PT-8_computer-matching-requirements

PT-8 Computer Matching Requirements

High-Level Description

Family: Personally Identifiable Information Processing and Transparency (PT) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

The PRIVACT establishes requirements for federal and non-federal agencies if they engage in a matching program. In general, a matching program is a computerized comparison of records from two or more automated PRIVACT systems of records or an automated system of records and automated records maintained by a non-federal agency (or agent thereof). A matching program either pertains to federal benefit programs or federal personnel or payroll records. A federal benefit match is performed to determine or verify eligibility for payments under federal benefit programs or to recoup payments or delinquent debts under federal benefit programs. A matching program involves not just the matching activity itself but also the investigative follow-up and ultimate action, if any.

What to Check

• Verify PT-8 Computer Matching Requirements is documented in SSP
• Validate all 5 control requirements are implemented
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for PT-8

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for PT-8 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

When a system or organization processes information for the purpose of conducting a matching program: Obtain approval from the Data Integrity Board to conduct the matching program; Develop and enter into a computer matching agreement; Publish a matching notice in the Federal Register; Independently verify the information produced by the matching program before taking adverse action against an individual, if required; and Provide individuals with notice and an opportunity to contest the findings before taking adverse action against an individual.

Implementation Guidance

The PRIVACT establishes requirements for federal and non-federal agencies if they engage in a matching program. In general, a matching program is a computerized comparison of records from two or more automated PRIVACT systems of records or an automated system of records and automated records maintained by a non-federal agency (or agent thereof). A matching program either pertains to federal benefit programs or federal personnel or payroll records. A federal benefit match is performed to determine or verify eligibility for payments under federal benefit programs or to recoup payments or delinquent debts under federal benefit programs. A matching program involves not just the matching activity itself but also the investigative follow-up and ultimate action, if any.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - PT-8
• 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 (PM-24) reviewed