Title

The organization must authorize wireless access to the information system prior to connection. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Wireless technologies include, but are not limited to, microwave, satellite, packet radio (UHF/VHF), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks present similar security risks to those of a wired network, and since the open airwaves are the communications medium for wireless technology, an entirely new set of risks are introduced. Implementing wireless computing and networking capabilities in accordance with the organization defined wireless policy, and allowing only authorized and qualified personnel to configure wireless services, greatly reduces vulnerabilities. For example, wireless networks use authentication protocols (e.g., EAP/TLS, PEAP), which provide credential protection and mutual authentication.

Check Content

Review the organization's access control and security policy, procedures addressing wireless implementation, information system configuration settings, restrictions, and any other associated documentation. The objective is to ensure the organization's wireless security policy requires all wireless systems be authorized prior to connection. If wireless access is not authorized prior to connection, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Establish a wireless access control and security policy to define the administrative procedures and technical requirements to be met prior to being authorized to connect to an organization's information system(s).

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID:

Vulnerability ID: V-35946

Group Title:

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

Controls tied to check. These are derived from the CCIs shown above.