IA-5(8) Multiple System Accounts

Control enhancement of IA-5 Authenticator Management

Control

Implement [Assignment: security controls] to manage the risk of compromise due to individuals having accounts on multiple systems.

Discussion

When individuals have accounts on multiple systems and use the same authenticators such as passwords, there is the risk that a compromise of one account may lead to the compromise of other accounts. Alternative approaches include having different authenticators (passwords) on all systems, employing a single sign-on or federation mechanism, or using some form of one-time passwords on all systems. Organizations can also use rules of behavior (see [PL-4](#pl-4) ) and access agreements (see [PS-6](#ps-6) ) to mitigate the risk of multiple system accounts.

Related controls

Need IA-5(8) implemented and evidenced?

We assess where you stand against this control, document the gap, and build the remediation plan your auditor and your board will both accept.

Request an assessment

Control catalog and framework text on this page is reproduced from official NIST publications — a public-domain work of the U.S. Government (17 U.S.C. §105). Maverc commentary, groupings, and readiness guidance are our own and are not part of any NIST publication.