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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.5

Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC)

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:	Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC) is a graphics editing software. Photoshop provides image editing, compositing, painting capabilities, and the ability to create and enhance three-dimensional (3D) images and motion-based content. This technology does not utilize a database to store data. Data is stored on local drives or via Adobe`s proprietary cloud storage. This technology can be purchased individually or as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud bundle. 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 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
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 v23.3
Decision Date:	03/27/2023
Aliases:	Adobe Photoshop; Adobe Photoshop CC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Adobe

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
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
9.0 (CS2)
10.0 (CS3)
11.0 (CS4)	10/15/2008
12.0 (CS5)	04/30/2010
CS6	05/07/2012
CC7	05/11/2012
CC(14.0)	06/17/2013
CC(14.1)	09/08/2013
CC(14.2)	01/15/2014
CC 2015	06/15/2015
CC 2015.1	11/30/2015
CC 2017.x	10/31/2016
CC 2018 (19.x.x)	10/18/2017
CC 2019 (20.x)	10/15/2018
CC 2020 (21.x)	03/18/2020
CC 2021 (22.x)	10/01/2020
CC 2022 (23.x)	10/26/2021
CC 2022 (24.x)

Current Decision Matrix (03/23/2023)

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

CY2022

CY2023

CY2024

Future>

Release

9.0 (CS2)

Unapproved

CS6

Unapproved

CC7

Unapproved

CC(14.0)

Unapproved

CC(14.1)

Unapproved

CC(14.2)

Unapproved

CC 2015.1

Unapproved

CC 2017.x

Unapproved

CC 2018 (19.x.x)

Unapproved

CC 2019 (20.x)

Unapproved

CC 2020 (21.x)

Unapproved

CC 2021 (22.x)

Divest
[6, 18, 20, 21, 22]

Divest
[6, 18, 20, 22, 23]

Divest
[20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27]

Unapproved

CC 2022 (23.x)

Approved w/Constraints
[6, 18, 20, 21, 22]

Approved w/Constraints
[6, 18, 20, 22, 23]

Divest
[20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27]

Unapproved

CC 2022 (24.x)

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27]

Decision Constraints


[1]	Creative Cloud versions of this product are not permitted without a waiver from the Architecture and Engineering Review Board (AERB) and expressed authorization. Use of non-Creative Cloud versions of this technology should be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

[2]	Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software should be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options.

[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]	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.

[5]	Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software should be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[6]	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.

[7]	Due to potential information security risks, cloud based versions of this product are not permitted without a waiver signed by the Deputy CIO of ASD based upon a recommendation from the Architecture and Engineering Review Board (AERB). In addition, cloud based features of this software may not be used without an Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) approval to ensure that confidential organization and/or PII/PHI data are not compromised (ref: VA Directive 6004, VA Directive 6517 and VA Directive 6513). Use of public cloud storage requires documented Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) compliance and a Memorandum of Understanding / Interconnection Security Agreement (MOU/ISA) between the vendor and VA prior to ESCCB review.

[8]	Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[9]	Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without an Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) approval. 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).

[10]	Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[11]	Due to potential information security risks, cloud based technologies may not be used without the approval of the VA Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) Group. 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).

[12]	The CC version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[13]	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).

[14]	The CC version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[15]	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).

[16]	The CC version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) and Safari are implemented with VA-approved baselines.

[17]	The CC version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) is implemented with VA-approved baselines.

[18]	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.

[19]	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).

[20]	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.

[21]	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).

[22]	The Creative Cloud (CC) version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, and Google Chrome are implemented with VA-approved baselines. Users must Divest the use of Internet Explorer with this technology. Other approved internet browsers are available. See Category Tab for details.

[23]	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).

[24]	The Creative Cloud (CC) version of this technology must be downloaded and installed using the Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop. Editing and publication of official materials and graphics utilizing this software must be restricted to those who have an official need to publish information on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, no synchronization or storage of VA data is permitted outside the Department via the Creative Cloud synchronization and storage options. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period.

[25]	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.

[26]	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 ISSO (Information System Security Officer) can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[27]	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.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 24.2.0 is the most current version released.

A standard configuration of this technology was developed by the DDE team. At the time of writing, the standard version is 23.5.1.724, and version 24.1.1.238 is under testing and development for six weeks from 03/06/2023.

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Description
Other	Adobe Photoshop CC Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)	This site links to the VPAT for Adobe Photoshop.
Vendor Provided*	Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud New Features	This webpage details new features released with the most current version of this technology.
*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
Mercury Graphics Engine	This component provides support for Open Graphics Library (OpenGL) and Open Computing Language (OpenCL). This support allows graphic programs to execute across heterogeneous platforms of central processing units, graphic processing units and digital signal processors, providing high-speed graphic rendering in near real-time.


Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Productivity Software	Multimedia Software
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Productivity Software	Graphics Design Software

- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (03/27/2023).

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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.5

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VA Technical Reference Model v 23.5

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (03/23/2023)

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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