Episode 10 — Tailoring Workflow — From assumption to parameter
Tailoring in NIST 800-53 refers to the process of adjusting control sets to fit specific system missions, environments, and technologies while maintaining defensibility. For exam success, candidates should be able to outline the full tailoring workflow—from initial assumptions about impact levels to the final documentation of parameter values. Tailoring begins with identifying applicable controls, removing those that are truly not relevant, and justifying each change through risk rationale. It then extends into defining organizationally defined parameters and inheritance claims. The goal is a set of controls that are neither excessive nor insufficient. Proper tailoring demonstrates the organization’s understanding of its mission context, compliance boundaries, and residual risk tolerance.
In practice, tailoring is a collaborative effort involving security engineers, system owners, and authorizing officials. Each modification or justification is recorded in a tailoring worksheet or integrated within the system security plan. Automated tools now assist by mapping inherited controls, prompting parameter definitions, and tracking changes across revisions. A well-documented tailoring process shows auditors that security requirements are systematically reasoned, not arbitrarily reduced. Mastery of tailoring ensures that an authorization package remains both efficient and defensible under scrutiny, bridging policy intent and technical implementation. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
