System management

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policyASD ISM

Guidelines for system management

57 controls in this part of theAustralian Government Information Security Manual. Each control links to plain-English guidance, audit tips and cross-framework mappings.

Data backup and restoration

Develop and Maintain a Digital Preservation Policy

Organisations must create and keep up-to-date a policy for preserving digital information.

Conduct and Maintain Regular Data Backups

Ensure data backups are done based on business importance and kept for future recovery needs.

Test Backup Restoration During Disaster Recovery

Backups should be restored regularly to ensure data can be retrieved in case of a disaster.

Develop and Maintain Data Backup Procedures

Ensure data backup processes and procedures are created, used, and kept up to date.

Develop and Maintain Data Restoration Processes

Organisations must create and keep updated processes for restoring data.

Restrict Access to User Account Backups

Only backup administrators can access backups; other privileged users cannot access backups of diffe

Prevent Backup Access by Privileged Users

Privileged users cannot access their own data backups; only backup administrators can.

Restrict Backup Modifications by Privileged Users

Only backup admins can modify or delete backups; others are restricted.

Prevent Backup Modifications During Retention

Backup administrators cannot change or delete backups until the retention period ends.

Ensuring Data Backup Synchronisation

Backups should be in sync to restore everything to the same time point when needed.

Secure and Resilient Data Backup Retention

Ensure backups of data and applications are stored safely and can withstand issues.

Restrict Backup Access to Unprivileged Users

Ensure that users without special permissions cannot see other people's backups.

Prevent Unauthorised User Access to Backup Data

Ensure that regular user accounts cannot view or restore their own backup files for security reasons

Prevent Backup Modifications by Unprivileged Users

Only authorised users can change or delete backups, keeping data safe from unauthorised access.

System administration

Maintain Effective System Administration Practices

Ensure systems are managed effectively with developed and maintained procedures.

System Admin Activities Follow Change Management Plan

Admins follow a defined plan for system changes to ensure proper management.

Use Separate Privileged and Unprivileged Environments

Privileged users should work in distinct environments to increase security and reduce risks.

Segregation of Administrative Infrastructure from Networks

Administrative systems are isolated from the main network and internet to enhance security.

Restrict Network Management Traffic Origin

Only authorised admin systems should manage network settings, ensuring security and control.

Use Jump Servers for Administrative Activities

Ensure all admin tasks are done through safer, intermediary servers to enhance security.

Maintain Detailed Software Version and Patch Records

Keep a record of software versions and update histories for system security.

Prevent Virtualisation of Privileged Environments

Privileged environments must not be virtualised within non-privileged ones to ensure security.

Restrict Privileged Environment Access

Users without privileges cannot access systems meant for privileged users.

Restrict Privileged Accounts Access to Non-Privileged Environments

Privileged users aren't allowed to log into standard environments to ensure security.

Segregation of Administrative Infrastructure for Server Security

Keep management systems for different types of servers separate to ensure better security.

Use Secure Admin Workstations for Administration

Use special secure computers for admin tasks to protect sensitive data.

Restrict Unauthorised Network Connections

Devices outside the network can't establish connections with administration systems.

Prevent Unauthorised Access for DCSync Accounts

Users with certain permissions can't access less secure systems to maintain security.

System Administration

Maintain and Verify Software Registers

Ensure software lists for all IT equipment are up-to-date and regularly checked.

System maintenance

Centralised System Patch and Update Management

Ensure patches and updates are applied correctly using a centralised system for better security.

Apply System Security Patches with Approval

Security patches for critical IT must be approved and applied as directed by ASD.

Remove Unsupported Applications for System Security

Applications no longer supported by vendors, except some key types, should be removed for security.

Develop and Maintain Patch Management Procedures

Ensure patches for systems are regularly updated and processes are in place to manage this.

Replace Unsupported Operating Systems

Replace operating systems that are no longer supported to maintain security.

Timely Application of Non-Critical Vulnerability Patches

Apply non-critical patches to online services within two weeks to prevent unexploited vulnerabilitie

Timely Vulnerability Patching in Software Tools

Apply patches to major software tools like browsers and email clients within two weeks to prevent vu

Quick Apply Critical Patches for Vulnerabilities

Apply crucial software patches within 48 hours to prevent security breaches from known vulnerabiliti

Timely Application of Patches to Mitigate Vulnerabilities

Apply updates to non-generic software within a month to keep systems secure.

Timely Application of Non-Critical Security Patches

Apply patches for non-critical vulnerabilities on internet-facing devices within two weeks if no kno

Timely Application of System Security Patches

Ensure non-internet-facing systems are updated within a month to protect against known vulnerabiliti

Apply Critical Patches Within 48 Hours

Apply critical security patches to certain systems within 48 hours to prevent exploits.

Apply Non-Critical Patches Within One Month

Apply updates for driver vulnerabilities within a month if they are non-critical and have no known e

Remove Unsupported Software to Ensure Security

Unsupported software like browsers, productivity tools, and security apps should be removed to maint

Timely Application of Vendor Patches for Non-Critical OS Vulnerabilities

Apply OS patches for non-critical issues within a month if no exploits exist.

Replace Unsupported Internet-Facing Devices

Replace network devices that are no longer supported by manufacturers.

Implement Compensating Controls for Unsupported Systems

When systems can't be updated or replaced, use temporary security measures.

Apply Critical Patches Within 48 Hours

Install critical patches for online services within 48 hours when notified by the vendor or if explo

Timely Application of Critical Security Patches

Apply critical patches to online systems within 48 hours to prevent vulnerability exploits.

Apply Critical Patches Within 48 Hours

Critical system updates must be installed within 48 hours to prevent security risks.

Timely Patching of Critical Driver Vulnerabilities

Critical driver vulnerabilities must be fixed within 48 hours to prevent exploits.

Timely Application of Non-Critical Security Patches

Apply non-critical software patches within two weeks to maintain system security.

Apply Non-Critical Patches to Non-Internet Systems Promptly

Ensure non-critical security patches are applied within a month if no active threats are identified.

Rapid Application of Critical Firmware Patches

Install critical firmware updates within 48 hours to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.

Apply Firmware Patches for Non-Critical Vulnerabilities

Install patches for minor firmware issues within a month if there're no immediate threats.

Disclosure of Software Vulnerabilities Responsibly

Share software flaws publicly in a careful and quick manner to ensure security.

Replace Unsupportable Non-Internet Network Devices

Replace network devices not supported by vendors to maintain security.

Replace Unsupported Networked IT Equipment

Replace networked IT equipment when vendors no longer provide support.

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