Initiation of Project or Initial C&A Effort - DITSCAP/NIACAP Model Phases for Legacy System C&A

B.

The definition phase of the DITSCAP/NIACAP model takes place at the beginning of the project, or at the initial C&A effort of a legacy system.

C&A consists of four phases in a DITSCAP assessment.

These phases are the same as NIACAP phases.

The order of these phases is as follows: 1.Definition: The definition phase is focused on understanding the IS business case, the mission, environment, and architecture.

This phase determines the security requirements and level of effort necessary to achieve Certification & Accreditation (C&A)

2.Verification: The second phase confirms the evolving or modified system's compliance with the information.

The verification phase ensures that the fully integrated system will be ready for certification testing.

3.Validation: The third phase confirms abidance of the fully integrated system with the security policy.

This phase follows the requirements slated in the SSAA.

The objective of the validation phase is to show the required evidence to support the DAA in accreditation process.

4.Post Accreditation: The Post Accreditation is the final phase of DITSCAP assessment and it starts after the system has been certified and accredited for operations.

This phase ensures secure system management, operation, and maintenance to save an acceptable level of residual risk.

The DITSCAP (Department of Defense Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process) and NIACAP (National Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process) are processes used to certify and accredit information systems within the Department of Defense and federal government agencies.

The DITSCAP/NIACAP model consists of six phases that must be completed before a system can be fully accredited and authorized to operate. These phases include:

1. Definition
2. Verification
3. Validation
4. Post Accreditation
5. Accreditation
6. Continuous Monitoring

Now, coming to the question, the phase that occurs at the initiation of the project, or at the initial C&A effort of a legacy system is the Definition phase.

The Definition phase involves defining the scope of the project, identifying the security category of the system, determining the security requirements, and developing the Security Concept of Operations (SECONOPS). It sets the foundation for the entire certification and accreditation process and provides guidance for the subsequent phases.

During the Definition phase, the system security officer (SSO) and the security engineer are responsible for identifying the system boundaries, information flows, and interfaces. They must also identify any potential risks and vulnerabilities that may arise during the system development and operation phases.

In conclusion, the Definition phase is the phase that occurs at the initiation of the project or at the initial C&A effort of a legacy system. It sets the foundation for the entire certification and accreditation process and provides guidance for the subsequent phases.