3.13.5e

Distribute and relocate the following system functions or resources [Assignment: organizationdefined frequency]: [Assignment: organization-defined system functions or resources].

DISCUSSION

Changing processing and storage locations (also referred to as moving target defense) addresses the APT by using techniques such as virtualization, distributed processing, and replication. This enables organizations to relocate system components that support critical missions and business functions. Changing the locations of processing activities or storage sites introduces a degree of uncertainty into the targeting activities of adversaries. Targeting uncertainty increases the work factor of adversaries making compromises or breaches to organizational systems more difficult and time-consuming. It also increases the chances that adversaries may inadvertently disclose aspects of their tradecraft while attempting to locate organizational resources. Other options for employing moving target defense include changing IP addresses, Domain Name System (DNS) names, or network topologies. Moving target defense can also increase the work factor for defenders who have a constantly changing system to defend. Accordingly, organizations update their management and security tools and train personnel to adapt to the additional work factor.

Another way of addressing this requirement is by fragmentation. This involves taking information and fragmenting/partitioning it across multiple components (e.g., across a distributed database). Such actions mean that the compromise (unauthorized exfiltration) of any single component of the information data set will not result in the compromise of the entire data. To fully compromise the entire data set, the adversary would have to work harder to try to locate all of the data sets.

PROTECTION STRATEGY

Designing for Cyber Resiliency and Survivability.

ADVERSARY EFFECTS

See [SP 800-160-2]: [Preclude (Preempt, Negate); Impede (Delay, Exert); Expose (Detect)].

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE

Determine if:

3.13.5e_ODP[1] System functions or resources to distribute and relocate are defined.

3.13.5e_ODP[2] Frequency to distribute and relocate system functions or resources is defined.

3.13.5e[a] <3.13.5e_ODP[1]: system functions or resources> are distributed and relocated <3.13.5e_ODP[2]: frequency>.

POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT METHODS AND OBJECTS

Examine: [SELECT FROM: System and communications protection policy; security plan; configuration management policy and procedures; procedures addressing concealment and misdirection techniques for the system; list of processing/storage locations to be changed at organizational time intervals; system component inventory; change control records; configuration management records; system audit records; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Organizational personnel responsible for information security; organizational personnel responsible for changing processing and/or storage locations; system/network administrators].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Mechanisms supporting and/or implementing changing processing and/or storage locations].