RMF Control AC-22: Publicly Accessible Content is a cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by ensuring that publicly accessible content does not contain nonpublic information. This control is important because it can help to prevent unauthorized access to nonpublic information and to reduce the risk of data breaches.
Publicly Accessible Content Requirements
The RMF Control AC-22: Publicly Accessible Content requirements are specified in NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 5. The requirements state that the organization must:
- Designate individuals authorized to post information onto publicly accessible information systems;
- Train authorized individuals to ensure that publicly accessible information does not contain nonpublic information;
- Review the proposed content of information prior to posting onto publicly accessible information systems to ensure that nonpublic information is not included; and
- Review the content on publicly accessible information systems for nonpublic information [Assignment: organization-defined frequency] and remove such information, if discovered.
Publicly Accessible Content Best Practices
In addition to the RMF Control AC-22: Publicly Accessible Content requirements, there are a number of best practices that organizations can follow to improve their publicly accessible content posture. These best practices include:
- Using a centralized system to manage publicly accessible content policies and procedures;
- Implementing a risk-based approach to publicly accessible content. For example, you may want to focus your publicly accessible content efforts on the most sensitive data types;
- Monitoring and auditing publicly accessible content to identify and respond to suspicious activity;
- Educating users on the importance of publicly accessible content security and how to protect nonpublic information.
Benefits of Publicly Accessible Content
Publicly accessible content can provide a number of benefits to organizations, including:
- Increased reach and engagement: Publicly accessible content can help organizations to reach a wider audience and engage with their stakeholders.
- Improved brand awareness: Publicly accessible content can help organizations to improve their brand awareness and reputation.
- Increased sales and leads: Publicly accessible content can help organizations to generate leads and increase sales.
- Improved customer service: Publicly accessible content can help organizations to provide better customer service and support.
How to Implement Publicly Accessible Content
There are a number of ways to implement publicly accessible content. One common approach is to create a website or blog. Websites and blogs can be used to publish a variety of content, such as articles, news, and events.
Another approach to implementing publicly accessible content is to use social media platforms. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, can be used to reach a large audience and to engage with stakeholders.
Example of Publicly Accessible Content
One example of publicly accessible content is a company’s website. Company websites typically contain information about the company, its products or services, and its contact information. Company websites are often publicly accessible, meaning that anyone can access them.
Another example of publicly accessible content is a government agency’s website. Government agency websites typically contain information about the agency’s programs and services, as well as news and announcements. Government agency websites are also often publicly accessible.
Conclusion
RMF Control AC-22: Publicly Accessible Content is an important cybersecurity control that helps to protect information systems by ensuring that publicly accessible content does not contain nonpublic information. By following the RMF Control AC-22: Publicly Accessible Content requirements and best practices, organizations can help to improve their security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, and protect nonpublic information.
Additional Tips for Implementing and Enforcing Publicly Accessible Content
- Use a centralized system to manage publicly accessible content policies and procedures. This will help to ensure that publicly accessible content is implemented and enforced consistently across the organization.
- Implement a risk-based approach to publicly accessible content. This will help to ensure that publicly accessible content efforts are focused on the most sensitive data types.
- Monitor and audit publicly accessible content to identify and respond to suspicious activity. This can be done using a variety of tools and techniques, such as security information and event management (SIEM) solutions and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
- Educate users on the importance of publicly accessible content security and how to protect nonpublic information. This can be done through training programs, documentation, and other resources.
By following these tips, organizations can help to ensure that their publicly accessible content is implemented and enforced effectively.