USPS Case Study
Created January 2018
SEI researchers teamed with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to help the USPS improve its cybersecurity and resilience. Using metrics based on the CERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM), the SEI and USPS tracked USPS performance and made recommendations based on those assessments. The SEI then collaborated with the USPS to form the CISO Academy, a program for developing a strong cybersecurity workforce at the USPS.
Cyber Attack on the U.S. Post Office
In 2014, the USPS experienced a cyber attack that compromised the personally identifiable information of more than 800,000 employees and over 2 million customers. The USPS recognized the need to improve, and it reached out to the SEI to help bolster its cybersecurity posture and operational resilience. The ultimate goal of the USPS was to protect its critical capabilities and assets and enhance its ability to continue business operations under degraded conditions.
Fighting Back with Cybersecurity Strategy and Training
SEI researchers developed metrics, based on the CERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM), to track USPS progress. The measurement activities of the CERT-RMM are an essential element in executing the strategy. SEI researchers used the CERT-RMM to assess USPS performance in important areas—including risk management, system assessment and authorization, software development, incident management, and policy development—and made recommendations based on those assessments.
CISO Academy, a groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity workforce development, offers a 12-week curriculum, including tracks for program managers and technical staff as well as courses delivered through the SEI's Simulation, Training, and Exercise Platform (STEPfwd).
Software and Tools
CERT Resilience Management Model: A Maturity Model for Managing Operational Resilience
In this book, the authors present best practices for managing the security and survivability of people, information, technology, and facilities.
Learn MoreCERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) Collection
CERT-RMM, the foundation for a process improvement approach to operational resilience management, defines the practices needed to manage operational resilience.
Learn MoreCERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) Version 1.2
CERT-RMM, the foundation for a process improvement approach to operational resilience management, defines the practices needed to manage operational resilience.
Learn MoreLearn More
Process and Technical Vulnerabilities: 6 Key Takeaways from a Chemical Plant Disaster
•Blog Page
READ
The CISO Academy
•White Paper
In this paper, the authors describe the project that led to the creation of the U.S. Postal Service's CISO Academy.
ReadCERT Resilience Management Model: A Maturity Model for Managing Operational Resilience
•Book
In this book, the authors present best practices for managing the security and survivability of people, information, technology, and facilities.
ReadCERT Resilience Management Model (CERT-RMM) Version 1.2
•Handbook
CERT-RMM, the foundation for a process improvement approach to operational resilience management, defines the practices needed to manage operational resilience.
ReadCERT-RMM and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
•Collection
Read how the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) uses CERT-RMM to improve the resilience of its products and services.
Learn More