Benefits:
Data confidentiality: Encryption scrambles CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) stored on mobile devices, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized individuals who gain physical access to the device. This significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and protects sensitive government information.
Reduced impact of device loss or theft: Mobile devices are vulnerable to being lost or stolen. Encryption ensures that even if a device falls into the wrong hands, the CUI remains confidential.
Enhanced compliance: Implementing this control demonstrates an organization's commitment to following NIST guidelines and adhering to federal regulations regarding CUI protection. This fosters trust and facilitates collaboration with government agencies.
Improved overall security posture: Encryption serves as a cornerstone of a robust security strategy. By securing CUI on mobile devices, organizations strengthen their overall security posture and minimize the attack surface for cyber threats.
Accountability:
Senior Management: Policy and Resource Allocation: Develop and implement policies requiring CUI encryption on mobile devices. Allocate resources for device encryption software, user training, and ongoing monitoring. Oversight and Risk Management: Oversee the implementation and effectiveness of the encryption program. Conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential security weaknesses related to mobile CUI access.
IT Security Team: Implementation and Guidance: Select and implement appropriate encryption solutions for various mobile devices and platforms. Develop and maintain technical guidance for secure mobile device usage and CUI handling. Monitoring and Incident Response: Monitor compliance with encryption requirements and address potential security incidents involving mobile CUI.
System Owners: Configuration and Management: Configure mobile devices and platforms to enforce encryption for CUI storage and transmission. Integrate encryption into data access and transfer processes. Risk Management and Reporting: Identify and report any risks associated with mobile CUI access and usage to the IT security team and senior management.
Individual Users: Compliance and Awareness: Comply with established policies and procedures for mobile device usage and CUI handling. Utilize encryption features on their devices and report any suspected security breaches. Education and Training: Participate in training programs to understand the importance of CUI security and proper mobile device usage practices.
Implementation:
Choosing the encryption method: Organizations can choose between full-device encryption, which encrypts all data on the device, or container-based encryption, which encrypts specific applications or data folders. Container-based encryption offers greater flexibility but may require additional configuration.
Mobile device management (MDM): Utilizing an MDM solution allows centralized control over device configurations and security settings. This can streamline the encryption process and enforce consistent encryption policies across all devices.
User training and awareness: Providing training to users on the importance of encryption, proper device security practices, and the potential consequences of non-compliance is crucial.
Continuous monitoring and auditing: Regularly monitoring device activity, reviewing user access logs, and conducting security audits help ensure the effectiveness of encryption controls and identify potential vulnerabilities.
