Thanks for joining us on this 7-part series exploring how a Managed Firewall Service from Enterprise IT Security (EITS), can assist you in meeting the regulatory requirements that govern your industry.    

The criminal justice system operates under numerous significant regulations, one of which is the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS). It is imperative for organizations handling sensitive criminal justice data to comply with the CJIS requirements.

So, how can a Managed Firewall Service (MFS) assist your team in ensuring CJIS compliance? The first step is to identify a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) with proficiency in network security and cybersecurity and a thorough understanding of the specific conditions outlined by CJIS, such as Enterprise IT Security. By choosing the expertise of EITS you are guaranteed to exceed the following CJIS network and cybersecurity baseline requirements:

• Access Control: Implement robust access control policies on the managed firewall to restrict unauthorized access to CJIS data. Configure rules that only allow specific IP addresses or users with proper authentication to access the network.
• Logging and Monitoring: Enable comprehensive logging and monitoring features on the firewall. Ensure that logs are regularly reviewed and retained for the required CJIS retention periods. Alerts should be set up to detect and respond to any suspicious activities promptly.
• Encryption: Encrypt data in transit and at rest. The firewall should support encryption protocols like SSL/TLS for data in transit and disk encryption for data at rest. Ensure that encryption keys are securely managed and rotated as needed.
• Authentication and Authorization: Implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), for users accessing CJIS data. Set up role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users can only access the data they need for their roles.
• Security Patching: Keep the firewall firmware and software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Regularly test and apply patches to address vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
• Incident Response: Develop and document an incident response plan that outlines how to respond to security incidents. Confirm that the firewall service provider has the necessary procedures in place to coordinate with your organization during a security incident.
• Physical Security: Ensure the physical security of the firewall hardware. It should be stored in a secure and controlled environment to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
• Regular Auditing and Assessment: Conduct regular security audits and assessments of the Managed Firewall Service to identify and address potential vulnerabilities or compliance gaps. Engage third-party auditors if necessary.
• Training and Awareness: Managed Firewall Service provider’s must understand CJIS requirements, security best practices, and compliance procedures and possess the ability to train your staff.  
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of security configurations, policies, incident response procedures, and compliance efforts. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance with CJIS requirements during audits.
• Vendor Compliance: Certify that your Managed Firewall Service provider also adheres to CJIS requirements and is willing to sign any necessary agreements or contracts to confirm their commitment to compliance.
• Regular Review: Periodically review your security measures and CJIS compliance efforts to make necessary updates as technology and regulations evolve.

By following these steps and working closely with a Managed Firewall Service provider, such as EITS, you can establish a secure and compliant environment for handling CJIS data. Additionally, it’s essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to CJIS requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.

Contact us at www.eits.com to find out more about how we can assist you with meeting the CJIS requirements!