| 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 System Security Officer (ISSO), 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 VAIT
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.
|
|
|
| Legend: |
| White |
Authorized: The technology/standard has been authorized for use.
|
| Yellow |
Authorized 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 |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a]
: 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 |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[b]
: 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 unauthorized may be
found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
|
| Black |
Unauthorized: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
|
| Blue |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[c]
: 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 authorized 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 authorized 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.
|
| Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered Unauthorized, Conditions Required
[a]
. |
|
<Past |
Future> |
| 1.x |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
| 2.x |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
| 4.x |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
Unauthorized, Conditions Required[a] |
| Note: |
At the time of writing, version 4.0.51 is the most current version, released 08/13/2025. |
| | | | [4] | 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. | | | [8] | Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints:
- When using Macro Recorder to process, store and transmit VA sensitive information, it should be installed on specifically FIPS-compliant servers configured to use FIPS-compliant algorithms for encryption. If it is not technically possible to employ FIPS 140-2 encryption, then the Macro Recorder server should be on a separate enclave and segregated from the rest of the enterprise network.
- System owners need to stay informed about Macro Recorder and its component development activities to ensure updates and patches are tested and installed in a timely manner. Additionally, system owners need to constantly monitor the various resources within the Macro Recorder and its component development project to identify the most up-to-date information and solutions to mitigate or remediate vulnerabilities.
- Enforce role-based access control (R-BAC) through Active Directory for the creation of different accounts based on organizational roles. For example, system administrators can manage and monitor the servers without being allowed access to ongoing security incident investigation.
- When establishing a password for the Macro Recorder, 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.
This technology involves the use Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections and proper security precautions must be taken when used. | | | [9] | 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 authorized and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations. | | | [11] | 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. |
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