SI-19(7)_validated-algorithms-and-software

SI-19(7) Validated Algorithms and Software

Enhancement of: SI-19

High-Level Description

Family: System and Information Integrity (SI) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Algorithms that appear to remove personally identifiable information from a dataset may in fact leave information that is personally identifiable or data that is re-identifiable. Software that is claimed to implement a validated algorithm may contain bugs or implement a different algorithm. Software may de-identify one type of data, such as integers, but not de-identify another type of data, such as floating point numbers. For these reasons, de-identification is performed using algorithms and software that are validated.

What to Check

• Verify SI-19(7) Validated Algorithms and Software is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SI-19(7)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SI-19

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SI-19(7) 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

Perform de-identification using validated algorithms and software that is validated to implement the algorithms.

Implementation Guidance

Algorithms that appear to remove personally identifiable information from a dataset may in fact leave information that is personally identifiable or data that is re-identifiable. Software that is claimed to implement a validated algorithm may contain bugs or implement a different algorithm. Software may de-identify one type of data, such as integers, but not de-identify another type of data, such as floating point numbers. For these reasons, de-identification is performed using algorithms and software that are validated.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SI-19(7)
• 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 (none) reviewed