AT-3(2)_physical-security-controls

AT-3(2) Physical Security Controls

Enhancement of: AT-3

High-Level Description

Family: Awareness and Training (AT) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Physical security controls include physical access control devices, physical intrusion and detection alarms, operating procedures for facility security guards, and monitoring or surveillance equipment.

What to Check

• Verify AT-3(2) Physical Security Controls is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for AT-3(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control AT-3

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for AT-3(2) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Provide [organization-defined] with initial and [organization-defined] training in the employment and operation of physical security controls.

Implementation Guidance

Physical security controls include physical access control devices, physical intrusion and detection alarms, operating procedures for facility security guards, and monitoring or surveillance equipment.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - AT-3(2)
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• Control documented in SSP
• Implementation evidence collected
• Operating effectiveness validated
• Continuous monitoring in place
• Related controls (PE-2, PE-3, PE-4) reviewed