SC-12(2)_symmetric-keys

SC-12(2) Symmetric Keys

Enhancement of: SC-12

High-Level Description

Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

SP 800-56A, SP 800-56B , and SP 800-56C provide guidance on cryptographic key establishment schemes and key derivation methods. SP 800-57-1, SP 800-57-2 , and SP 800-57-3 provide guidance on cryptographic key management.

What to Check

• Verify SC-12(2) Symmetric Keys is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-12(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-12

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-12(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

Produce, control, and distribute symmetric cryptographic keys using [organization-defined] key management technology and processes.

Implementation Guidance

SP 800-56A, SP 800-56B , and SP 800-56C provide guidance on cryptographic key establishment schemes and key derivation methods. SP 800-57-1, SP 800-57-2 , and SP 800-57-3 provide guidance on cryptographic key management.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-12(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