PE.L1-3.10.1/b.1.viii Limit Physical Access

Limit physical access to organizational information systems, equipment, and the respective operating environments to authorized individuals.

Source: FAR Clause 52.204-21 b.1.viii, NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 3.10.1

Discussion: This requirement applies to employees, individuals with permanent physical access authorization credentials, and visitors. Authorized individuals have credentials that include badges, identification cards, and smart cards. Organizations determine the strength of authorization credentials needed consistent with applicable laws, directives, policies, regulations, standards, procedures, and guidelines. This requirement applies only to areas within facilities that have not been designated as publicly accessible. Limiting physical access to equipment may include placing equipment in locked rooms or other secured areas and allowing access to authorized individuals only; and placing equipment in locations that can be monitored by organizational personnel. Computing devices, external disk drives, networking devices, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners, facsimile machines, and audio devices are examples of equipment.

Assessment Objectives:

Determine if:

• [a] authorized individuals allowed physical access are identified;
• [b] physical access to organizational systems is limited to authorized individuals;
• [c] physical access to equipment is limited to authorized individuals; and
• [d] physical access to operating environments is limited to authorized individuals.

Examine: [SELECT FROM: Physical and environmental protection policy; procedures addressing physical access authorizations; security plan; authorized personnel access list; authorization credentials; physical access list reviews; physical access termination records and associated documentation; other relevant documents or records].

Interview: [SELECT FROM: Personnel with physical access authorization responsibilities; personnel with physical access to system facility; personnel with information security responsibilities].

Test: [SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for physical access authorizations; mechanisms supporting or implementing physical access authorizations].

SPRS Score: 5

POA&M Allowed: No