Description:

System monitoring includes external and internal monitoring. System monitoring can detect unauthorized use of organizational systems. System monitoring is an integral part of continuous monitoring and incident response programs. Monitoring is achieved through a variety of tools and techniques (e.g., intrusion detection systems, intrusion prevention systems, malicious code protection software, scanning tools, audit record monitoring software, network monitoring software). Output from system monitoring serves as input to continuous monitoring and incident response programs. Unusual/unauthorized activities or conditions related to inbound and outbound communications traffic include internal traffic that indicates the presence of malicious code in systems or propagating among system components, the unauthorized exporting of information, or signaling to external systems. Evidence of malicious code is used to identify potentially compromised systems or system components. System monitoring requirements, including the need for specific types of system monitoring, may be referenced in other requirements. [SP 800-94] provides guidance on intrusion detection and prevention systems.


Priority: High


Category: Personnel Security 


Services Associated with AWS:

  1. Amazon GuardDuty, 
  2. AWS Security Hub
  3. AWS WAF
  4. AWS CloudTrail
  5. AWS Config
  6. AWS Systems Manager


Objective Evidence: 

  • Administrative: documented policies, standards & procedures
  • Administrative: supporting documentation to demonstrate Indicators of Compromise (IoC)
  • Administrative: supporting documentation to demonstrate how Network Intrusion Detection / Prevention (NIDS/NIPS) are deployed and maintained
  • Administrative: supporting documentation to demonstrate how File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) are deployed and maintained
  • Administrative: supporting documentation of threat intelligence feeds to maintain situational awareness
  • Administrative: supporting documentation of role-based security training being performed
  • Administrative: supporting documentation of professional competence by individual(s) performing event log analysis and response roles

  • Technical: screen shot of logs from SIEM

  • Technical: screen shot of logs from NIDS/NIPS

  • Technical: screen shot of logs from FIM 


Possible Technology Considerations : 

  • Network Baselines
  • Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)  


What needs to be answered?

Does the company monitor the information system to identify unauthorized access and use? Does the company monitor the information for potential misuse? Is unauthorized use of the system identified (e.g., log monitoring)?

  •  Intrusion Detection System Check
    Description: This check verifies that intrusion detection systems (IDS) are in place to monitor network traffic and system activities for signs of unauthorized use. IDS can detect and alert on suspicious or malicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts, unusual access patterns, or the presence of known attack signatures.
  •  Audit Record Monitoring Check
    Description: This check ensures that audit record monitoring software is implemented to track and analyze system events and user activities. It verifies that logs and audit records are regularly monitored for any signs of unauthorized activities, unauthorized access attempts, or unusual behavior that may indicate unauthorized use of the systems.
  •  Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response Integration Check
    Description: This check verifies that system monitoring is integrated into the continuous monitoring and incident response programs. It ensures that monitoring outputs are used as valuable inputs for continuous monitoring and incident response, enabling the identification and response to unauthorized use incidents promptly.

More Details:

System access is monitored and suspicious activity is reported and resolved by IT support staff.