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 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 |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M): 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 |
Authorized w/ Constraints (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 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 |
Authorized w/ Constraints (PLANNING/EVALUATION): 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 Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M). |
<Past |
Future> |
1.5.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
1.6.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
1,7.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
1.8.x |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Unapproved |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
Authorized w/ Constraints (POA&M) |
| | [1] | Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of Etherpad. It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied:
1. When using Etherpad 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 Etherpad server should be on a segregated enclave and segmented from the rest of the enterprise network.
2. Ensure Etherpad is hosted internally within VA and it must go through VA`s formal Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process.
3. Enforce role-based access control through Active Directory for the creation of different accounts based on organizational roles. For example, systems administrators can manage and monitor the servers without being allowed access to ongoing security incident investigation.
4. System owners need to stay informed about the Etherpad development activities to ensure software updates and patches to the software are tested and installed in a timely manner. Additionally, system owners need to constantly monitor the various resources within the Etherpad development project to get the most up-to-date information on known vulnerabilities as well as solutions to mitigate or remediate the vulnerabilities.
| | [2] | 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. | | [3] | 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. | | [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] | Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of Etherpad. It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied:
a. When using Etherpad to process, store and transmit VA sensitive information, it must be installed on specifically Federal Information Processing Standard (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 Etherpad server must be on a segregated enclave and segmented from the rest of the enterprise network.
b. Must ensure Etherpad is hosted internally within VA and it must go through VA`s formal Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process.
c. Enforce role-based access control through Active Directory for the creation of different accounts based on organizational roles. For example, systems administrators can manage and monitor the servers without being allowed access to ongoing security incident investigation.
d. System owners need to stay informed about the Etherpad development activities to ensure software updates and patches to the software are tested and installed in a timely manner. Additionally, system owners need to constantly monitor the various resources within the Etherpad development project to get the most up-to-date information on known vulnerabilities as well as solutions to mitigate or remediate the vulnerabilities.
| | [6] | 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 authorized and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations. | | [7] | 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. | | [8] | 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. | | [9] | Enterprise Security Solutions Services (ESSS) conducted a pre-assessment and security requirements verification of Etherpad. It is advised that if this product is used within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that the following constraints be applied:
a. When using Etherpad to process, store and transmit VA sensitive information, it must be installed on specifically Federal Information Processing Standard (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 Etherpad server must be on a segregated enclave and segmented from the rest of the enterprise network. b. Must ensure Etherpad is hosted internally within VA and it must go through VA`s formal Assessment and Authorization (A&A) process. c. Enforce role-based access control through Active Directory for the creation of different accounts based on organizational roles. For example, systems administrators can manage and monitor the servers without being allowed access to ongoing security incident investigation. d. System owners need to stay informed about the Etherpad development activities to ensure software updates and patches to the software are tested and installed in a timely manner. Additionally, system owners need to constantly monitor the various resources within the Etherpad development project to get the most up-to-date information on known vulnerabilities as well as solutions to mitigate or remediate the vulnerabilities.
| | [10] | This technology should only be used when required by a Veterans Affairs (VA) business partner for an authorized VA Project. Use of this technology must comply with ESCCB requirements which include: Signed Interconnection Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding agreements (MOU/ISA) with each external business partner, compliance with VA Handbook 6500, and must implement appropriate National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) requirements for all devices interacting with this technology. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. As of January 27th, 2017, Risk-based Decisions (RBD) will be handled per VAIQ # 7769667. 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 and ensure privacy of information compliance protections are in place. | | [11] |
Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints:
- When using Etherpad 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 Etherpad server should not be used with VA sensitive data.
- Enforce role-based access control through Active Directory for the creation of different accounts based on organizational roles. For example, systems administrators can manage and monitor the servers without being allowed access to ongoing security incident investigation.
- System owners need to stay informed about the Etherpad development activities to ensure software updates and patches to the software are tested and installed in a timely manner. Additionally, system owners need to constantly monitor the various resources within the Etherpad development project to get the most up-to-date information on known vulnerabilities as well as solutions to mitigate or remediate the vulnerabilities.
| | [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] | This technology should only be used when required by a Veterans Affairs (VA) business partner for an authorized VA Project. Use of this technology must comply with ESCCB requirements which include: Signed Interconnection Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding agreements (MOU/ISA) with each external business partner, compliance with VA Handbook 6500, and must implement appropriate National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) requirements for all devices interacting with this technology. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. As of January 27th, 2017, Risk-based Decisions (RBD) will be handled per VAIQ # 7769667. 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 and ensure privacy of information compliance protections are in place. |
|
Note: |
At the time of writing, the most recent version is version 1.8.1.8, released 0n 02/15/2021 |