What must a Certifying Authority review to grant accreditation to a corporation's information system?

The review of the results of the independent audit is critical for a Certifying Authority when granting accreditation to a corporation's information system. This independent audit provides an objective assessment of the information system's security controls and their effectiveness in mitigating risks. It usually evaluates compliance with established standards and guidelines, ensuring that the system meets necessary security requirements.

The audit results provide detailed evidence of controls, vulnerabilities, and compliance, allowing the Certifying Authority to make an informed decision on whether the system can be accredited based on its overall security posture. This approach aligns with best practices in risk management and information security, where independent verification adds credibility to the accreditation process.

Other options, while relevant to overall system security and compliance, do not serve as the primary focus for granting accreditation in the same way. For instance, the Plan of Actions and Milestones outlines future actions to address security weaknesses but does not provide current system evaluation. NIST SP 800-53 documentation details the security and privacy controls, but the effectiveness of these controls must still be validated through an independent audit. A formal letter of certification typically serves as a conclusion of the accreditation process rather than a review input.

By concentrating on the independent audit results, the Certifying Authority ensures a thorough and impartial assessment of the system