How often should continuous monitoring activities be conducted in eMASS?

Continuous monitoring activities in eMASS should be conducted at least annually or whenever significant changes occur to ensure that the security posture of the system remains robust and compliant. This approach allows for ongoing assessment of the system's security controls and their effectiveness in addressing emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By performing these activities at least once a year, organizations can identify potential weaknesses, adjust to new risks, and maintain an up-to-date understanding of their risk environment.

Additionally, conducting monitoring whenever significant changes occur—such as updates to system architecture, application changes, or configuration modifications—ensures that any new risks introduced by such changes are assessed promptly. This proactive measure is critical for effective risk management and compliance with regulatory requirements, ultimately safeguarding the organization’s information assets.

Other frequency options, like conducting activities only once every five years or only when a major incident occurs, would likely lead to outdated security postures that could expose the organization to various threats over time. Monitoring every time a new user is added, while important, isn't sufficient as a standalone strategy; a broader annual or significant change approach provides a more comprehensive security assessment strategy.