PS-6(2)_classified-information-requiring-special-protection

PS-6(2) Classified Information Requiring Special Protection

Enhancement of: PS-6

High-Level Description

Family: Personnel Security (PS) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Classified information that requires special protection includes collateral information, Special Access Program (SAP) information, and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Personnel security criteria reflect applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.

What to Check

• Verify PS-6(2) Classified Information Requiring Special Protection is documented in SSP
• Validate all 3 control requirements are implemented
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for PS-6(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control PS-6

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for PS-6(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

Verify that access to classified information requiring special protection is granted only to individuals who: Have a valid access authorization that is demonstrated by assigned official government duties; Satisfy associated personnel security criteria; and Have read, understood, and signed a nondisclosure agreement.

Implementation Guidance

Classified information that requires special protection includes collateral information, Special Access Program (SAP) information, and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Personnel security criteria reflect applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - PS-6(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 (none) reviewed