Organizations working with the Department of Defense (DoD) understand the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially concerning vulnerability scanning and risk assessment. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) supply chain and DoD contractors face heightened scrutiny regarding their cybersecurity posture. A key component in meeting DoD compliance is the Assured Compliance Assessment Solution (ACAS), a suite of tools designed to evaluate enterprise networks against DoD standards and pinpoint potential vulnerabilities. This article delves into ACAS, its significance for your organization, and its close association with Tenable products.
Demystifying ACAS and Tenable for Network Security
ACAS is fundamentally a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) software suite specializing in vulnerability scanning for both networks and applications. Prompted by security visibility gaps within the federal and DoD supply chain, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) awarded Tenable a contract to develop tools capable of assessing enterprise networks in alignment with DoD compliance benchmarks. The primary objective of ACAS is to provide security teams with comprehensive visibility across their infrastructure through a distributed set of applications, a mandatory implementation for all SIPRNet systems.
In practice, discussions about ACAS solutions often center on the Tenable product suite. This is because Tenable’s offerings have become synonymous with ACAS within the DoD contractor landscape, known for their comprehensive and accurate vulnerability scanning capabilities. Key components of the Tenable suite relevant to ACAS include:
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Tenable.sc: Acting as a central hub, Tenable.sc is a real-time, continuous network monitoring tool powered by Nessus technology. It aggregates data from various Tenable technologies, enabling organizations to proactively identify vulnerabilities and security weaknesses before they can be exploited. This is achieved using on-premises Nessus scanners for local management and maintenance. Tenable.sc can also incorporate the Passive Vulnerability Scanner (PVS), which provides always-on network monitoring at the packet level for extensive network analytics. In contrast to active scanners like Tenable.sc or Nessus, PVS functions as a constant security sentinel, detecting threats passively.
Tenable.sc Dashboard Example -
Tenable.io: This cloud-based suite offers unlimited Nessus scanners, leveraging cloud scalability and advanced analytics. Tenable.io operates as an active network scanner with robust Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC), mirroring many functionalities of Tenable.sc but in a cloud deployment model.
Tenable.sc forms the core of Tenable’s ACAS solutions, delivering multiple layers of security controls and advanced vulnerability analytics features, including:
- Assurance Report Cards: These provide a continuous metric of network security effectiveness, benchmarking your system’s security posture against compliance requirements and internal strategic goals.
- Advanced Analytics and Trending: By offering deep insights into network and system behavior, these tools enable informed prioritization of cybersecurity and compliance efforts based on real-time events and configurations.
- Customizable Dashboards and Reports: Tailored analytics dashboards deliver contractors the specific information they require for efficient security management and reporting.
- Cumulative Scan Results: Aggregating data from numerous on-premises Nessus scanners, this feature provides a holistic view of vulnerability status across the entire network.
ACAS and Tenable: Untangling the Terminology
Confusion often arises when organizations first encounter ACAS and Tenable. It’s crucial to understand the relationship between the two.
To clarify: ACAS is the designated set of network security tools mandated by DISA in 2012 to fulfill essential security functions within the DoD Information Network (encompassing NIPRNet and SIPRNet components and connections).
Contracts for ACAS solution development were awarded to both Tenable and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Systems (now Perspecta). These companies collaborated to provide the software package to the DoD, with Tenable’s solutions becoming the cornerstone for vulnerability scanning and network monitoring functionalities.
Therefore, when individuals refer to ACAS, they are almost invariably talking about Tenable products, as Tenable’s suite has become the de facto standard for ACAS implementation.
SecureStrux’s Expertise in Managed Tenable ACAS Services
The ACAS suite provides a vital and comprehensive security framework for DoD contractors. However, successfully implementing these tools within your organization’s unique IT and business infrastructure requires careful planning and expertise, aligning with general best practices for security and compliance.
Implementing ACAS and Tenable solutions effectively involves addressing three key areas:
- Seamless Implementation: Integrating Tenable into your existing infrastructure is achievable. Unlike some firms that advocate for wholesale replacement of existing technologies, SecureStrux prioritizes integrating Tenable solutions with your current tools and infrastructure whenever feasible, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.
- SIPRNet and NIPRNet Integration Expertise: SecureStrux specializes in building and securing SIPRNet and NIPRNet enclaves. ACAS integration is a core component of our comprehensive SIPRNet and NIPRNet enclave build-out services, ensuring robust security from the ground up.
- Comprehensive Staff Training and Education: To maximize the effectiveness of ACAS tools, SecureStrux provides tailored on-site and virtual training programs. These programs equip your team with the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize Tenable solutions effectively and maintain a strong security posture.
Leveraging Tenable Solutions with SecureStrux
SecureStrux has dedicated years to mastering ACAS and Tenable solutions. Our cybersecurity engineers and compliance experts possess in-depth knowledge of Tenable products, enabling us to provide unparalleled support to our clients. We assist in the deployment of cloud-based Tenable, Nessus, and ACAS products to facilitate continuous network monitoring, robust vulnerability management, and comprehensive compliance across your entire organization, ensuring adherence to all DoD configuration mandates.
SecureStrux offers flexible engagement models, from short-term consulting to long-term managed security services encompassing ACAS support. We are committed to helping contractors within the Defense Industrial Base, regardless of size or complexity, achieve their cybersecurity and compliance objectives.
As a dedicated defense cybersecurity firm, SecureStrux is your partner in managing complex cybersecurity systems, allowing you to focus on your core mission: providing critical services to the DoD and contributing to national security.
To explore how SecureStrux can support your organization with managed security and Tenable/ACAS services, contact our sales and service team today.
