Interoperability Agreements

 There are multiple instances where an organization works with another organization as a third party and it can bring up a variety of security issues. A third party is an entity that isn’t directly involved in activities between two primary parties.

In many situations, it’s appropriate to use a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure that third parties understand their responsibilities. This can be a completely separate agreement, but is more commonly embedded as a clause in a contract with the third party.

In addition to NDAs, organizations often utilize different interoperability agreements to identify various responsibilities. These include ISAs, SLAs, MOUs, and BPAs.

Interconnection security agreement (ISA)

An ISA specifies technical and security requirements for planning, establishing, maintaining, and disconnecting a secure connection between two or more entities. For example, it may stipulate certain types of encryption for all data in transit.

Service level agreement (SLA)

An SLA is an agreement between a company and a vendor that stipulates performance expectations, such as minimum uptime and maximum downtime levels. Organizations use SLAs when contracting services from service providers such as Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Many SLAs include a monetary penalty if the vendor is unable to meet the agreed-upon expectations.

Memorandum of understanding (MOU)

An MOU expresses an understanding between two or more parties indicating their intention to work together toward a common goal. It is similar to an SLA in that it defines the responsibilities of each of the parties. However, it is less formal than an SLA and does not include monetary penalties. Additionally, it doesn’t have strict guidelines in place to protect sensitive data.

Many times, MOUs are used in conjunction with ISAs. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-47, “Security Guide for Interconnecting Information Technology Systems,” includes more in-depth information on MOUs and ISAs.

Business partners agreement (BPA)

A BPA is a written agreement that details the relationship between business partners, including their obligations toward the partnership. It typically identifies the shares of profits or losses each partner will take, their responsibilities to each other, and what to do if a partner chooses to leave the partnership. One of the primary benefits of a BPA is that it can help settle conflicts when they arise.

Q. Your organization is considering storage of sensitive data in a cloud provider. Your organization wants to ensure the data is encrypted while at rest and while in transit. What type of interoperability agreement can your organization use to ensure the data is encrypted while in transit?

A. SLA

B. BPA

C. MOU

D. ISA

Answer. D is correct. An interconnection security agreement (ISA) specifies technical and security requirements for secure connections and can ensure data is encrypted while in transit.

None of the other agreements address the connection.