What occurs if an Authorizing Official denies authorization to operate?

What occurs if an Authorizing Official denies authorization to operate?

• A. The system owner prepares a POAM, and the system continues to operate.
• B. The system may appeal the decision to the CIO.
• C. Operation of the system is immediately halted.
• D. The denial is reviewed by the Authorizing Official's superior.

Answer: (C)

When an Authorizing Official denies authorization to operate a system, it indicates that the risks associated with the system have not been adequately addressed. Therefore, the immediate and correct response to such a denial is to halt the operation of the system. This action is taken to protect both the organization and its data from potential vulnerabilities and to comply with established security policies and regulations. Halting operations prevents any further risk exposure until the issues that led to the denial can be resolved. This ensures that systems in use are compliant with the necessary security standards and that any potential threats do not impact the organization’s overall security posture. In this context, while there may be other administrative processes or responses that could occur following a denial, such as documentation of issues or appeals, the primary action is to cease operation until authorized again. This approach emphasizes the significance of maintaining rigorous security protocols and accountability within federal IT operations.

When an Authorizing Official denies authorization to operate a system, it indicates that the risks associated with the system have not been adequately addressed. Therefore, the immediate and correct response to such a denial is to halt the operation of the system. This action is taken to protect both the organization and its data from potential vulnerabilities and to comply with established security policies and regulations.

Halting operations prevents any further risk exposure until the issues that led to the denial can be resolved. This ensures that systems in use are compliant with the necessary security standards and that any potential threats do not impact the organization’s overall security posture.

In this context, while there may be other administrative processes or responses that could occur following a denial, such as documentation of issues or appeals, the primary action is to cease operation until authorized again. This approach emphasizes the significance of maintaining rigorous security protocols and accountability within federal IT operations.