SC-41 Port and I/O Device Access

Guidance: nonePolicy clause: noneWhat these mean

Baselines	Implementation level	Enhancements
Not in a baseline	Organization	None

Related controls: AC-20, MP-7

Control statement

[Selection: physically; logically] disable or remove [Assignment: organization-defined connection ports or input/output devices] on the following systems or system components: [Assignment: organization-defined systems or system components].

NIST discussion

Connection ports include Universal Serial Bus (USB), Thunderbolt, and Firewire (IEEE 1394). Input/output (I/O) devices include compact disc and digital versatile disc drives. Disabling or removing such connection ports and I/O devices helps prevent the exfiltration of information from systems and the introduction of malicious code from those ports or devices. Physically disabling or removing ports and/or devices is the stronger action.

Assessment objectives (SP 800-53A)

Objectives and methods for SC-41

Determine if [Assignment: organization-defined connection ports or input/output devices] are [Selection: physically; logically] disabled or removed on [Assignment: organization-defined systems or system components].

Examine: System and communications protection policy; access control policy and procedures; procedures addressing port and input/output device access; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system architecture; systems or system components; list of connection ports or input/output devices to be physically disabled or removed on systems or system components; system security plan; other relevant documents or records.

Interview: System/network administrators; organizational personnel with information security responsibilities; organizational personnel installing, configuring, and/or maintaining the system.

Test: Mechanisms supporting and/or implementing the disabling of connection ports or input/output devices.