Create and implement a knowledge management strategy, such as developing standard operating procedures, reference sheets, and program office fact sheets.

Corrective Action Taken

OCHCO developed and implemented client profiles for each HUD program office to address knowledge loss and the need for offices to explain or reexplain their mission and functions. The profiles will serve as a central repository to learn about the various programs and missions of HUD and will allow OCHCO staff, other key HUD pro

Develop an enterprise-wide IT modernization strategy that establishes a framework to align with the IT modernization roadmap.

Corrective Action Taken

In January, 2024, HUD provided an OCIO approved an IT Modernization strategy that established a framework that aligned with its IT modernization roadmap. The strategy addressed each of the recommendation components (a. roles and responsibilities, b. prioritization of modernization initiatives, c. coordination process between OCIO and program offices, d. phased approach, and e. how lessons learned will be captured.

Develop and issue a departmentwide policy that notes that radon is a radioactive substance and outlines HUD's requirements to test for and mitigate excessive radon levels in accordance with 24 CFR 50.3(i)(1) and 58.5(i)(2)(i).

Corrective Action Taken

None Given.

In April 2024, HUD OIG met with HUD OCIO to discuss progress and requirements for closure of this recommendation. In addition, OIG reviewed this recommendation as part of the annual FY 2024 FISMA evaluation in April 2024 and learned from HUD OCIO that that there would be a procedure update that would implement the ingestion and monitoring of all inbound and outbound traffic. The OIG requested to be provided with these procedures when finalized and evidence of implementation on May 1, 2024.

Corrective Action Taken

HUD OCIO updated its Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan and developed more detection and protection mechanisms to monitor network traffic in its IT environment. These mechanisms include anti-malware agents, data loss prevention, endpoint detection and response, firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems. HUD’s SOC also developed standard operating procedures and playbooks for abnormal traffic alerts triggered by the above tools that are posted internally for SOC personnel to utilize. Addressing this recommendation resulted in improvement of HUD’s networking monitoring process by enhancing visibility into network traffic. It also increased HUD’s incident response program capabilities by ensuring that HUD has a plan to monitor traffic and better detect and respond to security incidents. As part of our regular Federal Information Security Act of 2014 (FISMA) assessments, HUD OIG will continue to assess HUD’s incident response effectiveness and threat detection to ensure HUD addresses new and evolving threats.

Enforce the requirement for all HUD web applications and services to be approved by the CIO and ensure OCIO reviews and approves all IT contracts and services agreements dealing with creation or support of web applications or services.

Corrective Action Taken

In January 2023, HUD's Office of the Chief Information Officer developed and released a Web Applications Directive to all HUD program offices. This directive described how web applications are defined, approved, inventoried, and maintained, including processes for tracking, and monitoring such applications.