Protected Distribution System (PDS) Construction - Alarmed Carrier

An XCCDF Rule

Description

<VulnDiscussion>A PDS that is not constructed and configured as required could result in the covert or undetected interception of classified information. An Alarmed Carrier is one of five types of Category 2 PDS. It is the most suitable alternative to Hardened and Continuously Viewed PDS (internal facility PDS options), when the unencrypted data transmission line is concealed above suspended ceilings, below raised floors, between walls or in any situation where the line is not visible for inspection. In lieu of daily visual inspections the functionality of the PDS alarm must be tested at least weekly - as based on guidance in the CNSSI 7003. REFERENCES: CJCSI 6510.01F, INFORMATION ASSURANCE (IA) AND SUPPORT TO COMPUTER NETWORK DEFENSE (CND), Enclosure C, paragraph 35.c. DoD 5220.22-M (NISPOM), Incorporating Change 2, 18 May 2016 Chapter 5, Section 4, paragraphs 5-402.c., 5-403 and Section 9 DoD Manual 5200.01, Volume 3, 24 February 2012, SUBJECT: DoD Information Security Program: Protection of Classified Information: Encl 4, para 3.b. and 4.a.; Appendix to Encl 3, para 2 & 2.f.(2); DoD Manual 5200.02 Procedures for the DoD Personnel Security Program (PSP), 3 April 2017 NIST Special Publication 800-53 (SP 800-53), Rev 4, Controls: PE-4, PE-6(1), (2) & (3), SC-7, and SC-8 CNSSI No.7003, September 2015, Protected Distribution Systems (PDS), Section IV, paragraph 7. and Section X, paragraph 30.d.</VulnDiscussion><FalsePositives></FalsePositives><FalseNegatives></FalseNegatives><Documentable>false</Documentable><Mitigations></Mitigations><SeverityOverrideGuidance></SeverityOverrideGuidance><PotentialImpacts></PotentialImpacts><ThirdPartyTools></ThirdPartyTools><MitigationControl></MitigationControl><Responsibility></Responsibility><IAControls></IAControls>

ID: SV-245735r822802_rule
Severity: High
Updated: 9 months ago

An Alarmed PDS is one of five types of Category 2 PDS IAW the CNSSI 7003. It is a suitable alternative for the two types of interior PDS, which are Hardened Carrier or Continuously Viewed Carrier. It should be used when the unencrypted data transmission line is concealed above suspended ceilings, below raised floors, between walls or in any situation where the line is not visible for inspection.  In lieu of daily visual inspections the functionality of the PDS alarm must be tested at least weekly - or as based on guidance in the CNSSI 7003.

Ensure unencrypted SIPRNet data cables are installed in a carrier properly configured as an "Alarmed Carrier" IAW the following guidelines: 

1. Ideally the carrier will be constructed of solid electrical metallic tubing (EMT), ferrous conduit or pipe, or rigid-sheet steel ducting, utilizing elbows, couplings, nipples, and connectors of the same material. Connectors need not be permanently sealed in an alarmed carrier.  As a minimum the carrier may consist of any material equal to or better than standards for a "Simple PDS" (e.g., wood, PVT, EMT, ferrous conduit.  The key to determining the appropriateness of a PDS carrier is its suitability for supporting the functionality of the approved alarm sensor, which provides a means to detect tampering and/or breach of the actual PDS carrier - *not a breach of the space surrounding the carrier.  An IDS sensor capable of detecting changes in carrier air pressure is an example of an acceptable detection methodology.
2. As an alternative to an alarmed carrier, the space surrounding the entire carrier may be covered by an area or volumetric (e.g., infrared, motion detection) alarm system.
 
3. The carrier and/or volumetric alarm system sensor employed must be approved by the cognizant physical security authorities.  Documentation must exist to support this approval.
 
4. The alarm system and signal transmission must be part of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) meeting the requirements of the Appendix to Enclosure 3 of DoD Manual 5200.01, V3 (INFOSEC - Protection of Classified Information). For instance: The alarm must provide protection from tampering and be able to register malfunctions. The alarm system must also transmit a line fault message to the annunciator panel if the system fails.
 
5. The alarm signal must be sent to a 24/7 monitor station that is supervised continuously by U.S. citizens who have been subjected to a trustworthiness determination according to DoD Manual 5200.02 Procedures for the DoD Personnel Security Program (PSP).
 
6. The monitor station must be capable of notifying security forces that can respond within 15 minutes.
 
7. PDS alarm functionality and performance must be verified on at least a weekly basis IAW Table 5 of the CNSSI 7003.
 
8. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) must be available, which is approved by the facility security officer or security manager and commander/director, and the PDS approval authority. 
 
This SOP must include procedures to:

a. Verify the alarm functionality and performance on at least a weekly basis IAW Table 5 of the CNSSI 7003.
 
b. Ensure response by security personnel in the area of possible attempted penetration, within 15 minutes of discovery; 
 
c. Provide for inspection of the PDS to determine the cause of the alarm;

d. Define action to be taken regarding the termination of transmission;

e. Initiate investigation of actual intrusion attempt, etc.

9. The PDS must not be located within an Uncontrolled Access Area (UAA) and National Manager (NSA) approved encryption solutions must be employed.

Protected Distribution System (PDS) Construction - Alarmed Carrier

Description

Remediation - Manual Procedure