Which of the following is a necessary action for interactive remote access sessions as per CIP-005 R2.3?

The necessity of requiring multi-factor authentication in interactive remote access sessions stems from its effectiveness in significantly enhancing security. The primary goal of CIP-005 R2.3 is to ensure that access to critical infrastructure is secure and that only authorized personnel can access the systems. Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security beyond just a username and password. It requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, which could include something they know (like a password), something they have (like a smartphone app for generating codes), or something they are (like a biometric factor).

This requirement protects against unauthorized access, as obtaining a password alone is often insufficient due to potential phishing or credential compromise. By mandating multi-factor authentication, CIP-005 R2.3 supports the goal of maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical infrastructure systems.

The other actions, while important for a comprehensive security strategy, do not specifically address the unique vulnerabilities associated with interactive remote access sessions in the same manner as multi-factor authentication does.