# Cis Cassandra41 1.6

> Ensure clocks are synchronized on all nodes

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra41-1-6` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra41-1-6`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra41-1-6/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra41-1-6

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# 1.6 Ensure clocks are synchronized on all nodes

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Cassandra on Linux

## Description

Enabling Network Time Protocol (NTP), or some equivalent way, to keep clocks on all nodes in sync is critical.

## Rationale

Cassandra decides which data is most current between all of the nodes in the cluster based on timestamps. It is paramount to ensure all clocks are in-sync, otherwise the most current data may not be returned or worse, marked for deletion.

## Audit

Depending on the Linux installation this may be checked by executing the following command on each node:

```bash
ps -aef | grep ntp

OR

ps -aef | grep chronyd

OR

timedatectl status | grep NTP
```

If NTP is not configured or clocks are out-of-sync then this is a finding.

## Remediation

Install and start the time protocol on every node in the Cassandra cluster.

## Default Value

N/A

## References

N/A

## CIS Controls

- **v8 8.4** Standardize Time Synchronization
  - Standardize time synchronization. Configure at least two synchronized time sources across enterprise assets, where supported.
- **v7 6.1** Utilize Three Synchronized Time Sources
  - Use at least three synchronized time sources from which all servers and network devices retrieve time information on a regular basis so that timestamps in logs are consistent.

## Profile

- Level 1 - Cassandra on Linux | Manual