Computers with an embedded wireless system must have the radio removed before the computer is used to transfer, receive, store, or process classified information.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-19813	WIR0045	SV-21976r7_rule	ECWN-1	High

Description
With the increasing popularity of wireless networking, most laptops have wireless NICs installed on the laptop motherboard. Although the system administrator may disable these embedded NICs, the user may purposefully or accidentally enable the device. These devices may also inadvertently transmit ambient sound or electronic signals. Therefore, simply disabling the transmit capability is an inadequate solution for computers processing classified information. In addition, embedded wireless cards do not meet DoD security requirements for classified wireless usage.

Description

With the increasing popularity of wireless networking, most laptops have wireless NICs installed on the laptop motherboard. Although the system administrator may disable these embedded NICs, the user may purposefully or accidentally enable the device. These devices may also inadvertently transmit ambient sound or electronic signals. Therefore, simply disabling the transmit capability is an inadequate solution for computers processing classified information. In addition, embedded wireless cards do not meet DoD security requirements for classified wireless usage.

STIG	Date
General Wireless Policy Security Technical Implementation Guide	2012-02-02

Details

Check Text ( C-24829r5_chk )
Interview the IAO and inspect a sample of laptops/PCs (check about 10% if possible, with priority to laptops) used at the site for classified data processing. 1. Ask if there are laptops/PCs used to process classified information and have embedded wireless NICs. No embedded wireless NICs are allowed, including WLAN, Bluetooth, WMAN, cellular, etc. 2. The NIC should be physically removed. Using methods, such as tape or software disabling are not acceptable. Interview the IAO and determine if the site either bought laptops without wireless NICs (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, etc.) or physically removed the NICs from laptops. Verify the site has procedures in place to ensure laptops with wireless NICs are not used for classified data processing. Mark as a finding if site is using embedded wireless NICs. If this is a finding, recommend to the DAA this is a critical finding requiring immediate action.

Check Text ( C-24829r5_chk )

Interview the IAO and inspect a sample of laptops/PCs (check about 10% if possible, with priority to laptops) used at the site for classified data processing.

1. Ask if there are laptops/PCs used to process classified information and have embedded
wireless NICs. No embedded wireless NICs are allowed, including WLAN, Bluetooth, WMAN, cellular, etc.

2. The NIC should be physically removed. Using methods, such as tape or software disabling are not acceptable.

Interview the IAO and determine if the site either bought laptops without wireless NICs (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMax, etc.) or physically removed the NICs from laptops. Verify the site has procedures in place to ensure laptops with wireless NICs are not used for classified data processing.

Mark as a finding if site is using embedded wireless NICs.
If this is a finding, recommend to the DAA this is a critical finding requiring immediate action.

Fix Text (F-20496r3_fix)
Ensure computers with embedded wireless NICs that cannot be removed and are not used to transfer, receive, store, or process classified information.