According to OMB M-14-04, which two individuals must sign the ATO for a new information system to operate?

According to OMB M-14-04, which two individuals must sign the ATO for a new information system to operate?

• A. CISO and CIO
• B. AO and SAOP
• C. CIO and SAOP
• D. AO and CISO

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is rooted in the directives outlined in OMB M-14-04, which establishes the framework for the authorization of federal information systems. The official Authorization to Operate (ATO) is a formal declaration that a system is approved to operate based on the risk assessment and security controls in place. In the context of this regulation, the individuals required to sign the ATO are the Authorizing Official (AO) and the Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP). The AO is responsible for making the risk management decisions and is typically a senior official within the agency who can assume the responsibility for the security of the information system. The SAOP plays a crucial role in ensuring that the privacy of personal information is adequately protected and is integrated into the system's security assessment. Their dual sign-off on the ATO reflects the importance of both security and privacy considerations in approving the operation of information systems. This requirement underscores the necessity for cross-disciplinary engagement within federal information systems, ensuring that both security and privacy aspects are adequately addressed before a system is allowed to operate.

The correct answer is rooted in the directives outlined in OMB M-14-04, which establishes the framework for the authorization of federal information systems. The official Authorization to Operate (ATO) is a formal declaration that a system is approved to operate based on the risk assessment and security controls in place.

In the context of this regulation, the individuals required to sign the ATO are the Authorizing Official (AO) and the Senior Agency Official for Privacy (SAOP). The AO is responsible for making the risk management decisions and is typically a senior official within the agency who can assume the responsibility for the security of the information system. The SAOP plays a crucial role in ensuring that the privacy of personal information is adequately protected and is integrated into the system's security assessment. Their dual sign-off on the ATO reflects the importance of both security and privacy considerations in approving the operation of information systems.

This requirement underscores the necessity for cross-disciplinary engagement within federal information systems, ensuring that both security and privacy aspects are adequately addressed before a system is allowed to operate.