What happens during the Authorization phase in eMASS?

During the Authorization phase in eMASS, the Authorizing Official takes the critical step of formally accepting the security risks associated with an information system. This process involves a thorough evaluation of the system’s security posture based on the findings from risk assessments and the implementation of security controls. The Authorizing Official must weigh the potential risks against mission objectives and determine whether the levels of acceptable risk align with organizational risk management policies.

This phase is crucial in ensuring that the decision-making process regarding the authorization to operate involves a comprehensive understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations in place. It is not merely an approval process; rather, it is a method for holding the organization accountable for its cybersecurity posture and ensuring that informed decisions are made regarding the operation of the system in question.

Other choices reflect misunderstandings about the authorization process. For example, stating that the system is automatically approved without further review contradicts the rigorous evaluation process required for authorization. Likewise, claiming that all identified risks must be eliminated before authorization fails to recognize that some level of risk may be acceptable as determined by the Authorizing Official. Ignoring assessment findings is also contrary to the principles of eMASS, which emphasize the importance of using assessment results to inform risk acceptance decisions.