RMF Control SC-40: Wireless Link Protection requires organizations to protect external and internal wireless communication links that may be visible to individuals who are not authorized information system users. Adversaries can exploit the signal parameters of wireless links if such links are not adequately protected. There are many ways to exploit the signal parameters of wireless links to gain intelligence, deny service, or spoof users of organizational information systems. Protection of wireless links reduces the impact of attacks that are unique to wireless systems.
Supplemental Guidance
The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a cybersecurity framework that provides a process for managing cybersecurity risk to systems and organizations. RMF Control SC-40: Wireless Link Protection is one of the controls in the SC family, which addresses systems and communications protection.
Wireless link protection is important for protecting information systems from unauthorized access and interference. Adversaries can exploit the signal parameters of wireless links to gain intelligence, deny service, or spoof users of organizational information systems.
Benefits of Implementing RMF Control SC-40
There are a number of benefits to implementing RMF Control SC-40, including:
- Improved security posture: By protecting wireless links, organizations can improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of unauthorized access, interference, and denial of service attacks.
- Reduced risk of data breaches: Wireless links are often a target for data breaches. By implementing RMF Control SC-40, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches.
- Improved compliance: Many regulations require organizations to have wireless link protection in place. By implementing RMF Control SC-40, organizations can improve their compliance with these regulations.
How to Implement RMF Control SC-40
To implement RMF Control SC-40, organizations should:
- Identify all wireless links that may be visible to individuals who are not authorized information system users.
- Assess the risks to each wireless link. This assessment should consider the likelihood and impact of an attack on the wireless link.
- Implement controls to mitigate the risks to each wireless link. Controls may include encryption, authentication, and access control.
- Monitor the wireless links to detect and respond to attacks.
Examples of Wireless Link Protection Controls
Some examples of wireless link protection controls include:
- Encryption: Encryption is used to protect the confidentiality of data transmitted over wireless links.
- Authentication: Authentication is used to verify the identity of users and devices connecting to wireless networks.
- Access control: Access control is used to restrict access to wireless networks and devices.
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS): IDS/IPS systems can be used to detect and prevent attacks on wireless networks.
Conclusion
RMF Control SC-40: Wireless Link Protection is an important control that can help organizations to improve their security posture, reduce the risk of data breaches, and improve their compliance. By implementing wireless link protection controls, organizations can protect their information systems from unauthorized access, interference, and denial of service attacks.