AC-7(4)—Use Of Alternate Authentication Factor
>Control Description
a
Allow the use of ⚙organization-defined authentication factors that are different from the primary authentication factors after the number of organization-defined consecutive invalid logon attempts have been exceeded; and
b
Enforce a limit of ⚙organization-defined number consecutive invalid logon attempts through use of the alternative factors by a user during a ⚙organization-defined time period.
>Supplemental Guidance
The use of alternate authentication factors supports the objective of availability and allows a user who has inadvertently been locked out to use additional authentication factors to bypass the lockout.
>Related Controls
>Assessment Interview Topics
Questions assessors commonly ask
Process & Governance:
- •What formal policies and procedures govern the implementation of AC-7(4) (Use Of Alternate Authentication Factor)?
- •Who are the designated roles responsible for implementing, maintaining, and monitoring AC-7(4)?
- •How frequently is the AC-7(4) policy reviewed and updated, and what triggers policy changes?
- •What training or awareness programs ensure personnel understand their responsibilities related to AC-7(4)?
Technical Implementation:
- •Describe the specific technical mechanisms or controls used to enforce AC-7(4) requirements.
- •What automated tools, systems, or technologies are deployed to implement AC-7(4)?
- •How is AC-7(4) integrated into your system architecture and overall security posture?
- •What configuration settings, parameters, or technical specifications enforce AC-7(4) requirements?
Evidence & Documentation:
- •What documentation demonstrates the complete implementation of AC-7(4)?
- •What audit logs, records, reports, or monitoring data validate AC-7(4) compliance?
- •Can you provide evidence of periodic reviews, assessments, or testing of AC-7(4) effectiveness?
- •What artifacts would you present during a FedRAMP assessment to demonstrate AC-7(4) compliance?
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