id: "SI-13" title: "Predictable Failure Prevention" family: "SI" family_name: "System and Information Integrity" sort_id: "si-13" priority: "P1" implementation_level: "organization" enhancements: - si-13.1 - si-13.2 - si-13.3 - si-13.4 - si-13.5


Determine mean time to failure (MTTF) for the following system components in specific environments of operation: {{ insert: param, si-13_odp.01 }} ; and

Provide substitute system components and a means to exchange active and standby components in accordance with the following criteria: {{ insert: param, si-13_odp.02 }}.

Guidance

While MTTF is primarily a reliability issue, predictable failure prevention is intended to address potential failures of system components that provide security capabilities. Failure rates reflect installation-specific consideration rather than the industry-average. Organizations define the criteria for the substitution of system components based on the MTTF value with consideration for the potential harm from component failures. The transfer of responsibilities between active and standby components does not compromise safety, operational readiness, or security capabilities. The preservation of system state variables is also critical to help ensure a successful transfer process. Standby components remain available at all times except for maintenance issues or recovery failures in progress.

Assessment Objective: mean time to failure (MTTF) is determined for {{ insert: param, si-13_odp.01 }} in specific environments of operation;

Assessment Objective: substitute system components and a means to exchange active and standby components are provided in accordance with {{ insert: param, si-13_odp.02 }}.

System and information integrity policy

system and information integrity procedures

procedures addressing predictable failure prevention

system design documentation

system configuration settings and associated documentation

list of MTTF substitution criteria

system audit records

system security plan

other relevant documents or records

Organizational personnel responsible for MTTF determinations and activities

organizational personnel with information security responsibilities

system/network administrators

organizational personnel with contingency planning responsibilities

Organizational processes for managing MTTF