SC-40(2)_reduce-detection-potential

SC-40(2) Reduce Detection Potential

Enhancement of: SC-40

High-Level Description

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

The implementation of cryptographic mechanisms to reduce detection potential is used for covert communications and to protect wireless transmitters from geo-location. It also ensures that the spread spectrum waveforms used to achieve a low probability of detection are not predictable by unauthorized individuals. Mission requirements, projected threats, concept of operations, and applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, and standards determine the levels to which wireless links are undetectable.

What to Check

• Verify SC-40(2) Reduce Detection Potential is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-40(2)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-40

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-40(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

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to reduce the detection potential of wireless links to [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

The implementation of cryptographic mechanisms to reduce detection potential is used for covert communications and to protect wireless transmitters from geo-location. It also ensures that the spread spectrum waveforms used to achieve a low probability of detection are not predictable by unauthorized individuals. Mission requirements, projected threats, concept of operations, and applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, and standards determine the levels to which wireless links are undetectable.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-40(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 (SC-12, SC-13) reviewed