NIST 800-53 REV 5 • RISK ASSESSMENT
RA-1 — Policy and Procedures
Develop, document, and disseminate to {{ insert: param, ra-1_prm_1 }}: {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.03 }} risk assessment policy that: Procedures to facilitate the implementation of the risk assessment policy and the associated risk assessment controls; Designate an {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.04 }} to manage the development, documentation, and dissemination of the risk assessment policy and procedures; and Review and update the current risk assessment: Policy {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.05 }} and following {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.06 }} ; and Procedures {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.07 }} and following {{ insert: param, ra-01_odp.08 }}.
Supplemental Guidance
Risk assessment policy and procedures address the controls in the RA family that are implemented within systems and organizations. The risk management strategy is an important factor in establishing such policies and procedures. Policies and procedures contribute to security and privacy assurance. Therefore, it is important that security and privacy programs collaborate on the development of risk assessment policy and procedures. Security and privacy program policies and procedures at the organization level are preferable, in general, and may obviate the need for mission- or system-specific policies and procedures. The policy can be included as part of the general security and privacy policy or be represented by multiple policies reflecting the complex nature of organizations. Procedures can be established for security and privacy programs, for mission or business processes, and for systems, if needed. Procedures describe how the policies or controls are implemented and can be directed at the individual or role that is the object of the procedure. Procedures can be documented in system security and privacy plans or in one or more separate documents. Events that may precipitate an update to risk assessment policy and procedures include assessment or audit findings, security incidents or breaches, or changes in laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines. Simply restating controls does not constitute an organizational policy or procedure.
Practitioner Notes
You need documented risk assessment policies and procedures that describe how your organization identifies, evaluates, and responds to risks. These are the rules of the road for all your risk-related activities.
Example 1: Write a risk assessment policy that defines: when risk assessments are required (before deploying new systems, annually for existing systems, after major changes), who performs them, what methodology is used (NIST RMF, FAIR), and how results are reported to leadership.
Example 2: Create a risk assessment procedures document with step-by-step instructions: how to scope the assessment, identify threats and vulnerabilities, rate likelihood and impact, calculate risk levels, document findings, and present results. Include templates for risk registers and risk assessment reports.