SC-7(28)_connections-to-public-networks

SC-7(28) Connections to Public Networks

Enhancement of: SC-7

High-Level Description

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

A direct connection is a dedicated physical or virtual connection between two or more systems. A public network is a network accessible to the public, including the Internet and organizational extranets with public access.

What to Check

• Verify SC-7(28) Connections to Public Networks is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-7(28)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-7(28) 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

Prohibit the direct connection of [organization-defined] to a public network.

Implementation Guidance

A direct connection is a dedicated physical or virtual connection between two or more systems. A public network is a network accessible to the public, including the Internet and organizational extranets with public access.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-7(28)
• 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