Reference - Understanding Control Applicability (PPTDF model)

The People, Processes, Technology, Data & Facilities (PPTDF) model emphasizes a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity control applicability, addressing vulnerabilities across various facets. It outlines specific controls for each category, including human training, incident response processes, technological defenses, data protection measures, and physical security protocols. This multi-faceted strategy is essential for creating a resilient defense against both physical and cyber threats.

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Reference - Understanding Control Applicability (PPTDF model)

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Daniel G. Fernandes

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People, Processes, Technology, Data & Facilities (PPTDF)

Control Applicability Model

The People, Processes, Technology, Data & Facilities (PPTDF) model shows that a multi-faceted approach to control applicability is
indispensable, where it can create a resilient defense against a myriad of physical and cyber threats. A proactive stance in implementing
and reﬁning these controls will be crucial in securing the ever-expanding digital frontier.

These examples help demonstrate the applicable nature of controls:

 You cannot apply end user training to a firewall (technology).
 An employee (people) cannot have a secure baseline configuration applied.
 An Incident Response Plan (IRP) (process) cannot sign a NDA, use MFA or be patched.
 Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) (data) cannot be assigned roles and responsibilities.
 Your data center (facility) cannot undergo employee background screening.

The PPTDF model, encompassing People, Processes, Technology, Data, and Facilities, provides a comprehensive approach to
cybersecurity control applicability, as described below:

People
People are often considered the weakest link in cybersecurity. Human error, negligence, or malicious intent can lead to signiﬁcant
vulnerabilities. To mitigate these risks, organizations implement human-speciﬁc controls such as:

Security Awareness Training: Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices and potential threats.
Access Controls: Enforcing the principle of least privilege to restrict access based on job roles.
User Authentication and Authorization: Implementing strong authentication mechanisms and carefully managing user permissions.

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People, Processes, Technology, Data & Facilities (PPTDF)
Control Applicability Model

Processes
Effective cybersecurity processes are essential for identifying, responding to, and mitigating threats. Common processes that exist as
controls include:
 Incident Response Plans: Establishing well-defined processes to respond promptly and effectively to security incidents.
 Regular Audits and Assessments: Conducting periodic assessments to identify vulnerabilities and measure compliance with
security policies.
 Change Management: Implementing controls to manage changes in technology and processes to avoid unintended security
consequences.

Technology
The technological aspect of cybersecurity involves deploying and configuring tools to protect against threats. Common technologies
that exist as controls include:
 Network Defenses: Filtering and monitoring network traffic to prevent unauthorized access (e.g., firewalls, Intrusion
Protection Systems (IPS), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), etc.).
 Endpoint Protection: Installing antimalware software, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools to secure individual
devices, etc.
 Encryption: Safeguarding data in transit and at rest through robust encryption mechanisms.

Data
Data is at the heart of the PPTDF model, making data protection truly the central focus of cybersecurity controls. There are many types
of data that are considered sensitive/regulated that include, but are not limited to:
 Controlled Unclassiﬁed Information (CUI),
 Federal Contract Information (FCI),
 Personally Identiﬁable Information (PII),
 Cardholder Data (CHD),
 Export-Controlled Data (ITAR / EAR),
 Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI),
 Intellectual Property (IP),
 Critical Infrastructure Information (CII),
 Attorney-Client Privilege Information (ACPI) and
 Student Educational Records (FERPA).

These data types have specific controls that are dictated by applicable laws, regulations or contractual obligations and include:
 Data Classification: Data must be categorized to apply the appropriate security measures.
 Limited Access: Data must be protected by limiting logical and physical access to data to individuals and systems that have a
legitimate business need.
 Redundant, Obsolete/Outdated, Toxic or Trivial (ROTT) Data: Data must be trustworthy, based on the data's currency, accuracy,
integrity and/or applicability.
 Availability: Data must be available, which involves regularly backing up data and establishing effective data recovery
mechanisms that protects the integrity and confidentiality of the data being backed up and recovered.

Facilities
Physical security is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in overall cybersecurity and data protection. Common physical controls
include:
 Physical Access Control (PAC): Restricting physical access to any facility where systems or data exist. PAC exists in more than
datacenters and corporate oﬃces. The concept of PAC extends to home oﬃces and Work From Anywhere (WFA) workers who
still have an obligation to apply physical security protections to their systems and data.
 Surveillance Systems: Monitoring and recording activities within facilities to detect and deter unauthorized access.
 Environmental Controls: Maintaining optimal conditions for hardware to prevent damage or disruptions.