Exploring CAM

  • Release version: Zurich
  • Updated July 31, 2025
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Exploring CAM

    The CAM application in ServiceNow provides a standardized approach to automating the Risk Management Framework (RMF) defined by NIST. It supports organizations in managing information system security risks through a structured and repeatable process aligned with federal requirements. CAM helps customers streamline the RMF lifecycle, enabling better-informed security decisions and continuous monitoring of information systems.

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    CAM Users and Roles

    CAM defines specific roles essential for executing RMF-related tasks, ensuring accountability and clarity in responsibilities:

    • System Owner: Oversees the procurement, development, and maintenance of the information system.
    • Authorizing Official (AO): Responsible for accepting the system into operation at an approved risk level, typically a CISO or deputy CISO.
    • Authorizing Official Designated Representatives (AODR): Assist the AO in authorization duties.
    • Security Control Assessors (SCA): Conduct comprehensive assessments of system controls.
    • Information System Security Managers (ISSM): Manage security activities as designated by ISSO.
    • Information System Security Officers (ISSO): Maintain the operational security posture of the system.
    • Information Owners: Hold statutory and operational authority over information.
    • System Users: Perform daily operational work on the system.

    RMF Workflow Supported by CAM

    CAM automates the seven phases of the RMF, a federal mandate designed to enhance resilience in information system security. These phases collectively enable a comprehensive lifecycle approach to risk management:

    • Phase 1 – Prepare: Define system boundaries, assign roles, and prepare for the RMF process.
    • Phase 2 – Categorize: Identify the system’s criticality and sensitivity based on potential adverse impacts.
    • Phase 3 – Select Controls: Choose baseline security controls and tailor them based on risk assessments.
    • Phase 4 – Implement Controls: Apply controls within the system architecture using sound engineering and configuration practices.
    • Phase 5 – Assess Controls: Verify control effectiveness in meeting security requirements.
    • Phase 6 – Authorize: Evaluate risks and authorize system operation if risks are acceptable.
    • Phase 7 – Monitor: Continuously track system changes and reassess control effectiveness to maintain security posture.

    Next Steps for ServiceNow Customers

    To maximize the benefits of CAM, customers can explore detailed guides on configuring CAM and executing each RMF phase within the platform. This includes preparing authorization packages, selecting and implementing controls, assessing controls, and managing continuous authorization and monitoring tasks through the CAM Workspace.

    Learn about the CAM benefits and workflows for users.

    CAM overview

    The CAM application applies a standardized approach to automating NIST's Risk Management Framework (RMF).

    CAM users

    CAM roles that are required for particular tasks are listed in CAM user roles.

    Table 1. Roles and Responsibilities tab
    User / Role Description
    System owner The individual responsible for procuring, developing, integrating, modifying, operating, and maintaining an information system.
    Authorizing Official (AO) The individual responsible for accepting an information system into an operational environment at a known risk level. Typically, this person is at the CISO or deputy CISO level.
    Authorizing Official Designated Representatives (AODR) One or more AODRs.
    Security Control Assessors (SCA) The individuals responsible for conducting a thorough assessment of the controls of an information system.
    Information System Security Managers (ISSM) The individuals responsible for conducting information system security management activities as designated by the ISSO.
    Information System Security Officers (ISSO) The individuals responsible for ensuring that the appropriate operational security posture is maintained for an information system.
    Information owners The individuals responsible for statutory, management, and operational authority.
    System users The users responsible for performing the actual work on the system.

    RMF workflow supported by CAM

    RMF was mandated by the U.S. Federal government to provide the necessary resiliency to support the economic and national security interests of the United States. CAM employs the seven steps defined by the RMF to allow you to make better-informed decisions about your security posture.

    The RMF System Life Cycle consists of seven interconnected phases that work together to provide a comprehensive approach to managing information system security risks. Each phase has a specific focus area and contributes to the overall authorization and continuous monitoring of the system.

    RMF phases

    Phase Phase Name Scope Description
    1 Prepare Information System Define the system boundary, assign roles, identify common controls, and prepare for the RMF process.
    2 Categorize Information System Define criticality/sensitivity of information system according to potential worse case, adverse impact to mission/business.
    3 Select System Controls Select baseline controls; apply tailoring guidance and supplement controls as needed based on risk assessments.
    4 Implement System Controls Implement controls within enterprise architecture using sound systems engineering practices; apply configuration settings.
    5 Assess System Controls Determine control effectiveness (that is, controls implemented correctly, operating as intended, meeting requirements for information system).
    6 Authorize Information System Determine risk to organizational operations and assets, individuals, other organizations, and the Nation; if acceptable, authorize operation.
    7 Monitor System Controls Continuously track changes to the information system that may affect security controls and reassess control effectiveness.

    What to explore next

    To learn more about configuring and using CAM, see: