NIST 800-53 REV 5 • SYSTEM AND SERVICES ACQUISITION
SA-4(8) — Continuous Monitoring Plan for Controls
Require the developer of the system, system component, or system service to produce a plan for continuous monitoring of control effectiveness that is consistent with the continuous monitoring program of the organization.
CMMC Practice Mapping
No direct CMMC mapping
NIST 800-171 Mapping
No direct NIST 800-171 mapping
Related Controls
Supplemental Guidance
The objective of continuous monitoring plans is to determine if the planned, required, and deployed controls within the system, system component, or system service continue to be effective over time based on the inevitable changes that occur. Developer continuous monitoring plans include a sufficient level of detail such that the information can be incorporated into continuous monitoring programs implemented by organizations. Continuous monitoring plans can include the types of control assessment and monitoring activities planned, frequency of control monitoring, and actions to be taken when controls fail or become ineffective.
Practitioner Notes
Require vendors to provide a continuous monitoring plan that describes how they will monitor the effectiveness of security controls in their products or services after deployment.
Example 1: In service contracts, require the vendor to define how they will continuously monitor their security controls: regular vulnerability scans, configuration audits, log analysis, and periodic security assessments. The plan should specify what is monitored, how frequently, and how findings are reported to you.
Example 2: For cloud service providers, require them to provide ongoing access to their compliance documentation (SOC 2 reports updated annually, FedRAMP continuous monitoring monthly reports) and a defined process for notifying you of security incidents, new vulnerabilities, or changes in their control environment.