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Controls / Awareness and Training / 3.2.3
3.2.3
AT.L2-3.2.3 · Level 2

Provide security awareness training on recognizing and reporting potential indicators of insider…

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.2.3

Provide security awareness training on recognizing and reporting potential indicators of insider threat.

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 2 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
3.2.3[a] potential indicators associated with insider threats are identified.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Security awareness and training policy; procedures addressing security awareness training implementation; security awareness training curriculum; security awareness training materials; insider threat policy and procedures; security plan; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel that participate in security awareness training; personnel with responsibilities for basic security awareness training; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms managing insider threat training].
3.2.3[b] security awareness training on recognizing and reporting potential indicators of insider threat is provided to managers and employees.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Security awareness and training policy; procedures addressing security awareness training implementation; security awareness training curriculum; security awareness training materials; insider threat policy and procedures; security plan; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel that participate in security awareness training; personnel with responsibilities for basic security awareness training; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms managing insider threat training].

What we look for in practice

The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.

What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.

Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.

Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.

Scoring and POA&M context. 1-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Lower scoring impact, but still required for full compliance. POA&M-eligible — deferral up to 180 days is allowed under conditional certification per 32 CFR 170.21.