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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.9

Microsoft Teams

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:	Microsoft Teams is a collaboration software that combines chat, meetings, calling, collaboration, application integration, and file storage into a single interface. This technology can run in the cloud, over the web, on a Personal Computer or on a Mobile device. This entry covers the Desktop Edition of this technology and not any mobile versions. See Category tab/Comparable for the corresponding Mobile entry. Note: 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 The TRM decisions in this entry only apply to technologies and versions owned, operated, managed, patched, and version-controlled by VA. This includes technologies deployed as software installations on VMs within VA-controlled cloud environments (e.g. VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC)). Cloud services provided by the VAEC, which are listed in the VAEC Service Catalog, and those controlled and managed by an external Cloud Service Provider (i.e. SaaS) are not in the purview of the TRM. For more information on the use of cloud services and cloud-based products within VA, including VA private clouds, please see the Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) Portal at: https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OITEPMOECSO This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. This technology is available in two editions: Business and Home. This entry covers both editions.
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 not been assessed by the Section 508 Office. 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
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v23.9
Decision Date:	09/22/2023
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Microsoft

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
1.2.x	04/01/2019
1.3.x	03/04/2020
1.4.x	01/30/2021
1.5.x	01/12/2022
1.6.x	03/12/2023

Current Decision Matrix (09/19/2023)

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

1.2.x

Unapproved

1.3.x

Divest
[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Unapproved

1.4.x

Divest
[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Unapproved

1.5.x

Approved w/Constraints
[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

1.6.x

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]

Decision Constraints


[1]	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.

[2]	This technology must not be updated silently. This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. This technology is only approved for use for testing and piloting under the strict control of the OIT ITOPS SD CIS Collaboration Team (VA Email: OIT ITOPS SD CIS Collaboration Team). Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to the untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Microsoft Teams, the product must have an application package created which will be deployed by a system administrator using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Restrictions must be put into place to prevent users from connecting to unverified\unapproved tenants. SCCM will also monitor the product once deployed. VA must implement tenant policy enforcement to only allow what has been tested and approved to be used. Microsoft Teams must be included on the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. Users must ensure that VA sensitive data, stored and transmitted in Microsoft Teams systems, is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module. If that is not technically possible then 3rd party encryption methods must be employed. The VA must only consider solutions with similar functionality if the current approved solutions do not meet all of VA`s needs or requirements.

[3]	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.

[4]	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.

[5]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISO can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[6]	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. Contact your local CIO office if more information is needed in regards to the use of this technology.

[7]	Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO). This body is in part responsible for ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[8]	This technology must not be updated silently. This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to the untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Microsoft Teams, the product must have an application package created which will be deployed by a system administrator using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Restrictions must be put into place to prevent users from connecting to unverified\unapproved tenants. SCCM will also monitor the product once deployed. VA must implement tenant policy enforcement to only allow what has been tested and approved to be used. Microsoft Teams must be included on the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. Ensure VA sensitive data, stored and transmitted in Microsoft Teams systems, is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module. If that is not technically possible then 3rd party encryption methods must be employed. The VA should only consider solutions with similar functionality if the current approved solutions do not meet all of VA’s needs or requirements.

[9]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[10]	This technology must not be updated silently. This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to the untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Microsoft Teams, the product must have an application package created which will be deployed by a system administrator using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Restrictions must be put into place to prevent users from connecting to unverified\unapproved tenants. SCCM will also monitor the product once deployed. VA must implement tenant policy enforcement to only allow what has been tested and approved to be used. Microsoft Teams must be included on the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. Ensure VA sensitive data, stored and transmitted in Microsoft Teams systems, is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module. If that is not technically possible then 3rd party encryption methods must be employed. Any plug-in, application, or service that interacts with the Teams client must be vetted by the VA Enterprise Messaging, Collaboration, Authentication and Office 365 Services (EMCAO) team.

[11]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (SPF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[12]	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.

[13]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the Project Special Forces (PSF) team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[14]	This technology must not be updated silently. This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Due to the untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer of Microsoft Teams, the product must have an application package created which will be deployed by a system administrator using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Restrictions must be put into place to prevent users from connecting to unverified\unapproved tenants. SCCM will also monitor the product once deployed. VA must implement tenant policy enforcement to only allow what has been tested and approved to be used. Microsoft Teams must be included on the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. Ensure VA sensitive data, stored and transmitted in Microsoft Teams systems, is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module. If that is not technically possible then 3rd party encryption methods must be employed. Any plug-in, application, or service that interacts with the Teams client must be vetted by the VA Enterprise Messaging, Collaboration, Authentication and Office 365 Services (EMCAO) team.

[15]	This technology has received one or more VA security bulletins that provide specific guidance on vulnerability patching and mitigation. It is the responsibility of VA system owners to ensure that the appropriate mitigations are taken to address all known and future discovered vulnerabilities with this product. See the Reference tab for more information on security bulletins related to this product.

[16]	Due to potential information security risks for cloud-based technologies, users should coordinate closely with their facility ISSO for guidance and assistance on cloud products. If further guidance is needed contact the Enterprise Cloud Solution Office (ECSO), which is the body responsible for new software development in and migration of existing systems to the VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC) and ensuring organizational information, Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), and VA sensitive data are not compromised within the VAEC. For information about Software as a Service (SaaS) products or to submit a SaaS product request with the VA OIT Product Engineering team, please use their online form. (Ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517, VA Directive 6513 and VA Directive 6102).

[17]	This technology must not be updated silently. This technology must not be downloaded from the Windows App store. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: Microsoft Teams must be included on the list of applications for continuous monitoring for published vulnerabilities, updates, and patches. Ensure VA sensitive data, stored and transmitted in Microsoft Teams systems, is encrypted using FIPS 140-2 certified cryptographic module. If that is not technically possible then 3rd party encryption methods must be employed. Any plug-in, application, or service that interacts with the Teams client must be vetted by the VA Enterprise Messaging, Collaboration, Authentication and Office 365 Services (EMCAO) team.

[18]	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.

[19]	Due to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) identified security vulnerabilities, extra vigilance should be applied to ensure the versions remain properly patched to mitigate known and future vulnerabilities. The local ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can provide assistance in reviewing the NIST vulnerabilities.

[20]	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.

Note:

At the time of writing, 1.6.00.22378 is the latest version and was released on 08/21/2023.
A standard configuration of this technology was developed by the DDE team. At the time of writing, the standard version(s) are 1.5.x and 1.6.x.

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Description
Vendor Provided*	Feature Updates	This site links to updates in functionality for this product.
Vendor Provided*	Update history for Microsoft Teams App Version (Public Cloud and GCC)	This site provides update information for this technology.
Vendor Provided*	Teams Backgrounds	Teams Backgrounds allows users to change their backgrounds during Teams meetings. The version for the VA Teams Background is version 3. Microsoft Teams Backgrounds is run as a background process.
Other	Teams Machine-Wide Installer	The Microsoft Teams machine-wide installer is an Microsoft Installer (MSI) based installation method for Teams.
*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.


Network and Telecommunications Transport	Telecommunications
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Collaboration Software	Real-Time and Team Collaboration

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (09/22/2023).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.9

General Information

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Current Decision Matrix (09/19/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.9

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (09/19/2023)

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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