NIST Special Publication 800-171 Revision 2

Date Published: January 28th, 2021

Withdrawn on May 14, 2024. Superseded by SP 800-171 Rev. 3

Author(s): Ron Ross (NIST), Victoria Pillitteri (NIST), Kelley Dempsey (NIST), Mark Riddle (NARA), Gary Guissanie (IDA)

Note: A Class Deviation is in effect as of May 2, 2024 (DEVIATION 2024O0013). The deviation clause requires contractors, who are subject to 252.204-7012, to comply with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 Revision 2, instead of the version of NIST SP 800-171 in effect at the time the solicitation is issued or as authorized by the contracting officer. Click Here

3.13.12: Prohibit remote activation of collaborative computing devices and provide indication of devices in use to users present at the device.

Control Family: System and Communications Protection

Control Type: Derived

SPRS Value: 1

SPRS Supplemental Guidance: N/A

CMMC Level(s):

  • SC.L2-3.13.12

Top Ten Failed Requirement:

No

Referenced in:

DFARS 252.204-7012

Derived From: NIST SP 800-53r4

  • SC-13

NIST Supplemental Guidance:

N/A

Discussion:

Collaborative computing devices include networked white boards, cameras, and microphones. Indication of use includes signals to users when collaborative computing devices are activated. Dedicated video conferencing systems, which rely on one of the participants calling or connecting to the other party to activate the video conference, are excluded.

Upon assessment, assessors must determine if-

3.13.12[a] collaborative computing devices are identified.
3.13.12[b] collaborative computing devices provide indication to users of devices in use.
3.13.12[c] remote activation of collaborative computing devices is prohibited.

Assessors are instructed to-

Examine: [SELECT FROM: System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing collaborative computing; access control policy and procedures; system security plan; system design documentation; system audit logs and records; system configuration settings and associated documentation; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; system developer; personnel with responsibilities for managing collaborative computing devices].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Mechanisms supporting or implementing management of remote activation of collaborative computing devices; mechanisms providing an indication of use of collaborative computing devices].

FURTHER DISCUSSION

Notification that a device is in use can include an indicator light that turns on or a specific text window that appears on screen. If a device does not have the means to alert a user when in use, the organization should provide manual means. Manual means can include, as necessary: • paper notification on entryways; and • locking entryways when a collaborative computing device is in use. This requirement is not intended to include technologies that enable users to share the contents of their computer screens via the internet.

Example

A group of remote employees at your company routinely collaborate using cameras and microphones attached to their computers [a]. To prevent the misuse of these devices, you disable the ability to turn on cameras or microphones remotely [c]. You ensure the machines alert users when the camera or microphone are in use with a light beside the camera and an onscreen notification [b]. Although remote activation is blocked, this enables users to see if the devices are active.

Potential Assessment Considerations

  • Are the collaborative computing devices configured to provide indication to users when in use (e.g., a light, text notification, or audio tone) or are users alerted before entering a space (e.g., written notice posted outside the space) where they are in use [b]?

  • Are the collaborative computing devices configured to prevent them from being turned on without user interaction or consent [c]? KEY REFERENCES

Frameworks & Controls