SC-40(4)_signal-parameter-identification

SC-40(4) Signal Parameter Identification

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 prevent the identification of wireless transmitters protects against the unique identification of wireless transmitters for the purposes of intelligence exploitation by ensuring that anti-fingerprinting alterations to signal parameters are not predictable by unauthorized individuals. It also provides anonymity when required. Radio fingerprinting techniques identify the unique signal parameters of transmitters to fingerprint such transmitters for purposes of tracking and mission or user identification.

What to Check

• Verify SC-40(4) Signal Parameter Identification is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-40(4)
• 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(4) 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 prevent the identification of [organization-defined] by using the transmitter signal parameters.

Implementation Guidance

The implementation of cryptographic mechanisms to prevent the identification of wireless transmitters protects against the unique identification of wireless transmitters for the purposes of intelligence exploitation by ensuring that anti-fingerprinting alterations to signal parameters are not predictable by unauthorized individuals. It also provides anonymity when required. Radio fingerprinting techniques identify the unique signal parameters of transmitters to fingerprint such transmitters for purposes of tracking and mission or user identification.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-40(4)
• 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