Contingency plan training is an essential component of NIST RMF (National Institute of Standards and Technology Risk Management Framework) for federal contractors tasked with securing critical information systems. Firstly, contingency planning ensures that organizations are prepared to effectively respond to unexpected events or disruptions that could compromise the security and availability of critical systems. By training employees on contingency plans, federal contractors can mitigate the impact of incidents such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures, minimizing downtime and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or loss.
Secondly, NIST RMF emphasizes the importance of continuity of operations (COOP) and contingency planning as part of the overall risk management process. Federal contractors must develop and maintain robust contingency plans aligned with NIST guidelines to ensure the resilience of critical information systems in the face of various threats and vulnerabilities. Training employees on contingency procedures, roles, and responsibilities enhances organizational readiness to execute these plans effectively during emergencies, safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of critical data and services.
Furthermore, contingency plan training fosters a culture of preparedness and proactive risk management within federal contractor organizations. By educating employees on potential risks, response protocols, and recovery strategies, organizations can empower staff at all levels to identify and address security incidents promptly, reducing the likelihood of prolonged disruptions and costly repercussions. Ultimately, investing in contingency plan training not only strengthens the cybersecurity posture of federal contractors but also contributes to the overall resilience of the nation's critical infrastructure and supports the mission of safeguarding sensitive government information and assets.
Reporting Requirements
Specifically, Per CP-3 of NIST SP 800-53, organizations are to “Provide contingency training to system users…”. The keyword here is “training”, which means you need a training program in place for CP-3. Additionally, you can also access the following additional training manuals at the Arlington Security Portal (ASP):
Cybersecurity Awareness Training Manual
Data Privacy Training Manual
Insider Threat Training Manual
Incident Response Training Manual
Developer Training Program
How to Get Started
Start by downloading our world-class NIST RMF Security and Privacy Policies and Procedures templates at the Arlington Security Portal (ASP), which includes access to our contingency plan training manual template.
How Arlington Can Help
We have years of experience working within the broader federal agency apparatus in helping federal contractors develop high-quality, well-written, policies and procedures and additional NIST RMF information security and privacy materials. Our NIST RMF information security and privacy policies, procedures, programs, and plans have been used by thousands of federal contractors in helping organizations develop customized documentation for their growing security and compliance needs.
About Arlington
We are Arlington, a team of innovative, solution-oriented, highly agile, and well-versed professionals with decades of experience in working with America’s defense industry. From emerging cybersecurity regulations to helping our clients solve complex security & compliance solutions – and so much more – you can trust Arlington, the firm that’s Dedicated to Defense®. Learn more at arlingtonintel.com.
