CP-9(3)_separate-storage-for-critical-information

CP-9(3) Separate Storage for Critical Information

Enhancement of: CP-9

High-Level Description

Family: Contingency Planning (CP) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Separate storage for critical information applies to all critical information regardless of the type of backup storage media. Critical system software includes operating systems, middleware, cryptographic key management systems, and intrusion detection systems. Security-related information includes inventories of system hardware, software, and firmware components. Alternate storage sites, including geographically distributed architectures, serve as separate storage facilities for organizations. Organizations may provide separate storage by implementing automated backup processes at alternative storage sites (e.g., data centers). The General Services Administration (GSA) establishes standards and specifications for security and fire rated containers.

What to Check

• Verify CP-9(3) Separate Storage for Critical Information is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CP-9(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control CP-9

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CP-9(3) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Store backup copies of [organization-defined] in a separate facility or in a fire rated container that is not collocated with the operational system.

Implementation Guidance

Separate storage for critical information applies to all critical information regardless of the type of backup storage media. Critical system software includes operating systems, middleware, cryptographic key management systems, and intrusion detection systems. Security-related information includes inventories of system hardware, software, and firmware components. Alternate storage sites, including geographically distributed architectures, serve as separate storage facilities for organizations. Organizations may provide separate storage by implementing automated backup processes at alternative storage sites (e.g., data centers). The General Services Administration (GSA) establishes standards and specifications for security and fire rated containers.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CP-9(3)
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• Control documented in SSP
• Implementation evidence collected
• Operating effectiveness validated
• Continuous monitoring in place
• Related controls (CM-2, CM-6, CM-8) reviewed