3.2.1.3: VPN

1. Risk: Unauthorized access attempts go unnoticed.

a. SOX.2.1.3.1 VPN authentication attempts are limited to attempts specified by the Corporate IT standard.

2. Risk: Unauthorized execution of privileged system commands may disrupt business processes, and corrupt critical business data stores.

a. SOX.2.1.3.2 VPN administrator level access is password restricted and is limited to the designated VPN administrators only.

3. Risk: Unscheduled access by support vendors may result in business process interruptions or loss of production data.

a. SOX.2.1.3.3 VPN access by support vendors is granted through a service request.

4. Risk: Unauthorized users might exploit privileged access to critical business processes and data.

a. SOX.2.1.3.4 New VPN user accounts are pre-expired.

5. Risk: Unauthorized users might exploit unauthorized access to critical business processes and data.

a. SOX.2.1.3.5 The VPN operating application has a session "Time-Out" function enabled.

6. Risk: Unnecessary disruptions to business processes or data corruption may occur.

a. SOX.2.1.3.6 VPN rule changes are scheduled during maintenance windows.

7. Risk: Unidentifiable users may compromise critical business processes and data.

a. SOX.2.1.3.7 The VPN system will not allow identical administrator IDs.

8. Risk: Insufficient security standards may allow unauthorized access to production systems and business data stores.

a. SOX.2.1.3.8 VPN passwords are required for each administrator ID. Password configuration is based on Corporate IT standards.

9. Risk: Inappropriate administrative actions are executed without accountability measures.

a. SOX.2.1.3.9 The VPN operating application has the functionality to monitor administrator access related events.

10. Risk: Reactive security monitoring results in data compromise and financial loss or liability.

a. SOX.2.1.3.10 VPN administration team is notified when security violations occur.

11. Risk: Forensic evidence is not available to resolve malfunctions, compromises or other security compromising incidents.

a. SOX.2.1.3.11 The VPN administration team reviews security logs looking for security violations.

12. Risk: Unauthorized access is granted to business systems or data stores.

a. SOX.2.1.3.12 VPN access is granted through a service request.

13. Risk: Unauthorized access may occur resulting in business data compromise or destruction.

a. SOX.2.1.3.13 Terminations are sent through the HR process. An Email is sent from HR with all terminations to the VPN system administrators.

14. Risk: Insufficient security standards may allow unauthorized access to production systems and business data stores.

a. SOX.2.1.3.14 VPN password expiration is set to Corporate IT standards.

15. Risk: Security violations or data corruption may occur with no forensic evidence available to resolve the situation.

a. SOX.2.1.3.15 VPN rules and logging is applied to everyone equally including system administrators.

16. Risk: Unauthorized access (i.e. terminated employees) may occur.

a. SOX.2.1.3.16 A semi-annual revalidation of VPN administrator accounts are performed by security administration.