Information Assurance - Network Connections - Physical Protection of Classified Network Devices such as Routers, Switches and Hubs (SIPRNet or Other Classified Networks or Systems Being Inspected)

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-31132	IA-12.01.01	SV-41289r2_rule	DCPP-1 EBCR-1 ECND-2 ECTM-2 PESS-1	High

Description
SIPRNet or other classified network connections that are not properly protected in their physical environment are highly vulnerable to unauthorized access, resulting in the probable loss or compromise of classified or sensitive information.

STIG	Date
Traditional Security	2013-07-11

Details

Check Text ( C-39902r12_chk )
CHECK 1. Check to ensure that network devices on a Classified Network (SIPRNet) such as routers, switches, and hubs are housed within an approved classified storage safe, vault, or approved open storage area (AKA: secure room), or a SCIF. (CAT I) Two alternatives exist for check #1 in lieu of storage in a classified (secret or higher) vault, secure room or a SCIF: a. Information Processing System (IPS) containers are safes designed to house operational Information Systems (IS) equipment and can be used to meet this requirement. The use of an IPS container is often a good recommendation when a deficiency is found. b. A second alternative is to house network equipment in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. When using this method of control the equipment must be under the continuous (physical) observation and control of the cleared occupants. If using this alternative the network equipment must be maintained in lockable equipment storage cabinets. This is to ensure that only Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel are the only persons with unimpeded access to the Network Connections. If the equipment is under continuous observation and control but not in a lockable cabinet or otherwise maintained to ensure that only Network Administrators and other(authorized) personnel have access, then it will be a CAT II finding under check #2 below. CHECK 2. Check also to ensure that only Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel are the only persons with unimpeded access to the Network Connections, regardless if properly housed in a safe, vault or secure room (AKA: collateral classified open storage area). Lockable equipment storage cabinets may be used to meet this requirement (but only when the storage cabinets housing the network equipment is located within a vault, secure room or SCIF). (CAT II) TACTICAL ENVIRONMENT: The check is applicable for fixed tactical classified processing environments. It is assumed the type of equipment referenced will be in a fixed environment. Not applicable to a field/mobile environment.

Check Text ( C-39902r12_chk )

CHECK 1. Check to ensure that network devices on a Classified Network (SIPRNet) such as routers, switches, and hubs are housed within an approved classified storage safe, vault, or approved open storage area (AKA: secure room), or a SCIF. (CAT I)

Two alternatives exist for check #1 in lieu of storage in a classified (secret or higher) vault, secure room or a SCIF:

a. Information Processing System (IPS) containers are safes designed to house operational Information Systems (IS) equipment and can be used to meet this requirement. The use of an IPS container is often a good recommendation when a deficiency is found.

b. A second alternative is to house network equipment in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. When using this method of control the equipment must be under the continuous (physical) observation and control of the cleared occupants. If using this alternative the network equipment must be maintained in lockable equipment storage cabinets. This is to ensure that only Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel are the only persons with unimpeded access to the Network Connections. If the equipment is under continuous observation and control but not in a lockable cabinet or otherwise maintained to ensure that only Network Administrators and other(authorized) personnel have access, then it will be a CAT II finding under check #2 below.

CHECK 2. Check also to ensure that only Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel are the only persons with unimpeded access to the Network Connections, regardless if properly housed in a safe, vault or secure room (AKA: collateral classified open storage area). Lockable equipment storage cabinets may be used to meet this requirement (but only when the storage cabinets housing the network equipment is located within a vault, secure room or SCIF). (CAT II)

TACTICAL ENVIRONMENT: The check is applicable for fixed tactical classified processing environments. It is assumed the type of equipment referenced will be in a fixed environment. Not applicable to a field/mobile environment.

Fix Text (F-35081r5_fix)
1. Network devices on a Classified Network (SIPRNet) such as routers, switches, and hubs must be housed within an approved classified storage safe, vault, or approved open storage area (AKA: secure room, or in a SCIF. Information Processing System (IPS) containers are safes designed to house operational Information System (IS) equipment and can be used to meet this requirement. 2. An alternative to housing classified network devices in approved storage containers or areas is they must be housed in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. Occupants of the room or area must possess a security clearance equal to or greater than the level of the classified network devices. 3. Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel must be the only persons with unimpeded access to the SIPRNet Network devices, regardless if properly housed in an approved safe, vault, secure room (AKA: collateral classified open storage area),in a SCIF, or in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. Lockable equipment storage cabinets may be used to meet this requirement (when network devices are housed within a vault, secure room or SCIF).

Fix Text (F-35081r5_fix)

1. Network devices on a Classified Network (SIPRNet) such as routers, switches, and hubs must be housed within an approved classified storage safe, vault, or approved open storage area (AKA: secure room, or in a SCIF. Information Processing System (IPS) containers are safes designed to house operational Information System (IS) equipment and can be used to meet this requirement.

2. An alternative to housing classified network devices in approved storage containers or areas is they must be housed in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. Occupants of the room or area must possess a security clearance equal to or greater than the level of the classified network devices.

3. Network Administrators and other (authorized) personnel must be the only persons with unimpeded access to the SIPRNet Network devices, regardless if properly housed in an approved safe, vault, secure room (AKA: collateral classified open storage area),in a SCIF, or in a 24/7 continuously occupied room or area. Lockable equipment storage cabinets may be used to meet this requirement (when network devices are housed within a vault, secure room or SCIF).