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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

PageGate

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	PageGate allows for network messaging or network wide Short Message Service (SMS) messaging through a combination of the following methods: email, webpage, command line, text file, Internet, serial port, modem, mobile phone, wireless modem, direct database access and windows client. This entry covers the Desktop Edition of this technology and not any mobile versions. Please note that the implementation of mobile technology applications that operate on Mobile Operating Systems must be reviewed and approved by the Mobile Technology and Endpoint Security Engineering Team: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/SysDesign/CS/MT/default.aspx
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has been assessed by the Section 508 Office and found non-conformant. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov. Please see reference tab for more information concerning product versions.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v23.5
Decision Date:	05/03/2023 at 03:31:11 UTC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	NotePage, Inc.

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
5.x
6.x
7.x	06/02/2014
8.x	06/14/2017
9.x
10.x	03/15/2023

Current Decision Matrix (04/14/2023)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VA IT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported. Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered unapproved for use.

Legend:

White	Approved: The technology/standard has been approved for use.
Yellow	Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unapproved: This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Divest: VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unapproved may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Prohibited: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Planning/Evaluation Constraint:The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

<Past

CY2023

CY2024

CY2025

Future>

Release

5.x

Unapproved

6.x

Unapproved

7.x

Unapproved

8.x

Unapproved

9.x

Approved w/Constraints
[15, 16, 17, 18]

Divest
[6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Divest
[6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]

Divest
[6, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Unapproved

10.x

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Approved w/Constraints
[6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]

Approved w/Constraints
[6, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Decision Constraints


[1]	Vendor offers a 30-day free trial period of PageGate. If it is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Product is used primarily to send texts to mobile equipment. Users must avoid transmitting Personal Identification Information (PII)/Personal Health Information (PHI) or VA sensitive information.

[2]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[3]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Office (ISO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[4]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[5]	Security Engineering (SE) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of PageGate. It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied: 1. Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. 2. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users should have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. 3. At the end of free trial, PageGate should be removed or a full software license purchased to mitigate unwanted application and threat vector on the VA network. 4. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 8 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: o English upper case characters o English lower case characters o Base-10 digits o Non-alphanumeric special characters Six of the characters must not occur more than once in the password. Product is used primarily to send texts to mobile equipment. Users must avoid transmitting Personal Identification Information (PII)/Personal Health Information (PHI) or VA sensitive information.

[6]	Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities.

[7]	Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information Security Officer (ISO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP).

[8]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[9]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[10]	According to the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users must have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 8 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: o English upper case characters o English lower case characters o Base-10 digits o Non-alphanumeric special characters In accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 and SP 800-70, Information Security is an important business process that must be considered in all phases of the acquisition process to ensure data and information technology (IT) systems are adequately protected against risk of loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. In accordance with FISMA, government information or government IT systems require compliance with the agency IT Security Policy. All information technology acquisitions must meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 39.101 (d) policy ensuring the use of common security configuration checklists in the management of risk.

[11]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. According to the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users must have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 8 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: o English upper case characters o English lower case characters o Base-10 digits o Non-alphanumeric special characters In accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-53 and SP 800-70, Information Security is an important business process that must be considered in all phases of the acquisition process to ensure data and information technology (IT) systems are adequately protected against risk of loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. In accordance with FISMA, government information or government IT systems require compliance with the agency IT Security Policy. All information technology acquisitions must meet the requirements outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 39.101 (d) policy ensuring the use of common security configuration checklists in the management of risk.

[12]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. According to the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users must have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 8 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: o English upper case characters o English lower case characters o Base-10 digits o Non-alphanumeric special characters

[13]	Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information Security Officer (ISO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP).

[14]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[15]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. According to the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users must have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 8 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: o English upper case characters o English lower case characters o Base-10 digits o Non-alphanumeric special characters

[16]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[17]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information System Security Officer (ISSO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[18]	Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 compliant encryption to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the hard drive where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP).

[19]	Users must ensure that Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) Server is implemented with VA-approved baselines. (Refer to the ‘Category’ tab under ‘Runtime Dependencies’) If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must not utilize the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, as it is unapproved for use on the TRM. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Ensure to leverage use of a FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module to secure VA sensitive data in applications, workstations and devices that utilize PageGate. In addition to the use of FIPS 140-2 encryption, users should have adequate and periodic Security Awareness Training (AT) to prevent sending of PII/PHI or VA sensitive information in plain text messages. System Owners/Administrators should deploy PageGate with the non-default SQL database instead of the default Microsoft Jet database as Jet is not approved for use within the Department of VA. At the end of free trial, PageGate should be removed or a full software license purchased to mitigate unwanted application and threat vector on the VA network. When establishing Admin credentials for PageGate, ensure that all VA password requirements are met with regard to length and complexity. VA Handbook 6500 Control IA-5: Authenticator Management sets a standard of at least 14 non-blank characters. They must contain characters from three (3) of the following four (4) categories: English upper-case characters English lower-case characters Base-10 digits Non-alphanumeric special characters Six of the characters must not occur more than once in the password.

[20]	The Federal Information Processing standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification status of this technology was not able to be verified. This technology will require a 3rd party FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 certified solution for any data containing PHI/PII or VA sensitive information, where applicable. More information regarding the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) can be found on the NIST website.

[21]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) to ensure compliance with both VA Handbook 6500 and VA Directive 6500.

[22]	Per the May 5th, 2015 memorandum from the VA Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) FIPS 140-2 FIPS 140-2 Validate Full Disk Encryption (FOE) for Data at Rest in Database Management Systems (DBMS) and in accordance with Federal requirements and VA policy, database management must use Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 or its successor to protect the confidentiality and integrity of VA information at rest at the application level. If FIPS 140-2 encryption at the application level is not technically possible, FIPS 140-2 or 140-3 compliant full disk encryption (FOE) must be implemented on the storage device where the DBMS resides. Appropriate access enforcement and physical security control must also be implemented. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. It is the responsibility of the system owner to work with the local CIO (or designee) and Information System Security Officer (ISSO) to ensure that a compliant DBMS technology is selected and that if needed, mitigating controls are in place and documented in a System Security Plan (SSP). By September 22, 2026, all FIPS 140-2 certificate validations will be placed on the Historical List, please refer to FIPS Transition Effort for further guidance and timeline of changes.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 10.0.10 is the most current version, released 03/15/2023.

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Description
Vendor Provided*	Manuals & Documentation	This links to the Server and Client Manuals for PageGate.
Vendor Provided*	Steps to Write Directly to PageGate Database	This links to the steps required to write directly to the PageGate Database.
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Note: This list may not be complete. No component, listed or unlisted, may be used outside of the technology in which it is released. The usage decision for a component is found in the Decision and Decision Constraints.
Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.


Application Technology Integration Software	Messaging Oriented Middleware (MOM)
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Collaboration Software	Electronic Messaging

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (05/03/2023 at 03:31:11 UTC).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (04/14/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

Architectural Risks

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