CP-7: Alternate Processing Site
Control Family:
Threats Addressed:
Next Version:
- NIST Special Publication 800-53 Revision 5:
- CP-7: Alternate Processing Site
Control Statement
The organization:
- Establishes an alternate processing site including necessary agreements to permit the transfer and resumption of [Assignment: organization-defined information system operations] for essential missions/business functions within [Assignment: organization-defined time period consistent with recovery time and recovery point objectives] when the primary processing capabilities are unavailable;
- Ensures that equipment and supplies required to transfer and resume operations are available at the alternate processing site or contracts are in place to support delivery to the site within the organization-defined time period for transfer/resumption; and
- Ensures that the alternate processing site provides information security safeguards equivalent to those of the primary site.
Supplemental Guidance
Alternate processing sites are sites that are geographically distinct from primary processing sites. An alternate processing site provides processing capability in the event that the primary processing site is not available. Items covered by alternate processing site agreements include, for example, environmental conditions at alternate sites, access rules, physical and environmental protection requirements, and coordination for the transfer/assignment of personnel. Requirements are specifically allocated to alternate processing sites that reflect the requirements in contingency plans to maintain essential missions/business functions despite disruption, compromise, or failure in organizational information systems.
Control Enhancements
CP-7(1): Separation From Primary Site
Baseline(s):
- Moderate
- High
The organization identifies an alternate processing site that is separated from the primary processing site to reduce susceptibility to the same threats.
CP-7(2): Accessibility
Baseline(s):
- Moderate
- High
The organization identifies potential accessibility problems to the alternate processing site in the event of an area-wide disruption or disaster and outlines explicit mitigation actions.
CP-7(3): Priority Of Service
Baseline(s):
- Moderate
- High
The organization develops alternate processing site agreements that contain priority-of-service provisions in accordance with organizational availability requirements (including recovery time objectives).
CP-7(4): Preparation For Use
Baseline(s):
- High
The organization prepares the alternate processing site so that the site is ready to be used as the operational site supporting essential missions and business functions.
CP-7(6): Inability To Return To Primary Site
Baseline(s):
The organization plans and prepares for circumstances that preclude returning to the primary processing site.