Technology Letter 24-04

October 2024

SUBJECT:

New SIMM 5355-B Server Hardening Standard & SIMM 5330-G Supported Technology Program Agreement

REFERENCES:

Government Code 11549.3

State Administrative Manual (SAM) 5300

Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM) 5330-A, 5330-G, and 5355-B

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BACKGROUND

Government Code Section 11549.3 authorizes the Office of Information Security (OIS) to create, issue, and maintain policies, standards, and procedures; oversee information security risk management for state entities; provide information security and privacy guidance; and ensure compliance with State Administrative Manual (SAM) Chapter 5300 and Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM) section 5300.

SIMM 5355-B Server Hardening Standard outlines the baseline security standards necessary for server hardening. Server hardening standards are essential to secure the ports, access points, permissions, and functions of a server as they minimize vulnerabilities, reduce attack surfaces, and ensure a robust defense against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

SIMM 5330-G Supported Technology Program Agreement is an agreement between the Supported and Supporting entities to jointly assume responsibility for staff roles and/or organizational functions for IT security. This agreement ensures that all entities involved in a supported technology program are aligned with clearly identified support roles and functions.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this Technology Letter (TL) is to announce:

  • The new Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM) 5355-B, Server Hardening Standard, outlines the required security controls necessary for server hardening.
  • The new SIMM 5330-G, Supported Technology Program Agreement, which documents a formal agreement between two state entities with a supported technology agreement.
    • This SIMM should be used when options 4 – Supported Roles and Functions or 5 – Fully Supported Entity is identified on SIMM 5330-A Designation Letter.
  • SIMM 5330-A Designation Letter Part 2 & Part 3 have been replaced by SIMM 5330-G.

QUESTIONS:

Direct questions regarding this Technology Letter to the Department of Technology, Office of Information Security at security@state.ca.gov.

SIGNATURE:

On file

Liana Bailey-Crimmins, State CIO and Director

California Department of Technology