SA-5: System Documentation

NIST Baseline: Low 

DIR Required By:  07/20/2023 

Review Date:  08/08/2024 

  • The information resource owner, or designee, is responsible for: 
    • Obtaining administrator documentation for the information resource, system component, or information system service that describes: 
      • Secure configuration, installation, and operation of the information resource, component, or service; 
      • Effective use and maintenance of security functions/mechanisms; and 
      • Known vulnerabilities regarding configuration and use of administrative (i.e., privileged) functions. 
    • Obtaining or developing user documentation for the information resource, system component, or information system service that describes: 
      • Operations of user-accessible security functions/mechanisms; 
      • Methods for user interaction, which enables individuals to use the information resource, component, or service in a more secure manner; and 
      • User responsibilities in maintaining the security of the information resource, component, or service. 
    • Documenting attempts to obtain information resource, system component, or information resource service documentation when such documentation is either unavailable or nonexistent. 
    • Protecting documentation as required, in accordance with the risk management strategy; and 
    • Distributing documentation to appropriate information resource custodians and users. 

References/Additional Resources

SP 800-160-1