CA-3 System Interconnections
Description
This Control applies to dedicated connections between information systems (i.e., system interconnections) and does not apply to transitory, user-controlled connections such as email and website browsing.
Organizations carefully consider the risks that may be introduced when information systems are connected to other systems with different security requirements and security controls, both within organizations and external to organizations.
Authorizing officials determine the risk associated with information system connections and the appropriate controls employed. If interconnecting systems have the same authorizing official, organizations do not need to develop Interconnection Security Agreements. Instead, organizations can describe the interface characteristics between those interconnecting systems in their respective security plans. If interconnecting systems have different authorizing officials within the same organization, organizations can either develop Interconnection Security Agreements or describe the interface characteristics between systems in the security plans for the respective systems.
Organizations may also incorporate Interconnection Security Agreement information into formal contracts, especially for interconnections established between federal agencies and nonfederal (i.e., private sector) organizations.
Risk considerations also include information systems sharing the same networks. For certain technologies (e.g., space, unmanned aerial vehicles, and medical devices), there may be specialized connections in place during preoperational testing. Such connections may require Interconnection Security Agreements and be subject to additional security controls.
Applicability
The intended audience includes information resource owners and custodians.
This Control applies to dedicated connections between information systems (i.e., system interconnections) and does not apply to transitory, user-controlled connections such as email and website browsing.
Implementation
TAMU-CC shall:
- Authorize connections from information systems to other information systems through the use of Interconnection Security Agreements. The organization authorizes all connections from internal/organization information system to other information systems outside of organization through the use of system connection agreements and monitors/controls the system connections on an ongoing basis;
- Document, for each interconnection, the interface characteristics, security requirements, and the nature of the information communicated. Primary Custodians shall document in Information Resource Inventory System (IRIS) any connection between their systems and other information systems, either inside or outside of TAMU-CC; and
- Reviews and updates Interconnection Security Agreements annually.
Revision History
Last Updated: February 21, 2025
Previous Versions:
- June 29, 2023
- May 31, 2022
- March 25, 2021
- September 16, 2019