Trusted Download Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

TRUSTED DOWNLOAD

Background

Scope

NISPOM Requirements

Definitions

File Type/Formatting Issues

Legacy Operating Systems Slack Space Issues

DSS Authorized File Type/Formats

DSS File Transfer Procedures

DSS Authorized Procedures:

Windows-Based

Unix-Based

Trusted Download Authorization

Background

Trusted download refers to a procedure, or series of procedures, that permits information to be released below the accredited level of the Information System (IS).

Almost without exception, the majority of contractors Information Systems that are accredited to process classified information operate at Protection Level (PL) 1 or PL 2. As such, the protection requirements identified in Section 6 of NISPOM Chapter 8 do not support more than one classification and/or sensitivity level of information. Simply stated, the IS cannot recognize or distinguish information based on content. All information residing or processed on a PL 1, 2 or 3 IS are handled/treated at the classification/sensitivity level for which the IS is accredited.

Scope

The February 2006 NISPOM Chapter 8 requirements for trusted download shall be implemented by all newly accredited or reaccredited ISs at PL1, PL2, or PL3 that require the transfer of information with different sensitivities or information with unclassified or lower classified information. The implementation of the trusted download requirements will provide contractors with specific guidelines on how to perform this task while maintaining an acceptable level of risk during the creation of lower-than- system-level output.

In general, DSS trusted download requirements include:

•A comprehensive review by a “Knowledgeable User” (see definitions)

•The applicable DSS standard file type/formats and file transfer procedures documented in the IS System Security Plan (SSP)

•Where authorized on the DD-254 or as a contract line item, alternate detailed procedures included in the IS SSP which constitutes an acknowledgement and acceptance of additional risk from the government customer/data owner.

NISPOM Requirements

The following Chapter 8 requirements apply to Trusted Downloading:

8-310a. Human-Readable Output Review. An appropriate sensitivity and classification review shall be performed on human-readable output before the output is released outside the security boundary to determine whether it is accurately marked with the appropriate classification and applicable associated security markings.

8-310b. Media Review. Electronic output, such as files, to be released outside the security boundary shall be verified by a comprehensive review (in human-readable form) of all data on the media including embedded text (e.g., headers and footer) before being released. Information on media that is not in human-readable form (e.g., embedded graphs, sound, video, etc.) will be examined for content using the appropriate software application. CSA-approved random or representative sampling techniques may be used to verify the proper marking of large volumes of output.

Definitions

1.Aggregation. The generation of a higher level overall classification of

information when combining two or more lower level classified files (e.g. the combination of two unclassified files on a media producing Confidential or SECRET media) based on Security Classification Guide(s), restriction(s).

2.Acknowledgement of Risk. Alternative Trusted Downloading Procedures that do not follow the DSS guidelines may be used only when the Government Customer/data owner has formally (in writing) acknowledged and accepted the risk inherent in the alternate file type/format and procedures.

3.Comprehensive Review. A methodical review to ensure that all higher level information has been removed prior to the data being released outside the IS’s security boundary. Comprehensive Reviews fall into two categories: Hardcopy and media. For hardcopy output a review shall be performed by a “Knowledgeable User” to determine the correct classification and portion marking of the information. For large products in human-readable form, the comprehensive review must be done on no less than 20% of the output product. For media output, the media shall be created by a “Knowledgeable User” following the DSS “File Transfer Procedure” as defined in the IS’s SSP.

4.Knowledgeable User. An IS user (general or privileged) who is considered a data matter expert with extensive knowledge of all appropriate

when copying information to media or during electronic transfers. Systems that are known to produce slack space with non-predictable results are:

•MAC (note: does not include MAC X O/S)

•Windows 95

•Windows 95, release A

•Some early versions of Windows 98

When copying to media or performing electronic transfers from these operating systems a DSS-authorized copy product/procedure must be used.

DSS Authorized File Type/Formats

This Policy supports both hardcopy and media/electronic transfer file type/formats.

Hardcopy:

All human-readable output sent to hardcopy devices, such as printers, copiers and faxes, independent of the original files format, fall into this category. This includes, but is not limited to, ASCII, HEX and Octal files, word processing, graphics, database and scientific files. As long as the file can be reviewed meeting the “Comprehensive Review” criteria it is eligible for release at a level (i.e., classified or unclassified) lower than the accredited IS level.

Media/Electronic Files:

The following file formats are authorized by DSS to be released from the IS at or below the IS’s accreditation level without an acknowledgement of risk from the government customer, but only after a comprehensive review:

Format	Explanation	Common File
Type		Extension(s)
ASCII	ASCII formatted information	.txt .dat .c .for .fil .asc
	is essentially raw text just like	.bat
	the words you're reading	Note: This is not an all-
	now. Many applications have	inclusive list. If a file
	the ability to export data in	cannot be read with a
	ASCII or text format.	standard text editor, try
	Program source code, batch	changing the extension
	files, macros and scripts are	to .txt. If the file still
	straight text and stored as	cannot be read with a
	ASCII files. ASCII files may	text editor, it is most
	be read with any standard	likely not an ASCII file.
	text editor.
Hypertext	The document format used	.html .htm
Markup	on the World Wide Web.
Language	Web pages are built with
	HTML tags (codes)
	embedded in the text. HTML
	defines the page layout, fonts
	and graphic elements as well
	as the hypertext links to other
	documents on the Web.
JPEG	Joint Photographic Experts	.jpg
	Group (pronounced jay-peg)
	An ISO/ITU standard for
	compressing still images that
	is very popular due to its high
	compression capability.

	A Windows and OS/2	.bmp
BMP	bitmapped graphics file
	format. It is the Windows
	native bitmap format. Every
	Windows application has
	access to the BMP software
	routines in Windows that
	support it.
Graphics	A popular bitmapped	.gif
Interchange	graphics file format
Format	developed by CompuServe.

DSS File Transfer Procedures

For every file type or format, there are an endless number of transfer procedures that have been developed by industry and government. Some of the more common ones are identified at the end of this document. What’s important to remember about these or any alternate procedure is that the contractor must get the GCA or data owner to acknowledge the increased risk to classified information created by using one of the non-DSS authorized file types/formats and/or procedures.

No matter what file format or procedure is used, there are requirements that are common to all general media and to electronic transfers:

1.The file types/formats and transfer procedures must be certified by DSS and documented in the SSP.

2.Target media must be factory fresh.

3.A comprehensive review must be performed so as to ascertain the sensitivity and classification level of the data.

4.Classified path/file embedded links and/or classified path/file name(s) are not used for source or target file(s).

5.The compilation of all files on the target media does not cause an increased classification level due to “Aggregation”.

6.File(s) are transferred using a known, authorized utility or command.

7.The target media is verified to contain only intended source file(s).

8.File(s) are verified on target media to contain the correct sensitivity of information and/or level of unclassified or lower classified information.

9.The appropriate security classification label is applied to the target media.

10.An administrative record of the transfer is created and maintained.

DSS Authorized Procedure (Windows-Based)

1.The target media must be new.

2.The procedure must be performed by a “Knowledgeable User”.

3.If multiple files are being transferred, create a designated directory for the transfer using the DOS make directory command (md [drive:] path) or the new folder command under Windows Explorer. [Rationale: This will establish an empty directory which helps ensure that only intended files are transferred.]

4.If multiple files are being transferred, transfer all files into the newly created directory.

5.As a general rule, files should be converted to one of the acceptable formats first (DSS Authorized File Type/Formats), then reviewed. Drawings and presentation type files (e.g. PowerPoint, Publisher, and Visio) are an exception. These types of files within their native application may have layers of information, for example text on top of graphics, or multiple graphics layered together. Once exported into one of the authorized graphic formats (i.e.

.bmp, .jpg, .gif) the layers will be merged together and will not be editable to remove any higher classified information. To review these files use the native application used to generate the file. Ensure that every page, chart, slide, drawing etc. of the file is examined. Within each page, chart, slide, drawing, etc. ensure that all layers are reviewed by ungrouping and moving objects around so everything is visible. Some applications may also have information in headers and footers, notes pages, etc. Below is a detailed procedure for reviewing one of the more commonly used presentation/graphic applications, PowerPoint:

a.Review Headers and Footers. To do this: Click on Header and Footer under the View menu. Click on and review both the Slide and the Notes and Handouts tab.

b.Review the Masters for the file. To do this: Click on Master under the View menu. Then select and review each of the Masters (Slide, Title, Handout, & Notes).

c.For each slide, click on Edit, then Select All. Once all objects are selected, click on Draw (bottom left of screen), then Ungroup, until the Ungroup option is no longer available (grayed out). Hit the tab key to outline each object (delineated by a box around a graphic or text), in the slide. If an object is outlined but not visible, move it, bring it forward or change its color until it is visible, or delete it. Repeat this process for each object in the slide. Use this process to find and delete all higher classified information.

d.After the review is complete, save the information in one of the authorized formats. To do this: Click on File Save As under the File menu. Select one of the DSS authorized formats from the drop-down menu of Save As Type.

6.If any files are not in one of the following four formats, ASCII/Text, HTM/HTML, JPEG, BMP, GIF, convert it to one of these formats.

a.Spreadsheet and database files must be exported as an ASCII text file(s).

b.The graphics files within HTM/HTML files must be saved separately as JPG files. HTML files by themselves are text information and may be treated as a standard ASCII file format.

c.Executable programs may not be transferred. The source code (ASCII text) may be reviewed/transferred to a lower level IS then re-compiled into executable code.

7.Review the file(s) using a compatible application. Review the entire file(s) not just random samples.

a.BMP and JPG files may be reviewed with a graphics file viewer such as MS Photo Editor. (Note: because GIF files may contain a 3D/animation/multi-page image, you must use a program that will show all the information stored in GIF files. Internet Explorer or

Netscape can be used. MS Photo Editor will not display all the frames (images) and therefore is not adequate to view GIF files).

b. For ASCII text, the preferred application for reviewing is NotePad. However, these applications have file size limitations. If the file may not be opened with NotePad, then use MS Word (step d below).

c. After completion of the review, remove all encoded formatting created by previous editing with MS Word. To do this: On the File menu, click Save As…. (Selected

Approved Format) then click Save.

d. Review remaining ASCII files not viewable with NotePad with MS Word:

(1)Ensure all hidden text and codes are viewable. To do this: Click Options on the Tools menu, click the View tab, then select every option under the Show section and All under the Formatting Marks section.

2)Verify all Tracked changes (Revisions in MS Word) are viewable. To do this: Click on Track Changes then Highlight Changes under the Tools menu,. If Enabled, Disable the Track changes while editing. Enable the Highlight changes on screen.

(3)Review the Summary and Contents sections of the file properties. To do this: Click Properties on the File menu, then click on the Summary and Contents tabs.

(4)Review Headers and Footers. To do this: Click on Header and Footer under the View menu. Headers will be displayed at the top of each page, any footers will be displayed at the bottom of each page. Note: If a document has multiple Sections, each Section may have different Headers and Footers.

(5)Review Comments. To do this: Click on Comments under the View menu. A comments pane will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. If Comments is grayed out under the View menu, this means there are no comments within the document.

(6)Review Footnotes: To do this: Click on Footnotes under the View menu. If Footnotes is grayed out under the View menu, this means there are no footnotes within the document. If footnotes are not grayed out there are footnotes. If you are displaying the document in Normal layout or Web Layout, a footnote pane will appear at the bottom of the screen. If you are displaying the document in Print Layout, footnotes will already be visible at the bottom of each page, or at the end of the document.

(7)Review the entire contents of the file including all Sections. All embedded objects except clipart and WordArt must be deleted. When reviewing clipart and WordArt and text boxes ensure there is no information hidden behind these objects. Note: Embedded objects may be opened and saved separately prior to deletion. Each separately saved object is subject to this procedure prior to transfer.

(8)When you are finished reviewing the file, ensure all hidden deleted information from Fast Save operations is removed. To do this: On the File menu, click Save As …(Selected Approved Format) then click Save. Also, if the file is not yet in one of the acceptable file format types, select one of the DSS approved formats from the drop- down menu of Save As Type.

e.For all file formats, verify the source and target file(s) names are not classified.

8.Use the standard save or transfer command or utility (i.e. drag and drop, copy, etc) to transfer the file(s) to the target media.

9.Write-protect the media (physical or software) as soon as the transfer(s) are complete.

10.Verify (dir/s [drive]: or Windows Explorer) that only intended file(s) were transferred.

11.Compare the file(s) that were transferred to the original(s) [fc (pathname/filename) drive: (path/filename)].

12.Apply the appropriate security classification label to the target media.

13.Create an administrative record of the transfer and maintain with your audit records. The record must specify the data being released, the personnel involved and the date.

DSS Authorized Procedure (Unix)

Note: These procedures should be tailored for the local environment. In particular, the Unix commands listed herein are for illustration only and must be modified to account for the Unix version, hardware configuration, and software installation specifics.

1.Target media must be new.

2.Procedure must be performed by a “Knowledgeable User”.

3.If multiple files are being transferred, create a designated source directory for the transfer using the Unix make directory command (mkdir directory_name). Rationale: This will establish an empty directory. This two-step process helps ensure that only intended files are copied.

4.If multiple files are being transferred, transfer all files into the newly created directory.

5.Verify the source and target file(s) names are not classified.

6.View the contents of all file(s) in the designated directory, not just “random samples.”

a.For text files use software that displays the entire contents of the file. (EG: Hex editor) Any unintelligible data is assumed to be classified at the accredited IS level.

b.For graphics or movie files review the file(s) using an appropriate file viewer. Ensure that the file format does not include internal annotations or other additional data (if present, this information can only be viewed with a specialized viewer, and poses a significant threat of inadvertent disclosure).

c.For non-text files the sensitivity or classification of non-text, non-graphics files cannot generally be determined without intensive technical analysis. Such files must be assumed to be classified. Files in this category include binary database files, compressed archives, and executable code.

(1)In the case of executable files, review and downgrade the source code, then transfer the source code to a lower-classified machine for re-compilation.

(2)In some cases, the source code will be classified, but the compiled code will be unclassified as specified in the classification guidance document. After compilation, the executable must be reviewed with HEX editor software to ensure that no classified information has escaped the compilation process.

(3)In the case of binary database files, export the data to ASCII text format, then review and downgrade the text file for media migration.

(4)Compressed archives should be reviewed and transferred uncompressed.

7.Use the Tar utility to create and write an archive of the source directory to the target media. The Unix command sequence will be as shown below (the exact command may vary depending on the Unix version, machine configuration, and the media used):

mt -f /dev/rst0 rew	Ensure tape is rewound (not required if using floppy)
tar cvf /dev/rst0 /directory_name	Create Tar file on tape

8. Write-protect the media as soon as the transfer(s) are complete.

9. Verify that the media contains the expected data by printing a directory of the Tar file:

mt -f /dev/rst0 rew	Ensure tape is rewound (not required for floppy)
tar tvf /dev/rst0 | lpr	Print directory of file ( | lpr may be omitted for on-
screen review)

10.The output of the above command should match the contents of the source directory. To verify that they match, compare the output of the above command with the directory printed by the following command:

ls -alR /source-directory | lpr

(| lpr may be omitted for on-screen review)

11.Ensure the date, time, and file size(s) are as expected. If any unintended data was copied, the target media must be considered classified and cannot be used for a trusted down load again.

12.Apply the appropriate security classification label to the target media.

13.Create an administrative record of the transfer and maintain with your audit records. The record must specify the data being released, the personnel involved and the date.

Trusted Download Authorization

I certify that the individual identified below has been briefed in the vulnerabilities associated with transferring unclassified or lower classified information off of an accredited Information System (i.e. trusted download). Additionally, they have demonstrated extensive knowledge of all information they will download.

Name:______________________________________________ Date: _______________

Authorized File Format(s)

ISSM/ISSO Signature:________________________________ Date:_______________