NIST 800-53 REV 5 • ACCESS CONTROL
AC-1 — Policy and Procedures
Develop, document, and disseminate to {{ insert: param, ac-1_prm_1 }}: {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.03 }} access control policy that: Procedures to facilitate the implementation of the access control policy and the associated access controls; Designate an {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.04 }} to manage the development, documentation, and dissemination of the access control policy and procedures; and Review and update the current access control: Policy {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.05 }} and following {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.06 }} ; and Procedures {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.07 }} and following {{ insert: param, ac-01_odp.08 }}.
Supplemental Guidance
Access control policy and procedures address the controls in the AC 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 access control 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 access control 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
This control is about having a written access control policy and keeping it current. Think of it as your rulebook for who gets access to what — and making sure someone is responsible for updating that rulebook regularly.
Example 1: Create an Access Control Policy document in SharePoint and assign your IT Security Manager as the owner. Set a recurring calendar reminder every 12 months to review and update. Store version history so auditors can see when changes were made. Include sections on account types, remote access, and wireless access at minimum.
Example 2: Use a GRC tool like Archer or even a simple Excel tracker to log each access control procedure. Map each procedure to the AC controls it supports. Set a review date column and filter quarterly for anything overdue. Have your ISSO sign off on each review with a date stamp.