate actors to target Australia. Information collected through cyber exploitation could be used to gain a relative economic, diplomatic or political advantage against Australia. It can also be used to bridge a technological gap. By stealing, for instance, intellectual property malicious actors are able to access new technologies while circumventing costly and lengthy research and development programs. Personal information gathered, such as financial or medical records, could also be used to enable malicious activities through techniques such as social engineering.
3 RSA, Cybercrime Trends Report The Current State of Cybercrime and What to Expect in 2011, 2011.
Issue-motivated groups may see value in disrupting systems of national interest as a form of protest or propaganda. Loosely coordinated international hacker groups, such as Anonymous and LulzSec, have gained notoriety and demonstrated their intent and capability to conduct cyber attacks After Wikileaks released a large and data theft against a wide variety of amount of classified US State high-profile targets, including the US Department cables in November Central Intelligence Agency, UK Serious Organised Crime Agency, online gaming 2010, online payment service provider services, and Australian federal and local PayPal terminated WikiLeaks account, government networks. Citing a range of thereby closing its principal method idealistic motivations, such as fighting for receiving financial donations for individual freedoms, government from supporters. Claiming to support transparency and opposing censorship, transparency and counter-censorship, as well as simply for malicious fun, the groups often exploit common and Anonymous organised a Distributed relatively unsophisticated techniques to Denial of Service attack that shut down achieve their aims. For the most part, PayPals website, as well as those for these attacks have been embarrassing Mastercard and Visa. and inconvenient. However, the disclosure of sensitive commercial or government information can threaten national interests, for example through the loss of consumer confidence in Australias digital economy. Cyber criminals are following legitimate businesses online to create new opportunities for profit. The nature of the Internet borderless, anonymous, easily accessible and holding high volumes of financial, commercial and personal information has boosted the incentives for committing cyber crime and allowed its organisation to become more audacious, efficient and effective. A prolific and increasingly professional underground market of malicious cyber tools and services exists on the Internet. This market includes the sale or hire of criminal malware and botnets, guidance, recruitment and trading in stolen information such as credit card details and intellectual property.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reported a loss of around $63 million from cyber crime and scams in 2010.4
Criminals are becoming less content with simple, indiscriminate spam and fraud attempts, and are developing sophisticated, customised malware that targets emerging technologies, social media and mobile computing devices. The last few years have also seen a proliferation of target-specific malware aimed at, for example, particular banks, types of ATMs and financial exchanges..4
DID YOU KNOW?

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Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Targeting Scams Report of the ACCC on scam activity 2010, 2011.
Conclusion
The incentives for, and capability to conduct, malicious activity in cyberspace will be enhanced by a combination of observed trends. Motivation is increasing. Australias increasing reliance on the Internet is leading to more high-value information being stored and communicated on Australian government and commercial networks. This is boosting the incentive to undertake cyber crime or exploitation for direct monetary profit or indirect economic and political advantage. Capability is easier to acquire. Acquiring a cyber capability is becoming easier with increasingly sophisticated tools, information, and guidance readily available online.
There was a 46% surge in malicious software targeting mobile devices between late 2009 and late 2010.5
DID YOU KNOW?
New technologies will generate new vulnerabilities. The proliferation of new technologies will increase the number of potential vulnerabilities. Of note, the growth in cloud computing and expanding use of mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablet computers, will generate more platforms with distinct software, settings and applications and more users to exploit. The spectrum of malicious actors is expanding. The ease of acquiring a cyber capability coupled with the potential high gains whether financial, economic, diplomatic or political is enticing more actors into malicious cyber activity.5
McAfee Labs, McAfee Threats Report: First Quarter 2011, 2011.
Countering the Cyber threat

Malicious cyber activity will continue to challenge Australias national security, economic prosperity and social wellbeing. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and targeted, cyber security incidents can have significant and direct impacts on organisations. However, properly assessing the security risks specific to your organisation can help to minimise your vulnerability to cyber threats.
Questions senior management need to Consider

Are you confident that your networks are not currently compromised? Is the security culture of your organisation a strength or a weakness? Here are five questions you should discuss with your information security team to review your organisations security measures. What would a serious cyber security incident cost our organisation? Good information security is like an insurance policy. Good security can avoid direct costs of cleanup and also indirect costs such as downtime, lost productivity and loss of reputation and confidence in your organisation. If customer records, financial data or intellectual property were stolen, could you quickly and accurately determine what was lost? What if you had to take a system offline to conduct a forensic or legal investigation? Who would benefit from having access to our information? Your information is valuable. There are many state and non-state actors who would benefit from having access to your agencys information. Identify critical information, the confidentiality, integrity and the availability of which is essential to the ongoing function of your organisation. It is important to consider the aggregated value of your information, not only the value of individual records. Every organisation faces different threats and security risks, and needs to deal with them in different ways. What makes us secure against threats? Security is an ongoing process, not a product. As cyber intrusions become more sophisticated and targeted, so do information security techniques and processes. To secure your organisation against threats, make sure appropriate security governance, clearly defined policy, user education and third party assessments are in place, as they are all vital parts of information security. There is no silver bullet for information security and security products alone are not a solution. Is the behaviour of my staff enabling a strong security culture? Staff education is key. It only takes one malicious email attachment to be opened or one malicious website to be accessed to potentially compromise your whole business. Effectively trained staff enable a strong security culture. Responsibility for information is shared amongst all members of your organisation, so all staff should be aware of the threat to reduce the security risk of valued information being stolen. Are we ready to respond to a cyber security incident? Will a compromise affect your continuity? Sadly, many organisations generally do not take information security seriously until they have been compromised. Your systems could be taken offline by an attack, for example through a Denial of Service attack (an attempt to flood networks with unwanted traffic to disrupt or degrade services), affecting the availability and resilience of your network. Having access to current threat information, including the likelihood and consequences, will enable informed risk assessments. Most organisations conduct fire drills perhaps its also time to test your resilience against a serious cyber security incident.
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the australian Government Information security manual

The Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM), issued by DSD, is the Governments flagship product designed to assist Australian government agencies in applying a risk-based approach to protecting their information and ICT systems. This manual supports the guiding principles and strategic priorities outlined in the Australian Government Cyber Security Strategy by providing detailed information about the cyber security threat, as well as assisting agencies in determining appropriate controls to protect their information and systems. While there are other standards and guidelines designed to protect information systems, the advice in the ISM is specifically based on activity observed by DSD on Australian government networks.
Format
The ISM is comprised of a high level principles based document and a detailed Controls Manual, further complemented by an Executive Companion. This format is designed to be more accessible to a wider audience across all levels of government to improve awareness of information security issues. This product suite targets different areas of your agency to ensure that key decision makers across government are made aware of and involved in countering threats to their information and ICT systems. These products are designed to complement each other and provide agencies with the necessary information to conduct informed risk-based decisions based on their own business requirements, specific circumstances and risk appetite.
Information Security Manual
Executive Companion Information Security Principles Information Security Controls Device Speci c Guides Supporting Products Australian Communication Security Instructions
The Executive Companion is targeted towards the most senior executives in each agency, such as Deputy Secretaries, Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers, and comprises broader strategic messaging about key information security issues. The Principles document is aimed at Security Executives, Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Information Officers and senior decision makers across government and focuses on providing agencies with a better understanding of the cyber threat environment and rationale to assist agencies in developing informed information security policies within their organisations. The Controls Manual is aimed at IT Security Advisors, IT Security Managers and security practitioners across government. This manual provides a set of detailed controls that, when implemented, will help agencies adhere to the higher level principles document. DSD produces information security policies and guidance in addition to this manual, such as Australian Communications Security Instructions (ACSI), consumer guides, hardening guides and Protect publications.
Compliance
The ISM provides agencies with a set of detailed controls that can be implemented to mitigate risks to their information and systems. Agencies are encouraged to make informed, risk-based decisions specific to their unique environments, circumstances and risk appetite. There are two categories of compliance associated with the controls in the ISM must and should. These compliance requirements are determined according to the degree of security risk an agency will be accepting by not implementing the associated control. While the majority of ISM controls can be risk managed within an agency, the compliance requirements provide an indication of the appropriate level within your agency where any residual risks must be accepted in order to grant non-compliance. Non-compliance with must and must not controls are likely to represent a high risk to agency information and systems. Therefore, the agency head is required to consider the justification for non-compliance and accept the associated risks. It is important to note that non-compliance for some controls with a must compliance requirement relating to the use of cryptographic material can only be granted by the Director DSD. These controls are marked accordingly in the ISM. Non-compliance with should and should not controls are likely to represent a medium-to-low risk to agency information and systems. Therefore, the accreditation authority (a senior executive delegated to accept risks to information systems on behalf of an agency) can consider the justification for non-compliance and accept the associated risks. DSD information security policies and guidance produced in addition to this manual may address deviceand scenario-specific security risks to government information and systems. Not all ISM requirements can be implemented on all devices or in all environments. Where stipulated, these take precedence over the platform non-specific advice in this manual.
DsDs role
What DsD can do for you
As directed by the Intelligence Services Act 2001, DSD provides foreign signals intelligence as well as advice and assistance on matters relating to the security and integrity of electronic information. These twin missions complement each other, with the skillsets and capabilities required to be an expert at one being precisely those required to master the other. It is the same reasoning why Australias signals intelligence and information security functions were co-located in the Defence Signals Bureau the forerunner of DSD more than 60 years ago. While communications technology has changed fundamentally since that time, the integral link between the two missions remains unchanged. DSD understands the vulnerabilities in communications networks it exploits them in foreign networks and so it is best placed to defend them in Australian government networks. As the Commonwealth authority on information security, and informed by its signals intelligence expertise and capabilities, DSD can provide agencies with advice and assistance as well as further information on the cyber threat. DSD conducts a number of workshops and forums with IT Security Advisors throughout the year to facilitate open discussion on countering the cyber threat. These discussions focus on the challenges faced by Australian government agencies in protecting their information and systems. The CSOC, located in DSD, provides coordinated operational responses to cyber security incidents of national importance. The CSOC is a resource designed to serve all government agencies and has embedded representation from the Australian Defence Force, Defence Intelligence Organisation, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Australian Federal Police and CERT Australia.
What you can do for DsD

Successfully protecting Australian networks from an increasingly sophisticated and persistent cyber threat requires strong collaboration. While DSD can provide technical advice and assistance, we can not tackle this challenge alone. Reporting of cyber security incidents provides DSD with greater visibility of the threat environment and assists in the prevention of cyber intrusions on Australian government networks. While the information in the ISM is extensive, it represents advice at a point in time as technology and the threat environment continue to evolve. Please keep us informed on how we can continue to provide tailored advice that best meets the needs and requirements of your agency. DSD will focus on providing advice according to where it is most needed.
Contact
For all urgent and operational enquiries: Phone 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) and select 1 at any time. Fill out a cyber security incident report form on the OnSecure website (www.onsecure.gov.au). For all non-urgent and general enquiries: Phone 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) and select 2 at any time. Use the Advice and Assistance form on the OnSecure website. Australian Government-sponsored customers who do not have one should apply for an OnSecure account. Email: dsd.assist@defence.gov.au Fax: (02) 6265 0760.
PrinciPles
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PrinciPles: information security risk manaGement
principles
Information security risk management
rationale
Risk management is the process of identifying risk, assessing risk, and taking steps to reduce risk to an acceptable level. The ISM is designed as a tool to assist Australian government agencies to risk-manage the protection of their information and systems. It represents best practice in mitigating or minimising the threat to Australian government systems. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to information security. Taking a risk management approach to information security provides agencies with the flexibility to allow for differences in their environment when making security decisions. Agencies will have different security requirements, business needs and risk appetites from one another. It may not be possible or appropriate for an agency to implement all security controls included in the Controls Manual. Information security risk management requires agencies to understand the security risks they face, to make informed decisions when using technology. Understanding the risk environment specific to your agency will also enable greater flexibility and adaptability in responding to changes to that environment as the threat landscape evolves.
scope
This chapter describes the expectations on Australian government agencies in taking a risk management approach to information security.
principles
1. Requirement to Adopt a Risk Management Approach Provide accountable authorities with a holistic understanding of their security posture by incorporating information security into an agencys broader risk management practices. It is a mandatory requirement of the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework that agencies adopt a risk management approach to cover all areas of protective security across their organisation. Since an agencys risk owner (the agency head and/or accreditation authority) is accountable for an information or cyber security incident, it is important they are made aware of any residual risks to agency information and systems through a formal approval process. Information security should therefore be incorporated into an agencys broader risk management practices. 2. Information Security Risk Management Process Implement a risk management approach to information security by identifying, analysing, evaluating and, where appropriate, treating security risks to information and systems. Risk management allows agencies to balance the operational and economic costs of information security measures with the need to protect the information and systems that support their organisational functions. The process of identifying, analysing and evaluating information security risks can help agencies select security controls suitable for their unique business environments. Risks deemed unacceptable are treated by implementing appropriate security measures. Risks deemed acceptable, as well as any residual security risks, are formally accepted by an appropriate authority.
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PrinciPles: information security risk manaGement
The ISM communicates potential information security risks faced by Australian government agencies. It can assist agencies in understanding the consequences of non compliance with advised security controls and whether such non-compliance presents an acceptable level of risk. The ISM Controls Manual provides guidance on appropriate risk mitigation strategies. As a whole-of-government policy document, the advice in the ISM is necessarily device and agency nonspecific. Not all ISM requirements can be implemented on all devices or in all environments. In these cases, device-specific advice issued by DSD may take precedence over the advice in the ISM. Agencies should familiarise themselves with other documentation suites issued by DSD. Relevant documentation is referenced in each section of the ISM Controls Manual.
references
Further information on risk management and protective security requirements can be found in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework, available at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au. For further guidance please refer to the Australian Standard for Risk Management AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009, the Australian Standards HB 167:2006 Security risk management and HB 327:2010 Communicating and consulting about risk. The Protective Security Training Centre, managed by the Attorney-Generals Department, provides formal training opportunities on the subject of security risk management: www.ag.gov.au/Securitytraining/Pages/default.aspx.
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PrinciPles: roles and resPonsibilities
roles and responsibilities

rationale
Managing information security at the senior executive level provides agencies with strategic-level guidance that ensures compliance with national policy, standards, regulation and legislation. Further, senior support best ensures an agencys ability to restore business-critical services to an operational state in the event of a disaster. The leadership of a Chief
DID YOU KNOW?
Information Security Officer or equivalent position can substantially reduce the overall cost of data breaches.6
Duties should be assigned to individuals with an appropriate level of authority, access to information and resources, technical expertise and time to dedicate to meeting these responsibilities. Agencies should also ensure there is sufficient separation of duties to provide quality assurance and avoid any actual or perceived conflict of interest. 6
scope
This chapter describes roles and responsibilities concerning information security.
principles
1. Visibility Provide personnel, including decision makers, with sufficient information to perform their duties by adopting a robust and effective governance framework. An effective information security governance framework will provide decision makers with a current, accurate and holistic understanding of the threat environment, enabling them to make informed risk-based decisions in relation to information security. It is also important to ensure that this information is passed to system owners and stakeholders and that it is considered during accreditation activities. 2. Accountability Ensure duties are undertaken at an appropriate level and conducted accountably by adopting a governance framework with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. A strong governance framework will promote accountability and ensure that all duties are appointed to individuals with an appropriate level of authority. 3. Probity Reduce the likelihood of an actual or perceived conflict of interest by maintaining clear separation of duties. The separation of duties can prevent an actual or perceived conflict of interest. For instance, there can be a conflict of interest in a system owner assessing the security of their own system.
references
Nil.
Ponemon Institute, 2009 Annual Study: Cost of a Data Breach Understanding Financial Impact, Customer Turnover and Preventative Solutions, 2010. PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual
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PrinciPles: industry enGaGement and outsourcinG
Industry engagement and outsourcing

rationale
Outsourcing can be a cost-effective option for providing information technology services and functions in an agency, as well as potentially delivering a superior service. However, it can also affect an agencys risk profile and control over its threat environment. Storing data in multiple disparate locations and allowing more people to access agency information can significantly increase the potential for network infection and information loss or compromise.
In 2011, 41% of data breaches were caused by a third party, namely outsourcers, cloud providers or business partners that handled or accessed the organisation's information.7
Cloud computing abstracted, scalable ICT infrastructure that can be leased to customers on a pay as you go basis will be one of the most significant shifts in ICT in the next decade. Circumventing the need for infrastructure management has clear financial and operational benefits for agencies. However, due to the Internet-connected nature of cloud computing, any data stored on this type of network is vulnerable to malicious cyber activity. Moreover, the physical data storage location and the people responsible will not necessarily be known to the customer. This diminishes customer control over threat mitigation and response and increases the threat from malicious insiders.7
DID YOU KNOW?
scope
This chapter provides information on outsourcing information technology services and functions to industry, as well as providing them with access to information in order to undertake their duties.
principles
1. Industry Engagement and Outsourcing Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information by ensuring agency approved security measures are implemented by service providers handling agency information, and that sensitive or classified information remains within Australian borders at all times. Ensuring that service provider systems are located in Australia and are accredited to the same minimum standard as the sponsoring agencys systems provides assurance that sensitive or classified information is receiving an appropriate level of protection. The risk of a malicious actor accessing agency information greatly increases if the information is stored or transmitted outside Australian borders.
references
Additional information regarding cloud computing security considerations can be found on the DSD website at www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/cloudsecurity.htm. The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) is the lead agency for whole-ofgovernment policy on cloud computing. Relevant documentation can be found at www.finance.gov.au/egovernment/strategy-and-governance/cloud-computing.html Better practice guidance developed by the Attorney-Generals Department can be found in Security of Outsourced Services and Functions at www.protective security.gov.au.
7 Ponemon Institute, Cost of a Data Breach Study, 2012. 2012 information security manual | PrinciPles
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PrinciPles: information security documentation
Information security Documentation

rationale
Documentation is vital to any information security regime, as it supports the accurate and consistent application of policy and procedures within an agency. Documentation also provides increased accountability and a standard against which compliance can be measured. The following suite of documents forms the Information Security Management Framework, as mandated in the Australian Government Information Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework: 1. Information security policy. To set the strategic direction for an agencys information security and allow management to communicate its goals and expectations. 2. Security risk management plan. To identify security risks and appropriate mitigation measures for systems and determine a risk tolerance threshold, ensuring risks are able to be managed in a coordinated and consistent manner across an agency. 3. System security plan. To ensure specific security measures for the implementation and operation of a specific system are adequately communicated and considered. 4. Standard operating procedures. To assist personnel to follow security procedures in an appropriate and uniform manner, with a minimum level of confusion. 5. Incident response plan. To communicate what actions to take in response to a cyber security incident, with sufficient flexibility, scope and detail to address the majority of incidents which could arise. 6. Emergency procedures. To ensure information and systems are properly secured before personnel evacuate a facility, as emergency situations can be exploited as an opportunity for a malicious actor to gain access to systems. 7. Business continuity and disaster recovery plans. To help maintain security in the face of unexpected events and changes by ensuring critical functions continue to operate when a system is working in a degraded state or reducing the time between when a disaster occurs and critical functions being restored.
Three out of four companies across ten countries including Australia have security policies in place. However, 40% of employees and 20% of IT professionals did not know that the security policies existed.8
To avoid confusion and ensure information security policy and procedures are properly applied, it is essential that all documents work in concert with, and not contradict, each other. Clear and logical wording will ensure the documents are easy to use and, consequently, effective.
The cyber threat environment is dynamic - so too are agency business requirements. If an agency fails to keep its information security documentation current through regular reviews to reflect the changing environment, their security measures and processes may cease to be effective. In that situation, resources could be devoted to areas that have reduced effectiveness, or are no longer relevant.
8
DID YOU KNOW?

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CISCO, Annual Security Report, 2008.
PrinciPles: information security documentation
scope
This chapter describes the development of information security documentation for systems.
principles
1. Information Security Documentation Apply agency policy and procedures consistently and accountably by adopting a comprehensive suite of information security documentation, which is regularly reviewed and tailored to specific systems and user roles. An appropriate and interconnected suite of information security documentation assists in the proper, consistent and accountable application of policy and procedures within an agency. Agencies need to communicate new or altered policies and procedures to stakeholders to ensure they are properly implemented.
references
Information on the development of security risk management plans can be found in the Information Security Risk Management Guidelines available from Standards Australia at www.standards.org.au. Information relating to the Information Security Management Framework is contained in the Australian Government Information Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework, which can be found at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au.
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PrinciPles: system accreditation
system accreditation
rationale
Accreditation is the process by which an appropriate authority formally recognises and accepts that residual risks on a system are appropriate for the classification of the information that it processes, stores or communicates. Agencies must accredit all systems before they can be put into operation. Accreditation provides agencies with assurance that either sufficient security measures have been put in place on their systems or deficiencies in such measures have been accepted by an appropriate authority. The following diagram shows, at a high level, the process of accreditation: system owner Requests accreditation Requests reaccreditation Requests certification Requests audit Conducts first stage audit Implements controls Conducts second stage audit Assess audit report and residual risk Awards certification Assesses certification report Assesses residual risk and other factors Awards accreditation Operates system accreditation authority Certification Authority assessor
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The accreditation process does not only apply to new systems. It is important that systems are reaccredited as the information technology and cyber threat environment continue to evolve. Performing regular accreditation facilitates understanding of a current system's security environment and provides assurance that information systems are of a standard that meet the agencys security requirements. Once a system has been accredited, conducting continual monitoring activities will assist in assessing changes to its environment and operation to determine the implications for the risk profile and accreditation status of the system. When accrediting a system, it is also important to remain aware of legislative and policy requirements if a system is connecting to another party. Agencies should ensure they are aware of the security measures the other party has implemented to protect their information, and accept any risks associated with connecting to such systems. Further, it is vital that Australian citizens maintain control of systems that process, store and communicate Australian Eyes Only (AUSTEO) and Australian Government Access Only (AGAO) information.
scope
This chapter describes the accreditation framework for systems and agencies responsibilities.
principles
1. Accreditation Framework Ensure that an appropriate level of security is being applied to agency systems, and that any residual risks have been accepted, by adopting a robust accreditation framework. An appropriate accreditation framework will comprise clear lines of accountability and a segregation of roles and responsibilities to provide agencies with an impartial mechanism to assess the security of their systems. 2. Conducting Audits Certify agency systems under the accreditation framework by conducting impartial audits. The aim of an audit is to review the system architecture (including the information security documentation) and assess the actual implementation, appropriateness and effectiveness of controls for a system. Audits are typically undertaken by information security (InfoSec)-registered assessors. The outcome of an audit is a report to the certification authority describing areas of compliance and non-compliance for a system and any suggested remediation actions. The compliance report helps the certification authority assess the residual risk relating to the operation of a system following the audit and any remediation activities the system owner may have undertaken. 3. Conducting Certifications Independently verify the integrity and accept the outcome of an audit by certifying a system as part of the accreditation framework. Certification provides the accreditation authority with information on the security posture of a system. This allows the accreditation authority to make an informed decision on whether the residual risk of allowing the system to operate is acceptable. The certification authority is typically the officer responsible for overseeing information technology security management across the agency. However, DSD acts as the certification authority in the case of TOP SECRET systems.
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Certification for a system will be awarded once a certification authority is satisfied that the system has been appropriately audited and the controls identified by the system owner have been implemented and are operating effectively. The certification authority can then make a recommendation to the accreditation authority on whether to award accreditation or not based on an assessment of the residual risk relating to the operation of the system. 4. Conducting Accreditations Accept that the residual security risks on an agency system are appropriate for the information it processes, stores or communicates by accrediting the system before being put into operation. Accreditation of a system ensures that either sufficient security measures have been put in place or that deficiencies in such measures have been accepted by an appropriate authority. An accreditation authority awards approval to operate the system and is typically the agency head or at least a senior executive who has an appropriate level of understanding of the risks they are accepting on behalf of the agency. The exception is for TOP SECRET systems, for which DSD is the accreditation authority.
references
Policy and Procedures for the InfoSec-Registered Assessor Program contains a definition of the range of activities information security-registered assessors are authorised to perform. It can be obtained from DSDs website at www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/irap.htm.
20
PrinciPles: information security monitorinG
Information security monitoring

rationale
Information security is a continual process, one that extends beyond ensuring that a system is secure at the time of deployment. Vulnerabilities can be introduced into a system through poor design, planning, implementation, change management or maintenance, as well as through changes in technology or attack vectors. Unmitigated vulnerabilities provide the means for a malicious actor to compromise systems and information. Information security monitoring practices can help ensure that new vulnerabilities are addressed and security is maintained through unforeseen events and changes, whether internal to the system or in the systems operating environment. Such practices allow agencies to be proactive in identifying, prioritising and responding to risks. Measures to monitor and manage vulnerabilities in, and changes to, a system can provide an agency with valuable information about its level of exposure to threats, as well as assisting agencies in keeping up to date with industry and product advances.
During a 2011 information systems audit, 14 out of 15 Western Australian government agencies failed to detect, prevent or respond to suspicious scans of their Internet sites seeking to identify security weaknesses.9
DID YOU KNOW?
scope
This chapter describes the importance of vulnerability management activities and robust change management processes.
principles
1. Vulnerability Management Maintain the security posture of systems by implementing appropriate vulnerability management practices. Vulnerability management activities, such as regular vulnerability assessments, analysis and mitigation, assist in maintaining system security as threat environments change over time. Vulnerability assessments allow agencies to identify security weaknesses caused by misconfigurations, bugs or flaws. Once a vulnerability is detected, an agency is able to determine a way forward through vulnerability analysis, assessing the vulnerabilitys potential impact and available mitigation strategies. Vulnerability mitigation is the process of applying the chosen mitigations in an effective and timely manner in order to eliminate or minimise the risk.9
Auditor General of Western Australia, Information Systems Audit Report (Report 4), June 2011.
21
PrinciPles: information security monitorinG
2. Change Management Ensure an agencys approved security risk threshold is maintained when implementing system changes by applying appropriate change management processes. Implementing changes to a system can impact upon its overall risk. A sound change management process ensures changes are made in an accountable manner with due consideration and with appropriate approval. It also provides agencies with the opportunity to, if necessary, initiate a reaccreditation process or apply vulnerability management practices, minimising the risk of system security degrading over time.
references
Nil.
22
PrinciPles: cyber security incidents
Cyber security Incidents

rationale
Cyber security incidents have the potential to cause significant damage to agency business functions or to the broader government and can result in financial loss, loss of customer confidence and negatively impact the reputation of an agency or government.
The development of a robust cyber security incident management and response plan positions an agency to detect threats and respond swiftly and appropriately in the event of a cyber security incident. Having sound and up to date knowledge of the affected system will enable an agency to quickly identify the cause and extent of the incident and restore the system to an operational and secure state as soon as possible.10 Additionally, actively monitoring the cyber security threat environment and actioning advice provided by DSD will assist in evolving agency understanding of the cyber threat and help inform agency incident response planning. Users of an agency network should be considered an important and integrated element of any agencys cyber security detection and response. Many potential cyber security incidents are noticed by users before security staff are alerted by technical measures. For this to happen, users must receive training on information security, including how to recognise and respond to potential cyber incidents, and be provided with a process to report any observed or suspected security incidents. In addition, users need to be aware of how to respond to incidents in an appropriate manner. This can assist an agency in recording all cyber security incidents particularly those which a security manager or system owner fail to notice as 85% of data breaches in well as ensuring that any digital evidence relating to 2011 took weeks or more to an incident is managed so that it remains accessible discover. In fact, over half of and usable for as long as it is needed. This includes the breaches took months to ensuring that metadata about the digital records, discover.11 who used them, and how they were used is retained.
19 Australian companies in a 2010 study lost between 3,200 and 65,000 individual records from data breach incidents, with an average organisation cost per breach of $2 million.10
DID YOU KNOW?
DID YOU KNOW?
Agencies can lessen the impact, and the immediate and long term response costs, of a cyber security incident by investing in effective measures to detect, prevent, report and manage cyber security incidents. Such measures can help identify gaps in information security policies and procedures, and assist in the development of additional measures required to prevent future incidents occurring.
scope
This chapter describes the detection, reporting and management of cyber security incidents.
11
10 Ponemon Institute, 2010 Annual Study: Australian Cost of a Data Breach, 2011. 11 Verizon, 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report, 2012
23
PrinciPles: cyber security incidents
principles
1. Detection Reduce the impact and time taken to resolve cyber security incidents by implementing proper procedures and appropriately configured technical measures. Early cyber security incident detection allows for early response and resolution. Detection tools and procedures work to mitigate the most common methods of attack used to exploit systems. Measures for detecting cyber security incidents include intrusion detection strategies, malicious code countermeasures, audit analysis and system integrity checking. However, automated tools are only as good as the analysis they provide. If tools are not adequately configured to assess potential security risks then it will not be evident when a weakness emerges. Additionally, regular updates to detection tools to include new known vulnerabilities will help avoid a degradation in their effectiveness over time. 2. Reporting Maintain an up to date and accurate understanding of the cyber threat environment specific to your network and contribute to the overall cyber threat picture by implementing internal and external cyber reporting procedures. Robust measures for reporting cyber security incidents can provide management with a means to assess the overall damage to a system and to take remedial action, including seeking advice from DSD if necessary. The DSD-established Cyber Security Incident Reporting Scheme assists in maintaining an accurate threat environment picture for systems across government. DSD uses cyber security incident reports as the basis for recognising trends, identifying and responding to incidents, and for developing new policies, procedures, techniques and training to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents across government. Reporting cyber security incidents to DSD through the appropriate channels ensures proper and timely assistance can be provided. Reporting any cyber security incident involving the loss or misuse of cryptographic keying material is critical, as system users rely on this technology for the confidentiality and integrity of their secure communications. 3. Management Enable necessary information to be retained to resolve current, or mitigate future, cyber security incidents by implementing appropriate management procedures. Proper management of cyber security incidents such as recording incidents, designating responsibilities, handling and containing data spills and malicious code infections, and securing the integrity of evidence can help resolve current and prevent future occurrences. Recording cyber security incidents can highlight the nature and frequency of incidents, to assist in taking corrective action and informing future risk assessments for systems. Using the information gained during an incident can better prepare an agency for handling future incidents and provide stronger protection for systems and information. Maintaining the integrity evidence such as logs, audit trails and other detection tool outputs after an incident ensures better assistance can be provided. Protecting digital evidence is not only important for investigations leading to criminal prosecution, but is vital to DSD when responding to and investigating cyber security incidents. Moreover, agencies are required under the Archives Act 1983 to retain records such as event logs and audit trails for specific minimum periods.
references
Further information on minimum retention periods for Commonwealth records is provided in the National Archives of Australias Administrative Functions Disposal Authority, which can be found at www.naa.gov.au/records-management/agency/keep-destroy-transfer/agency-ra/index.aspx.
24
PrinciPles: PHysical security
physical security
rationale
Physical security is fundamental to all security efforts. Without adequate physical security controls, all other information security measures are considerably more difficult, if not impossible, to initiate. Physical security requires that equipment and infrastructure be safeguarded in a way that minimises the risk of resource theft, destruction or tampering, for example by limiting access to areas housing network infrastructure. Physical security can not only assist in preventing malicious damage, but also reduces the risk of accidents and inadvertent errors affecting a system. A single layer of physical security, such as an identification pass that allows building access, is insufficient to mitigate the risk of compromise. A layered approach to physical security works to progressively limit access to systems and infrastructure to authorised personnel only, and prevent a shortfall in one security layer from leading to a wider, more serious failure. This is a practical example of the defence-in-depth concept being applied to the information security space. As an example of a layered approach, an agency could require identification passes for building access as well as targeted swipe access to specific rooms which accommodate lockable containers for storing information or equipment.12
DID YOU KNOW?
30% of IT professionals interviewed in Australia had encountered issues with people having unauthorised physical and network access.12
principles
1. Physical Security for Systems Limit access to facilities, servers, network devices, ICT equipment and media to authorised personnel only by applying appropriate physical security controls in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework. The application of defence-in-depth to the protection of systems is enhanced through the use of successive layers of physical security, designed to limit access to those with the need and appropriate authorisation to access facilities, systems, network infrastructure, ICT equipment and media. Physical security requirements for Australian government systems can be found in the Australian Government Physical Security Core Policy and the Australian Government Physical Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework.
references
Physical security requirements and guidance can be found in the Protective Security Policy Framework available at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au. In addition, the Security Equipment Catalogue, produced by the Security Construction and Equipment Committee (SCEC), provides a list of security products and vendor contact details.
12 CISCO, Data Leakage Worldwide: Common Risks and Mistakes Employees Make, 2008.
25
PrinciPles: Personnel security
personnel security
rationale
Personnel security refers to measures which work to manage the risk of a trusted insider using their legitimate access to an agencys facilities, assets, systems or people for illicit gain or to cause harm, whether intentional or inadvertent. Implementing a personnel security framework assists agencies in identifying any inside threats they could confront, and provides the tools to manage the associated risks. Personnel security is about being educated, informed and proactive. By accessing an agencys information systems, employees are able to identify and understand procedures and vulnerabilities, and know how and when they can be exploited. Legitimate access can be abused or poor access controls can be manipulated to gain unauthorised access. Together with an intent to commit theft, sabotage or to disclose sensitive or classified information, an employee can cause significant damage to an agencys reputation, operations, productivity or finances. Obtaining suitable and trustworthy personnel to operate, maintain and access information systems creates the first line of defence in an agencys security posture. On the other hand, personnel can cause unintentional harm if they are unaware of their security responsibilities and role in protecting an agencys systems and information. If policies are to be successful in preventing the compromise or unauthorised disclosure of information, they need to be adopted and practiced by all agency personnel on a daily basis. For example, social engineering campaigns aim to exploit weaknesses in personal judgment and decision-making to compromise or gain access to an agencys system or information. Fostering a culture of security awareness and responsibility through effective training and awareness programs is vital in ensuring individuals make the security decisions expected of them.13
32% of Australian data breaches in 2010 were caused by employee negligence, representing a 3% increase since 2009.13
DID YOU KNOW?
scope
This chapter describes information security awareness and training for personnel, and the responsibilities of personnel using Internet services. For specific guidance on Personnel Security please refer to the Australian Government Personnel Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework. The protocol provides detailed guidance on personnel security clearances.
principles
1. Information Security Awareness and Training Foster an effective security culture within an agency by providing all personnel with ongoing information security awareness and training, tailored to system user roles and responsibilities.
13 Ponemon Institute, 2010 Annual Study: Australian Cost of a Data Breach, 2011 and Ponemon Institute, 2009 Annual Study: Australian Cost of a Data Breach, 2010.
26
PrinciPles: Personnel security
Fostering an effective security culture through tailored education plays a major role in protecting agency systems and information from attack or compromise. Information security awareness and training programs can educate system users, security practitioners and senior decision-makers on the cyber threat environment, as well as generate support for agency security requirements and familiarise users with their roles and responsibilities. The degree and content of the programs will depend on the objectives of the agency, as well as the classification of the systems involved. 2. Using the Internet Ensure personnel are able to use Internet services in a responsible, accountable and security conscious manner by adopting effective usage policies and controls. Some Internet services, such as public web-based email and peer-to-peer applications, can allow personnel to bypass security measures that agencies have put in place to protect their systems. For example, when personnel receive files via peer-to-peer file-sharing applications, instant messaging or chat, they are often able to evade established security measures for detecting and quarantining malicious code. Also, some peer-to-peer Voice over Internet Protocol applications, such as Skype, use protocols which bypass firewalls, creating a vulnerable access point into the system. Public web-based email can be easily exploited as a backdoor entry route for malware and phishing attempts.
85% of all malicious software - including viruses, worms, spyware, adware and Trojans - comes from the web.14
Agency staff need to be aware that any personal information they post on websites could be used to inform phishing scams, or to develop a detailed profile of their life and hobbies in order to build a trust relationship with them or associates. The relationship could then be used to elicit government information from them or implant malware on systems by inducing them to, for example, open emails or visit websites with malicious content. Even unclassified information that appears to be benign in isolation could, when combined with other information, have a considerable security impact.
Agencies can help to facilitate secure use of the Internet by implementing measures that ensure Internet services and applications available to personnel are appropriately scanned for malicious code and open to inspection by intrusion detection systems.
DID YOU KNOW?
references
For all other guidance on personnel security requirements, please refer to the Australian Government Personnel Security Core Policy and the Australian Government Personnel Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework, which can be found at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au For information on the personnel security threat environment, please refer to The Insider Threat to Business A personnel security handbook, as released by the Attorney-Generals Department. This can be found under the Security heading at www.tisn.gov.au/Pages/Publications-by-topic.aspx. Information on the policy and regulations governing the disclosure and use of government information by personnel can be found in the Managing Official Information section of APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice, located at www.apsc.gov.au/publications-and-media/current-publications/aps-values-and-code-ofconduct-in-practice.
14
14 Sophos, Security Threat Report 2012 Seeing the Threats Through the Hype, 2012.
27
PrinciPles: communications infrastructure
Communications Infrastructure
rationale
With the proliferation of system connections across government, a robust cable management regime can help agencies maintain the integrity and availability of their communications infrastructure and the confidentiality and integrity of their information. Proper cable management can minimise the likelihood of unauthorised personnel inadvertently or deliberately accessing system cabling. Laying cabling in a controlled manner and ensuring it is appropriately labelled, separated and accessible for visual inspection can help detect any covert tampering or access to system cabling that may otherwise result in longterm unauthorised access to corporate information by a malicious actor, or damage to communications infrastructure that could impact the availability of system information. Appropriate cable labelling can also prevent data spills by accidentally connecting one system to another of a lesser classification. Moreover, investment in adequate cabling infrastructure and appropriate cable management practices can result in considerable long term efficiencies over the life of an installation, as technology and system requirements continue to evolve. For instance, initial investment in fibre cable not only protects against unforseen threats, but facilitates communicating information of higher classifications in the future. Implementing accessible and visible cabling infrastructure can significantly reduce expenses resulting from future upgrades, accreditation, fault finding, configuration management and regular inspection for tampering or degradation. Compromising emanations from equipment and cabling provides an opportunity for classified or sensitive information to be intercepted. Some environments such as mobile platforms and deployable assets that process classified information are particularly susceptible, and could be seriously affected if compromised by an emanation security attack. DSD maintains up to date emanation security threat assessments for relevant agencies to use when determining emanation security measures and maintaining the confidentiality and availability of classified systems. Having sound cable infrastructure and installation methodology provides protection in the case that an agencys emanation security threat increases.
scope
This chapter describes the importance of securing communications infrastructure through cable management and emanation security practices.
principles
1. Cable Management Protect sensitive or classified information by applying appropriate cable management practices. Appropriate cable management practices can assist an agency to protect its information by minimising the likelihood of unauthorised personnel inadvertently or deliberately accessing system cabling. 2. Emanation Security Minimise the disclosure of classified or sensitive information from compromising emanations by implementing appropriate countermeasures informed by current DSD emanation security threat assessments.
28
PrinciPles: communications infrastructure
Reducing emanations to an acceptable level minimises the risk that an agencys information will be intercepted and its systems compromised. DSD maintains up to date emanation security threat assessments for relevant agencies to use when determining emanation security measures.
references
Additional information on conducting an emanation security threat assessment is found in the latest version of Australian Communications Security Instruction 71 Guidelines for the Installation of Communication and Information Processing Equipment and Systems. Additional information on cabling and separation standards, as well as the potential dangers of operating radio frequency transmitters near systems is documented in the latest version of Australian Communications Security Instruction 61 A Guide to the Assessment of Electromagnetic Security in Military and High-Risk Environments.
29
PrinciPles: communications systems and devices
Communications systems and Devices

rationale
Communications systems and devices can act as a digital gateway for information coming into and going out of a network, and can facilitate the disclosure of classified or sensitive information, whether inadvertent or intentional. In some cases these devices could provide an access point into the system the device In early 2011, the City of connects to.
York Council in the United Kingdom was penalised by the Information Commissioners Office after papers containing sensitive personal data were mistakenly collected from a shared printer and posted to the wrong person.15
DID YOU KNOW?
Effective governance, including device usage policies and procedures, plays a vital role in minimising the likelihood of data spills by ensuring personnel have sufficient knowledge of the risk to, and methods to protect, classified and sensitive information which is being scanned, copied, printed or communicated. Additionally, properly considering the physical positioning of devices can reduce the potential of unauthorised access and modification. 15
scope
This chapter describes the importance of implementing measures which facilitate the secure use of radio frequency and infrared devices, fax machines, multifunction devices, as well as fixed telephones and the systems they connect to.
principles
1. Radio Frequency and Infrared Devices Reduce the risk of data spills by implementing measures to prevent, detect and respond to the unauthorised or unsecure use of radio frequency and infrared communications devices. Transmissions from radio frequency and infrared devices, for example Bluetooth and wireless keyboards, can pose an emanation security risk if not appropriately secured, positioned or configured. Radio frequency devices are also capable of automatically connecting to systems and becoming unauthorised data storage devices. Moreover, the wireless transfer of information can serve as an illicit entry point for an entire network. Appropriately configuring wireless networks, positioning devices to restrict communications from being transmitted into an unsecured space and using radio frequency shielding on facilities will assist agencies in limiting wireless communications to areas under their control. 2. Fax Machine and Multifunction Devices Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive or classified information by appropriately configuring, and developing a proper usage policy for, fax machines and multifunction devices.
15 United Kingdom Information Commissioners Office, News Release: Council printer mix-up breached data protection laws, 5 April 2011.
30
PrinciPles: communications systems and devices
Fax machines and multifunction devices (MFDs) are capable of communicating classified information across a connected network. These devices can therefore facilitate data spills, for instance by personnel scanning, copying or sending information at a classification higher than that of the network the devices are connected to. Developing an agency policy governing the use of fax machines and MFDs can help prevent actions which can lead to the unauthorised access to, and disclosure of, classified or sensitive information. In addition, when a device is connected to a computer network, it can become a bridge and therefore a potential vector to access information which has been scanned, copied or printed. Properly configuring fax machines and MFDs will assist in preventing malicious or inadvertent data spills. 3. Telephones and Telephone Systems Maintain the confidentiality of classified or sensitive information by developing a usage policy governing, and appropriately configuring, telephones and telephone systems. The improper configuration and use of telephones and telephone systems can expose classified or sensitive information to those not unauthorised to hear it. Telephones pose increased audio, and in the case of video conferencing visual, security risks, and information communicated over unsecure telephone networks is subject to interception. These risks can be reduced by ensuring personnel are aware of their environment and what information they can discuss on particular telephone systems, as well as implementing measures such as encryption and off-hook security for instance, by limiting the time an active microphone is open.
references
For more information relating to wireless communications and connectivity, please refer to the Working Off-Site chapter.
31
PrinciPles: Product security
product security
rationale
ICT security products, by default, do not provide security out-of-the-box and may contain flaws or vulnerabilities which are able to be exploited by a malicious actor. With the proliferation of product choices, it is increasingly difficult for agencies to know not only which ICT security products are safe to use, but also which provide the most effective functionality for their business needs and threat environment.
DSD maintains and publishes the Evaluated Products List (EPL) which comprises evaluation and certification results performed by DSD, the Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP) or from a DSDrecognised foreign scheme to provide agencies with a list of independently evaluated products to select from.16 Products that have been formally evaluated can help increase an agencys confidence that a product will work as expected, but within a clearly defined set of constraints. Using an evaluated product in a different way from which it was tested could introduce threats and vulnerabilities that were not considered by the initial evaluation. In particular, greater product convergence and inter-network connectivity means that many ICT security products require third party hardware and software to operate, which can introduce new vulnerabilities that may not have been tested for. Therefore, residual security risks still need to be acknowledged and accepted when selecting and using products listed on the EPL.
17% of IT professionals stated that the use of unauthorised programs resulted in as many as half of their companys data loss incidents.16
DID YOU KNOW?
Agencies need confidence that the ICT security products they select and use meet their organisational security needs, address known vulnerabilities and remain secure given the changing threat environment. An impartial evaluation of the security product by an independent entity can assist in achieving this confidence by verifying the security claims of a product vendor and testing for vulnerabilities.
scope
This chapter describes the merit of applying DSDs recommended risk-based processes to the selection, acquisition, installation and configuration of ICT products which provide security functions for the protection of information, as well as the value in following appropriate labelling, maintenance, sanitisation and disposal procedures for such products.
principles
1. Product Security Lifecycle Securely select, acquire, install, configure, label, maintain, repair, sanitise and dispose of ICT products that provide information security functionality by applying DSDs recommended risk-based processes. DSD publishes a list of evaluated products on the EPL to assist agencies in making risk-based decisions for acquiring ICT security products. Selecting an ICT security product which has been evaluated by DSD or another recognised scheme provides an agency with confidence that the product will meet its business needs and accepted risk profile, and prevent unintended software possibly containing malicious code from being installed.
16 CISCO, Data Leakage Worldwide: Common Risks and Mistakes Employees Make, 2008.
32
PrinciPles: Product security
Protective marking labels help determine appropriate handling, usage, sanitisation, disposal or destruction requirements based on classification. Ensuring that technicians who are given access to ICT products are either cleared or appropriately escorted, as well as sanitising or declassifying products when taking the product off-site for repair or maintenance, reduces the risk of unauthorised disclosure of classified or sensitive information. Following proper sanitisation and disposal procedures also mitigates the risk of inadvertently releasing classified information into the public domain. 2. High Grade Cryptographic Equipment and High Assurance Products Seek DSD approval or guidance as appropriate before acquiring, configuring, delivering, repairing, labelling, patching and disposing of High Grade Cryptographic Equipment and high assurance products. Given the potential threat vectors and the value of the information being protected, DSD is required to direct, and in some cases authorise, actions taken in regard to high assurance products and High Grade Cryptographic Equipment. DSD guidance and authorisation helps ensure that the functionality and integrity of such products are not degraded, for example when undertaking repairs or applying external labels, as well as preventing opportunities for a malicious actor to gain insight into government capabilities, such as through improper product disposal practices.
references
For further information on the AISEP and the EPL, please visit DSDs website at www.dsd.gov.au/infosec.
33
PrinciPles: media security
media security
rationale
Instituting and maintaining a comprehensive media control program, including protecting media according to the classification of the information it stores, can help agencies mitigate the risk of disclosing classified or sensitive information. Best practice media security can help protect against not only current exploits, but also exploits that could emerge in the future.
Known vulnerabilities have also been demonstrated where malicious actors can connect a device to a locked workstation and still gain access to encryption keys. Furthermore, devices that have direct access to the system memory can allow a malicious actor to read or write any content to memory that they desire. The best defence against this vulnerability is to disable access to relevant ports, using either software controls or by physically damaging the ports so that devices cannot be connected. Implementing technical measures to ensure certain types of media need to be explicitly approved for use in a classified environment provides an additional layer of user awareness and security, in case users are unaware of, or choose to ignore, media security requirements. Following sound security practices when connecting, storing, transferring, sanitising, destroying or disposing of media plays a major role in preventing classified and sensitive data spills and avoiding malicious attacks. Documenting such procedures will ensure they are carried out in accordance with agency expectations.17
In a research experiment, the Sophos Australia office discovered that 66% of the 50 USB drives they purchased from a public transport provider were infected with malicious software. They were able to uncover information about many of the former owners of the devices, as well as their family, friends and colleages.17
DID YOU KNOW?
There are a number of security risks agencies should be aware of when using media. For instance, some operating systems provide the functionality to automatically run certain types of programs that reside on media. While this was designed for a legitimate purpose, it can also be used for malicious purposes or lead to inadvertent compromise. If this functionality remains enabled, malware can execute as soon as media is connected to a system. Coupled with the ability to insert media of a higher classification into a system of lower classification, sensitive or classified information could be disclosed.
scope
This chapter describes the value of implementing appropriate media handling, usage, sanitisation, destruction and disposal practices.
17 Sophos, Security Threat Report 2012 Seeing the Threats Through the Hype, 2012.
34
PrinciPles: media security
principles
1. Media Handling Maintain confidentiality by accurately classifying, reclassifying (following appropriate sanitisation or destruction procedures or changes to data classification), labelling and registering media in accordance with the information it stores. Accurately classifying media provides appropriate protections for the information it stores. Media that is not correctly classified has a greater risk of being mishandled and accessed by unauthorised persons. Labelling helps personnel to identify the classification and ensure the media is afforded the correct security measures. A sound process for registering media helps minimise the likelihood of unauthorised disclosure of classified information. 2. Media Usage Maintain the confidentiality of stored information by implementing and documenting appropriate standards for connecting, storing and transferring media. Implementing controlled and accountable processes for using media can minimise the risk of unauthorised access and disclosure by preventing classified media from being connected to systems of a lesser classification, as well as protecting information which is being stored or transferred within a media device. 3. Media Sanitisation Reduce the likelihood of a data spill by implementing proper processes for sanitising that is, securely overwriting information on media that is either no longer required or before reuse. Approved sanitisation methods provide a high level of assurance that no remnant data is on the media. Sanitising media before reuse ensures that information is not inadvertently accessed by an unauthorised individual or protected by insufficient security measures. Independent verification provides assurance that the process was conducted correctly. It is important to note that some media is not able to be sanitised because of the way information is stored, for example microfilm and printer ribbons. 4. Media Destruction Prevent unauthorised access to stored classified or sensitive information by destroying media that cannot be sanitised under proper supervision and using documented procedures, appropriate equipment and waste management and transportation processes. Media destruction methods are designed to ensure that recovery of data is impossible or impracticable. There are some types of, and specific circumstances under which, media cannot be sanitised and therefore, if no longer required, must be destroyed. 5. Media Disposal Minimise the likelihood of a data spill when media is released into the public domain by declassification and a formal administrative decision to approve its disposal by an appropriate authority and according to an agencys documented procedures. Appropriate media disposal practices are essential in ensuring that classified information is not accidentally disclosed. Media can be disposed of only after it has been sanitised or destroyed to a point where it no longer contains sensitive or classified information. A formal administrative decision needs to be made to complete the declassification process and to allow media to be released into the public domain.
references
Nil.
35
PrinciPles: software security
software security
rationale
Software may contain flaws and vulnerabilities which are able to be exploited by a malicious actor. These vulnerabilities can not only be used to gain unauthorised access to classified or sensitive information, but also to undermine the integrity or availability of an agencys information such as by targeting an agencys public website to disrupt access or modify its content for malicious purposes.
Web applications are the third most common intrusion vector and are associated with over a third of total data loss.18
Installing antivirus software and software-based firewalls that limit inbound and outbound network connections are good first steps in reducing the risk of compromise. However, software security degrades over time as malicious actors discover new vulnerabilities and exploits, and these measures cannot be relied upon by themselves to protect workstations. Ensuring software and operating system patches are up to date, and antivirus and other security software is appropriately maintained with the latest signatures, helps address new vulnerabilities as they emerge. 18
Agencies can also implement measures to help protect their systems from unknown vulnerabilities, such as malicious code not yet identified by antivirus or software vendors. Restricting the running of applications on a system to only those that are specifically authorised provides increased protection against the execution and spread of malware. This is known as application whitelisting. Moreover, by limiting the promulgation of information about what software has been installed on systems, agencies can help prevent a malicious actor from gaining knowledge of how to tailor potential attacks to exploit a particular vulnerability. Database systems contain a wealth of information, and are therefore highly desirable targets for cyber intruders, as compromising them can have significant and immediate payoffs. Implementing appropriate security controls will reduce the risk of unauthorised individuals accessing agency information held in databases, and accordingly reduce the risk involved with data aggregation.
DID YOU KNOW?
scope
This chapter describes the importance of implementing and maintaining proper software security on agency systems.
principles
1. Software Security Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of agency information and protect against the execution and spread of malware by implementing appropriate software security measures on systems. Software vulnerabilities can be exploited by a malicious actor to gain access to agency information or to undermine its confidentiality, integrity or availability. Measures such as segregating networks and systems or limiting system privileges will assist in minimising the spread of malicious code or the damage it could do to an agencys system. Even though web applications may only contain information authorised for release into the public domain, it is important to ensure security measures are incorporated to protect the integrity and availability of the information and the systems it is hosted on and connected to.
18 Verizon, Data Breach Investigations Report, 2012.
36
PrinciPles: software security
2. Known Vulnerabilities Maximise software effectiveness and minimise vulnerabilities by implementing and routinely updating preventative measures, such as applying system and software patches, keeping antivirus signatures up to date and only running supported software. Software security will degrade over time as malicious actors continue to discover new vulnerabilities and exploits. It is important that agencies monitor available information regarding new known vulnerabilities and apply the security patches released to address them as part of their risk management program. Patching operating systems and applications are highly effective measures to prevent malicious actors from exploiting known vulnerabilities. Accordingly, these are the top two strategies in DSDs list of Strategies to Mitigate Targeted Cyber Intrusions. 3. Unknown Vulnerabilities Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of an agencys information by removing, disabling and preventing the execution of unauthorised, unused or undesired software or software functionality wherever possible. Restricting access to or disabling unauthorised, unused or undesired software or functionality effectively limits a malicious actors opportunity to exploit software vulnerabilities. Application whitelisting, which enables only specifically selected applications to be activated, is one of the most effective approaches in countering unknown risks. An average system user requires access to only a few applications, or groups of applications, in order to conduct their business. Restricting the users permissions to running a limited set of trusted applications significantly reduces the opportunities available for attacking a system and provides an effective mechanism to prevent system compromise due to the execution of unauthorised or malicious software. Accordingly, application whitelisting is one of the top four strategies in DSDs list of Strategies to Mitigate Targeted Cyber Intrusions.
If implemented as a package, DSDs top 4 mitigation strategies 3 of which relate to software security would have prevented at least 85% of intrusions responded to by DSD in 2010.
4. Databases Protect database systems and their contents from theft, corruption, loss and unauthorised access by hardening through technical measures, administrator and user policies and regular audits. Using supported and patched database software, securely configuring database software and stringently controlling database access will assist in protecting the contents of databases. Assessing agency business requirements before storing sensitive information on databases is imperative, as this can impact an agencys risk profile. Additionally, removing pre-configured default settings and placing database servers on a different network segment to agency corporate workstations will improve database security.
DID YOU KNOW?
references
Further guidance on DSDs top four Strategies to Mitigate Targeted Cyber Intrusions can be found in Top Four Mitigation Strategies to Protect Your ICT System at www.dsd.gov.au/infosec/top35mitigationstrategies.htm.
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PrinciPles: email security
email security
rationale
Email, because it enables the communication of information out of an agency, is insecure in nature. Poor email security practices and implementation can lead to unauthorised individuals easily gaining access to sensitive or classified agency information in emails The Public Sector was themselves, or through network compromise.
DID YOU KNOW?
Socially engineered emails are one of the most common techniques used to spread malware on agency networks. This technique relies on a user opening a malicious link or attachment. Motivated malicious actors can use these methods to establish doorways into agency networks, which can result in agency information being stolen, altered or even made unavailable. Agencies can minimise their vulnerability to socially engineered emails by properly implementing, monitoring and maintaining the configuration of email servers, software and email applications. These measures will make it difficult for malicious emails to enter an agency network and be delivered to users. However, even with appropriate technical measures in place, educating users to be aware of the threat of malicious emails is one of the most important factors in improving email security.
the industry most targeted by malicious software in June 2011, with 1 in 73.1 emails being blocked as malicious.19
scope
This chapter describes the value of securely implementing and using email on agency networks.
principles
1. Email Security Protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, and ensure information can only be accessed by those intended and authorised to do so, by implementing an email usage policy and applying appropriate security controls to email applications and infrastructure. Protectively marking all electronic-based information is critical for allowing appropriate email security measures to be applied. Protective markings go a long way in preventing unauthorised information from being released into the public domain. Applying appropriate protective markings to emails will also assist in preventing the confidentiality of information being inadvertently compromised as a result of activating automatic forwarding of sensitive or classified emails. Securely configuring email infrastructure (such as blocking inbound and outbound email with a protective marking higher than the classification of the receiving system) can protect against data spills or the potential interception or compromise of information. Implementing identification controls, such as digital signatures and Sender Policy Framework (SPF), can also aid in the detection of spoofed emails that may contain malicious code designed to compromise a network. In the case of SPF, the SPF record specifies a list of IP addresses or domains that are allowed to send email from a specific domain. If the email server that sent the email is not in the list, the verification fails. 19
19 Symantec, Symantec Intelligence Report June 2011, 2011.
38
PrinciPles: email security
Email messages are often routed through many email servers when travelling from sender to recipient. For this reason, it is vital for agencies to put stringent measures in place to check for malicious content (for instance, through a content filter) and confirm the validity of emails. Socially engineered emails are one of the most common techniques used to spread malware. Once technical measures fail, users are the last line of defence in ensuring a socially engineered email does not lead to malware being installed on a workstation. Agencies need to ensure their users are aware of the threat and educated on how to detect and report suspicious emails. It is important, therefore, to implement an agency email usage policy and communicate agency expectations and processes to their users.
references
Further information on Government-approved email marking standards can be found in AGIMOs Email Protective Marking Standard for the Australian Government and its associated implementation guide, available at www.finance.gov.au/e-government/security-and-authentication/authentication-identity.html.
39
PrinciPles: access control
access Control
rationale
Agencies can manage access to system information through appropriate access controls, restricting system access to authorised and successfully identified and authenticated users. The automatic logging and subsequent auditing of information relating to network activities will also increase the likelihood that malicious behaviour will be detected.20
An 8 character password with mixed case letters, numbers and symbols takes approximately 5 days to crack using a graphics processing unit in a standard home computer; however if the password was extended to 9 characters or more it would take over 18 months to crack.20
Giving each user a unique identification ensures accountability and enables agencies to attribute actions undertaken within a session to specific personnel. Ensuring that users provide sufficient evidence to verify their identity can also reduce the likelihood of a malicious actor successfully masquerading as an authorised user such as a social engineering attack aimed at an agency service desk to request a password reset for a system account.
Passwords and passphrases are common authentication techniques which enable an agency to verify the stated identity of a user. However, given the ever-increasing processing power of home computers, length and complexity requirements for passphrases will also continue to increase to provide agencies with adequate protection against basic techniques such as brute-force attacks a simple six-letter password can be brute-forced in minutes by software freely available on the internet. Agencies can mitigate this by implementing additional authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication, which requires the presentation of at least two different kinds of evidence that someone is who they say they are. This can be achieved through various means, including biometrics, cryptographic tokens, security questions and smartcards.21
DID YOU KNOW?
18% of employees share their workstation passwords with co-workers.21
DID YOU KNOW?
Authorisation is the core of access control as it enforces the need-toknow principle. Authorisation is two-fold. Firstly, an individual needs to be authorised to have access to a system, and secondly they need to be authorised to access specific applications, databases or information resources on a system. This is often achieved by using access control lists. User credentials should be given additional protection to reduce the risk of a malicious actor finding and using the information to access a system under the guise of a valid user.
scope
This chapter describes the importance of managing user access to system information and the automatic logging and auditing of network activities.
20 GFI Software, Emmanuel Carabott, Talk Tech to Me Blog: How to create a very strong password, 15 September 2010. 21 CISCO White Paper, Data Leakage Worldwide: Common Risks and Mistakes Employees Make, 2008.
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PrinciPles: access control
principles
1. Identification and Authentication Ensure that access to a system is limited to users and devices that are authorised to access it by adopting appropriate identification and authentication practices and controls. Strong identification and authentication mechanisms significantly reduce the risk that unauthorised users will gain access to a system. 2. System Access Protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information on systems by limiting authorisation to those with appropriate security clearances, briefings and a demonstrated need-to-know. Managing authorisations of users through the use of access controls on a system helps enforce the need-toknow principle. 3. Event Logging and Auditing Detect and attribute any violations of information security policy including cyber security incidents, breaches and intrusions by maintaining, auditing and ensuring the availability and integrity of event logs.
44% of data breaches were a result of exploitation of default or guessable credentials.22
Event logging and auditing helps raise the security posture of a system by increasing the accountability for all user actions, thereby improving the chances that malicious behaviour will be detected. Agencies should ensure sufficient detail is recorded in order for the logs to be useful when reviewed and determine an appropriate length of time for them to be retained. Conducting audits of event logs should be seen as an integral part of system maintenance, since they will help detect and attribute any violations of information security policy, including cyber security incidents, breaches and intrusions. Agencies are required under the Archives Act 1983 to retain event logs and audit trails for a minimum of seven years.
22
DID YOU KNOW?
references
Further information on minimum retention periods for Commonwealth records is provided in the National Archives of Australias Administrative Functions Disposal Authority, which can be found at www.naa.gov.au/records-management/agency/keep-destroy-transfer/agency-ra/index.aspx.
22 Verizon, 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report, 2012.
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PrinciPles: cryPtoGraPHy
Cryptography
rationale
Cryptography is primarily used to restrict access to information to authorised users. First and foremost encryption improves confidentiality, providing protection to classified or sensitive information by making it unreadable to all but authorised users. More broadly, cryptography can also provide: Data integrity: protecting information from accidental or deliberate manipulation. It provides users with assurance that information has not been modified. Authentication: ensuring that a person or entity is who they claim to be. A robust authentication system is essential for protecting access to IT systems. Non-repudiation: proof that a user performed an action, such as sending a message, and preventing them from denying that they did so. Using approved encryption does not reduce the consequences of a successful attack and, A survey in 2008 conducted by the Identity Theft Resource Centre found in effect no real-world product can ever be guaranteed to be free of vulnerabilities. that 82% of respondents who had Before approving cryptographic algorithms lost data said that encryption could for use, DSD conducts a meticulous have prevented the data from being evaluation of those already scrutinised by compromised. industry and academic communities in a practical and theoretical setting, which have not been found to be susceptible to any feasible attacks. However, there can be no guarantee of security against presently unknown attacks. It is vital that agencies remain aware of what is possible as the information technology environment continues to develop and change. Using any cryptographic product, algorithm or protocol is not sufficient in itself to adequately reduce the likelihood of compromise. Unapproved or inappropriately configured cryptographic algorithms and protocols can carry a significant level of risk. In particular, installing a cryptographic capability can increase security confidence within an agency and change user behaviour by promoting the view that more sensitive or classified information is now able to be stored and communicated securely. If this capability is poorly configured, it can lead to an actual reduction in overall security, as the system may be used to carry more sensitive information with little to no genuine improvement to security.
DID YOU KNOW?
A successful brute-force attack against 1024-bit encryption would require two to four million years to undertake on a single basic home computer.23
Further, some common protocols have known impacts on other security operations, for example, restricting an agencys ability to inspect encrypted messages and attachments for inappropriate content, or scan files for viruses and malicious code. To maximise the benefit of cryptographic capabilities, agencies should only use DSD approved cryptographic algorithms and protocols, ensuring that they are configured appropriately, and be aware of any known restrictions or vulnerabilities.23
23 Joppe W. Bos, Marcelo E. Kaihara, Thorsten Kleinjung, Arjen K. Lenstra and Peter L. Montgomery, On the Security of 1024-bit RSA and 160-bit Elliptic Curve Cryptography, version 2.1, September 2009.
DID YOU KNOW?

42
PrinciPles: cryPtoGraPHy
scope
This chapter describes the use of DSD approved cryptographic algorithms and protocols to encrypt information, and the management of cryptographic systems.
principles
1. Protecting Information at Rest Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of classified or sensitive information at rest using an appropriate DSD approved cryptographic algorithm. Encrypting information at rest can be used to reduce physical storage and handling requirements, as well as maintain its confidentiality. 2. Protecting Information in Transit Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of classified or sensitive information in transit using DSD approved and appropriately configured cryptographic protocols implementing a DSD approved cryptographic algorithm. Encrypting information in transit, utilising DSD approved cryptographic protocols which are implementing a DSD approved cryptographic algorithm, can be used to protect classified or sensitive information being communicated over unclassified or public networks. Unapproved or incorrectly configured cryptographic protocols, in combination with an assumed level of security confidence, can represent a significant security risk. 3. Availability of Information Ensure encrypted information is accessible to those that require it when they require it by implementing appropriate procedures and controls for data recovery. Cryptographic products which provide a means of data recovery can allow for retrieval of information in circumstances where the encryption key is unavailable due to loss, damage or failure. 4. Management of Cryptographic Systems Maintain the integrity of cryptographic systems, and hence the confidentiality and integrity of the information being protected, by applying appropriate governance and personnel and physical security measures. Appropriate security measures are crucial in safeguarding cryptographic systems and their material from compromise.
references
Nil.
43
PrinciPles: network security
network security
rationale
Agency networks can contain sensitive, classified and business-critical information and services. Malicious actors look for ways to exploit weaknesses in an agencys network to gain unauthorised access, disrupt legitimate access, or modify such information and services. If a malicious actor has limited opportunities to connect to a given network, they have limited opportunities to compromise that network.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is also important to consider not just the risks from vulnerabilities in an agency controlled network, but also in external networks. For instance, when devices connect to non-agency controlled wireless networks, particularly public wireless networks, they may be exposed to viruses, malware or other malicious code circulating on the network. If the device becomes infected and is later connected to an agency controlled network then malicious code can enter the network and steal sensitive information or disrupt the agencys systems.
In 2011, 94% of all data compromised involved servers.24
Agencies can structure and configure their networks to reduce the number of potential entry points that could be used by a malicious actor to gain unauthorised access to information or disrupt agency services.
scope
This chapter describes the importance of securely deploying, configuring and managing network devices and infrastructure.
principles
1. Network Management Ensure all sections of an agencys network comply with information security policies, and that network vulnerabilities are identified and addressed, by adopting appropriate network management practices. Central management will help ensure that all sections of the network comply with information security policies. Network documentation, that is updated as changes are made, will assist system administrators to completely understand and adequately protect the network. Appropriate intrusion detection and prevention mechanisms and the logging of network activity, such as recording the occurrence of blocked emails or monitoring suspicious network traffic, can assist agencies to prevent, detect and respond to cyber security incidents. Regular audits, security reviews and vulnerability analysis activities can assist agencies in avoiding security degradation over time as the information technology and threat environment evolves. Transferring data between systems in a controlled and accountable manner can reduce the risk of data spills and introduction of malicious code to a system. 24 2. Network Design and Configuration Reduce opportunities for a malicious actor to compromise or gain unauthorised access to sensitive or classified information through the secure design and configuration of agency networks.
24 Verizon, 2012 Data Breach Investigations Report, 2012
44
PrinciPles: network security
Implementing strong network authentication controls and minimising unnecessary access points (for instance, by disabling unused physical ports, filtering unnecessary content and applying network access controls) will reduce the opportunities from which an attack could be launched. Agencies should be aware of the inherent risks in connecting specific devices to a network. For instance, softphones (software applications which allow a workstation to act as a VoIP phone, such as Skype) can introduce additional vulnerabilities into the network as they do not separate voice from data, as hardwarebased IP phones do. This can provide a malicious actor with access to an agencys voice network via their data network. When using wireless networks, network segregation, changing default settings, authentication, encryption and securing devices used to access wireless networks will significantly reduce the risk of compromise. Scanning imported data for malicious content reduces the risk of a system being infected, thus maintaining its confidentiality, integrity and availability. 3. Network Infrastructure Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information by applying a defence-in-depth approach to the secure deployment of network infrastructure.25 Minimising network complexity and physically separating sections of a network can reduce the number of potential access points that could be used to gain unauthorised access to sensitive or classified information, and makes it difficult for an intruder to propagate once inside the network. Physically or logically separating sections of a network can also help ensure the availability of information and services when other sections of the network may have been affected by a Distributed Denial of Service attack for example (an attempt to flood networks with unwanted traffic to disrupt or degrade services). Further, building redundancies into an agencys network, for example through the use of multiple internet links, can help increase the complexity required for a successful Distributed Denial of Service attack, as well as increasing the agencys response options.
Between July and December 2010, 32% of all attacks were Denial of Service, making it the no.1 attack method used. This represented a 10% increase when compared with January to June 2010.25
Separating sections of a network is essential to enable agencies to implement a defence-in-depth approach to network security. Network segmentation is one of the most effective methods to prevent a cyber intruder from propagating inside a network. If implemented correctly, it can be significantly more difficult for an intruder to find and access their target information and move undetected around the network. Logging functionality in network segmentation technologies can prove extremely valuable in detecting an intrusion and, in the event of a compromise, isolating a compromised device from the rest of the network.
DID YOU KNOW?
references
Nil.
25 Trustwave SpiderLabs, The Web Hacking Incident Database Semiannual Report: July to December 2010, 2011.
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PrinciPles: cross domain security
Cross Domain security

rationale
Connecting a security domain to another security domain, which includes connecting to the Internet, poses significant risks to an agencys information. Gateways and cross domain security measures can mitigate these risks by securely managing data flows between different security domains. Applying robust security measures including content filters and firewalls to gateway systems will reduce the risk of malicious content entering the security domain or information being accessed by those unauthorised to do so. Physically locating all gateway components inside an appropriately secure area also reduces the risk of unauthorised access to the devices. Further, providing a sufficient logging and audit capability can assist an agency in detecting and responding to cyber security incidents and attempted network intrusions, allowing the agency to implement countermeasures to reduce the risk of future attempts.
scope
This chapter describes the importance of securely transferring information to and from a security domain through a gateway, including using cross domain solutions.
principles
1. Gateway Security Protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information on agency networks by appropriately deploying and configuring gateways. Given the criticality of gateways in controlling the flow of information between security domains, poor configuration or management of a gateway can have serious consequences, potentially providing a malicious actor with access to an agencys entire network. 2. Cross Domain Security Ensure the secure transfer of information between security domains with a high level of assurance by implementing security-enforcing mechanisms. Connecting systems with differing security policies poses significant risks. For classified networks, using a cross domain solution comprising DSD evaluated products will help protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information being transferred between security domains. 3. Maintenance and Review Identify and mitigate security risks as early as possible by maintaining and regularly reviewing gateway architecture. This includes undertaking routine testing and regular security risk assessments and ensuring that any residual risks are accepted. Changes to a security domain connected to a gateway can potentially affect the security posture of other connected security domains.
references
Nil.
46
PrinciPles: workinG off-site
Working off-site
rationale
The use of mobile devices has become essential to everyday communication. Mobile devices can provide employees with access to email, the Internet and even agency systems, allowing them to work from home, an airport lounge or hotel room. They provide greater accessibility, mobility, convenience and, importantly, efficiency. While agencies should naturally embrace the potential of mobile devices, it is important to understand and evaluate the risks associated with their use and how they impact an agencys security risk profile. Once a mobile device leaves a controlled office environment, it also leaves behind the protection it Mobile devices and affords. Some of the best qualities of mobile devices, laptops are the most likely such as their portability and capacity for use outside the endpoint from which office, have introduced new risks. The more capable serious cyber attacks are these devices are of helping users access and use data, unleashed against an the more capable they are of being manipulated by organisation. Over 2010malicious actors for the same end.26
DID YOU KNOW?
Poorly controlled mobile devices are particularly vulnerable to loss and compromise, and may provide a malicious actor with an access point into an agencys system. For instance, users who visit websites and web-based email from their mobile devices can make themselves vulnerable to Internet-based threats, such as malware. The employee can then inadvertently expose the corporate network to these threats when he or she connects to the agencys system from the same device. Further, agencies that allow business use of personal mobile devices can introduce significant risks to their information, as personal devices often do not have sufficient in-built security features enabled, such as authentication controls and encryption. These risks apply equally for workstations installed for home-based work. Privacy rights should also be considered by agencies permitting the use of personal devices for business purposes, as access to records in the event of an incident can be restricted due to privacy concerns. Agencies must also consider their obligations under relevant legislation, such as government data retention requirements under the Archives Act 1983. It is important for agencies to identify the circumstances where the liability and security risks of using mobile devices outweighs the benefits. In particular, mobile devices carrying highly classified information should not be used outside of appropriately certified facilities, as the risk of classified information being overheard or observed is considered too high. Although mobile networking alters the risks associated with various threats to security, the overall security objectives remain the same as with wired networks: maintaining confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems and their information. To reduce the risks of use, it is critical that agencies develop and implement policies to ensure users protect mobile devices in an appropriate manner when they are used outside controlled facilities, and that personnel working from home or outside the office protect information in the same manner as in the office environment.
26 Ponemon Institute and Juniper Networks, 2011, Perceptions about Network Security: Survey of IT & IT security Practitioners in the U.S.
2011, 63% of attacks had an employee laptop or mobile device as their endpoint. 26
47
scope
This chapter describes managing the use of mobile devices and accessing information from unsecured locations and home environments.
principles
1. Acceptable Use Prevent mobile devices from becoming a security risk to the system or network they connect to by implementing, and educating personnel on, an effective mobile device usage policy. Information being communicated via a mobile device outside a controlled facility can be more easily overheard or observed by those not authorised to do so. An agency policy governing the use of mobile devices can help build awareness of the elevated risks relating to their use, and ensure confidentiality and integrity of information is maintained. Under an acceptable use policy, personnel need to know the classification of information which the device has been approved to process or communicate before use. Using mobile devices for both personal and business purposes can make them more susceptible to Internetbased threats. For instance, during personal web-browsing, personnel are more likely to open unidentified links or visit unfamiliar sites, which can bring about the spread of malware. Users also need to be aware that mobile applications can contain malicious code or malicious content that is installed along with the legitimate software. Malware can provide an entry route into the associated business network as well as access to information stored or communicated on the mobile device. Connecting mobile devices to an unknown or untrusted source (for charging or to provide network connectivity) can also pose a security risk to an agency. For example, if a smartphone is plugged into an unknown computer via a USB cable to charge, then the contents of the device could be compromised or malware loaded onto the device. For the same reason, agency users should not allow unknown or untrusted people to connect a mobile device to their laptop. 2. Mobile Device Configuration Limit situations, or mitigate the consequences of situations, where a user loses control over a mobile device by securely configuring the device and implementing appropriate processes.
More than 200,000 mobile phones are reported lost or stolen each year in Australia. This equates to 4,000 each week, or one mobile phone every 3 minutes.27
DID YOU KNOW?
Most mobile devices have been designed for use outside the office and thus can be more easily accessed or stolen. Emergency destruction procedures and lost device labels can help reduce the risk of data spills when a mobile device is lost or compromised. Proper encryption technology can enhance the security of information stored on a mobile device and help protect sensitive or classified information being communicated wirelessly or over unsecured public infrastructure from unauthorised access.27
27 Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, FAQs on Mobile Security, found at www.amta.org.au.
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3. Wireless Communications and Connectivity Protect sensitive or classified information from unauthorised access by only enabling wireless communications on a mobile device that are needed and can be secured. Wireless networks do not have the inbuilt physical security of wired networks, providing malicious actors with greater opportunities to connect to agency networks remotely. The wireless transfer of information, for instance through Bluetooth, infrared or WiFi, can serve as an illicit entry point for an entire network. When using public wireless access points, malicious actors can easily intercept information being communicated, including secure log-on details, using basic software available on the Internet. 4. Upkeep and Maintenance Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the information stored or communicated on a mobile device by conducting regular audits and security updates. Although agencies may initially provide a secure mobile device, the state of security may degrade over time. It is important for agencies to remain aware of new vulnerabilities as the information technology environment evolves. Keeping security software up to date will protect the mobile device from new variants of malware and viruses that threaten an agencys critical information. 5. Working From Home Prevent systems or mobile devices from becoming a weak link in an agency systems security by ensuring that home environments used for business purposes meet the minimum security requirements in the Australian Government Physical Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework. If sensitive or classified information is being accessed by personnel working from home, specifically when information systems and devices are used, it needs to be afforded the same protection as in the office environment.
references
Information relating to physical security is contained in the Australian Government Physical Security Management Protocol of the Protective Security Policy Framework, which can be found at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au. For further information on working from home see the Australian Government Physical Security Management Guidelines Working Away From the Office, which can be found at www.protectivesecurity.gov.au.
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suPPortinG information
51
supporting information
supporting Information
Glossary of terms
term access control meanInG Enabling the authorised use of a resource while preventing unauthorised use or use in an unauthorised manner. A procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition, approval and acceptance of the associated residual security risk with the operation of a system. The authoritative body associated with accreditation activities. Advice on who should be recognised as an agency's accreditation authority can be found in the Conducting Accreditation section of the 2012 ISM Controls Manual. Includes all Australian government departments, authorities, agencies or other bodies established in relation to public purposes, including departments and authorities staffed under the Public Service Act 1999, the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 or the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997. The government employee with ultimate responsibly for the secure operation of agency functions, whether performed in-house or outsourced. An approach in which all executables and applications are prevented from running by default, with an explicitly defined set of executables allowed to execute. An independent review of validity, accuracy and reliability of information contained on a system. In the context of conducting system accreditations, an audit is an examination and verification of an agencys systems and procedures, measured against predetermined standards. A program under which evaluations are performed by impartial companies against the Common Criteria. The results of these evaluations are then certified by the Defence Signals Directorate, which is responsible for the overall operation of the program. Verifying the identity of a user, process or device as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in a system. The assurance that systems are available and accessible by authorised entities when required. A procedure by which a formal assurance statement is given that a deliverable conforms to a specified standard. An official with the authority to assert that a system complies with prescribed controls in a standard.
accreditation
accreditation authority
agency
agency head
application whitelisting
audit
Australiasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP) authentication availability certification certification authority
52
principles | 2012 information security manual
term classification classified information confidentiality cross domain solution
meanInG The categorisation of information or systems according to the business impact level associated with information or a system. Government information that requires protection from unauthorised disclosure. The assurance that information is disclosed only to authorised entities. An information security system capable of implementing comprehensive data flow security policies with a high level of trust between two or more differing security domains. An algorithm used to perform cryptographic functions such as encryption, integrity, authentication, digital signatures or key establishment. An agreed standard for secure communication between two or more entities to provide confidentiality, integrity, authentication and nonrepudiation of information. Security measures relating to the confidentiality, availability and integrity of information that is processed, stored and communicated by electronic or similar means. An identified occurrence of a system, service or network state indicating a possible breach of information security policy or failure of safeguards, or a previously unknown situation that may be security relevant. A single or a series of unwanted or unexpected cyber security events that have a significant probability of compromising business operations and threatening information security. A scheme established by DSD to collect information on cyber security incidents that affect government systems. The accidental or deliberate exposure of classified, sensitive or official information into an uncontrolled or unauthorised environment or to persons without a need-to-know. The countermeasure employed to reduce classified emanations from a facility and its systems to an acceptable level. Emanations can be in the form of radio frequency energy, sound waves or optical signals. A process whereby information is reduced to an unclassified state and an administrative decision is made to formally authorise its release into the public domain. The compromise of availability of IT systems, where multiple systems are used to compromise the targeted systems. A system designed to prevent unauthorised access to or from a network or system. Gateways securely manage data flows between connected networks from different security domains. Refer to the Cross Domain Security chapter of 2012 ISM Controls Manual for further information.
cryptographic algorithm
cryptographic protocol
cyber security
cyber security event
cyber security incident Cyber Security Incident Reporting scheme data spill
emanation security
declassification Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) firewall
gateway
53
term handling requirements
meanInG An agreed standard for the storage and dissemination of classified or sensitive information to ensure its protection. This can include electronic information, paper-based information or media containing information. A generic term for any physical component of information and communication technology. A related set of hardware and software used for the processing, storage or communication of information and the governance framework in which it operates. Devices such as mice, keyboards, pointing devices and mobile devices that have an infrared communications capability. The protection of information and information systems from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction in order to provide confidentiality, integrity and availability.
hardware
ICT system
infrared device
information security
A DSD initiative designed to register suitably qualified information security Information Security assessors to carry out specific types of security assessments, including for Registered Assessor Program gateways and information systems up to the SECRET classification level. integrity malware The assurance that information is unmodified. Malicious software used to gain unauthorised access to computers, steal information and disrupt or disable networks. Types of malware include logic bombs, trapdoors, Trojans, viruses and worms. A generic term for hardware that is used to store information, such as USB sticks, portable hard drives, CDs and DVDs. The process of physically damaging the media with the objective of making the data stored on it inaccessible. To destroy media effectively, only the actual material in which the data is stored needs to be destroyed. The process of relinquishing control of media when no longer required, in a manner that ensures that no data can be recovered from the media. The process of erasing or overwriting data stored on media so the data cannot be retrieved or reconstructed. Information that describes data. This can include how the data was created, the time and date of creation, the author of the data and the location on a network where the data was created. A portable computing or communications device with information storage capability that can be used from a non-fixed location. Mobile devices include mobile phones, smartphones, portable electronic devices, personal digital assistants, laptops, netbooks, tablet computers and other portable Internet-connected devices. The class of devices that combines printing, scanning, copying, faxing or voice messaging functionality in the one device. These devices are often designed to connect to computer and telephone networks simultaneously.
media
media destruction
media disposal media sanitisation
metadata
mobile device
multifunction devices
54
term need-to-know
meanInG The principle of telling a person only the information they require to fulfil their role. Any device designed to facilitate the communication of information destined for multiple users. For example: cryptographic devices, firewalls, routers, switches and hubs. The infrastructure used to carry information between workstations and servers or other network devices. A piece of software designed to fix problems with, or update, a computer program or its supporting data. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other program deficiencies and improving the usability or performance of the software. Produced by the Attorney-Generals Department, the Protective Security Policy Framework sets out the Australian Governments protective security requirements for the protection of its people, information and assets (replaced the PSM). Technology, whether hardware or software, which enables the electronic storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or receipt of information in a digital form. A procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition, approval and acceptance of the associated residual security risk with the continued operation of a system. The chance of something happening that will affect objectives it is measured in terms of event likelihood and consequence. An informed decision to accept risk. The systematic process to understand the nature, and deduce the level, of risk. Statements that communicate the expectations of an agencys senior management about the agencys risk tolerance these criteria help an agency identify risk and prepare appropriate treatments, and provide a benchmark against which the success of mitigations can be measured. The process of identifying risk, assessing risk, and taking steps to reduce risk to an acceptable level. Actions taken to lessen the likelihood, negative consequences, or both, associated with a risk. The remaining level of risk after risk treatments have been implemented. A security domain is a system or collection of systems operating under a security policy that defines the security to be applied to information on the system or systems. That security may be represented by a classification, caveat or releasability marking with or across classifications.
network device
network infrastructure
patch
Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
product
reaccreditation
risk risk acceptance risk analysis
risk appetite
risk management risk mitigation residual risk
security domain(s)
55
term sensitive information
meanInG Either unclassified or classified information identified as requiring extra protections (e.g. compartmented or Dissemination Limiting Marker information). A software application that allows a workstation to act as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone, using either a built-in or an externally connected microphone and speaker (e.g. Skype). A related set of hardware and software used for the processing, storage or communication of information and the governance framework in which it operates. Any circumstance or event with the potential to harm an information system through unauthorised access, destruction, disclosure, modification of data, and/or denial of service. Threats arise from human actions and natural events. An entity authorised to access an information system. In the context of information security, a vulnerability is a weakness in system security requirements, design, implementation or operation that could be accidentally triggered or intentionally exploited and result in a violation of the systems security policy. A device which enables communications between wireless clients. It is typically also the device which connects the wireless local area network to the wired local area network. A stand-alone or networked single-user computer.
softphone
system
threat
user
vulnerability
wireless access point workstation
56
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September Release Australian Government Information Security Manual

September Release Australian Government Information Security Manual

Ian McKenzie Director Defence Signals Directorate

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

PrinCiPles | 2012 information seCurity manual

InFormatIon seCurIty: CounterInG tHe tHreat

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

information security: counterinG tHe tHreat

information security: countering the threat

Information security: Countering the threat

tools and techniques

A new piece of malware is created every 1.5 seconds.1

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

information security: countering the threat

DID YOU KNOW?

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

information security: countering the threat

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

information security: countering the threat

DID YOU KNOW?

McAfee Labs, McAfee Threats Report: First Quarter 2011, 2011.

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

information security: countering the threat

Countering the Cyber threat

Questions senior management need to Consider

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

information security: countering the threat

the australian Government Information security manual

Information Security Manual

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

information security: countering the threat

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

information security: countering the threat

What you can do for DsD

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

PrinciPles: information security risk manaGement

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

PrinciPles: information security risk manaGement

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

PrinciPles: roles and resPonsibilities

roles and responsibilities

DID YOU KNOW?

PrinciPles: industry enGaGement and outsourcinG

Industry engagement and outsourcing

DID YOU KNOW?

PrinciPles: information security documentation

Information security Documentation

DID YOU KNOW?

CISCO, Annual Security Report, 2008.

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

PrinciPles: information security documentation

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

PrinciPles: system accreditation

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

PrinciPles: system accreditation

2012 information security manual | PrinciPles

PrinciPles: system accreditation

PrinciPles | 2012 information security manual

PrinciPles: information security monitorinG