Framework: NIST 800-53 Audio Course

Authenticator Management (IA-5) ensures that credentials—passwords, tokens, keys, or certificates—are created, stored, distributed, and revoked securely. For the exam, candidates should understand that IA-5 defines the lifecycle of authenticators, addressing generation strength, protection during storage and transmission, and prompt revocation when compromised or no longer needed. This control prevents reuse, sharing, or weak credential creation that could undermine authentication integrity. Policies dictate complexity, rotation, and validation requirements aligned with the system’s impact level.

Operationally, authenticator management integrates with IAM systems and certificate authorities that automate lifecycle tracking. Password vaults, hardware security modules, and cryptographic key management services safeguard secrets from unauthorized exposure. Revocation lists or certificate status checks verify credential validity in real time. Metrics such as credential age, compromise detection rate, and revocation timeliness demonstrate control health. Common pitfalls include outdated cryptographic algorithms, manual credential distribution, and weak recovery procedures. By applying disciplined lifecycle management, IA-5 ensures that authenticators remain trustworthy components of the identity ecosystem throughout their use.
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