Which activity is key in the security assessment phase of the Risk Management Framework (RMF)?

Evaluating the security controls is a fundamental activity in the security assessment phase of the Risk Management Framework (RMF). This phase involves a detailed analysis of the security controls that have been implemented to ensure they are effective in protecting information systems and mitigating identified risks.

During this evaluation, organizations assess whether the controls are functioning as intended and whether they adequately address the vulnerabilities and threats that have been identified in earlier phases of the RMF. This process helps in determining the overall security posture of the system and provides critical insights for any necessary adjustments or improvements to the security measures in place. By thoroughly evaluating the security controls, organizations can make informed decisions regarding the acceptance of risk and the authorization of the system for operation.

Other activities, while important in their own right, do not specifically fall within the security assessment phase as defined in the RMF. Developing new security software primarily pertains to enhancing capabilities rather than assessing current measures, conducting user training focuses on ensuring personnel understand security protocols, and establishing data governance policies is related to the management of data rather than the direct evaluation of security controls.