Sensor Capability and Data
LOW MODERATE HIGHRequirements NIST SOURCE
Requirement Context
This element is part of SC-42 — Sensor Capability and Data. See the Assessment section below for the related SP 800-53A examine/interview/test procedures. No engineering interpretation has been authored for this control yet.
Requirement Context
This element is part of SC-42 — Sensor Capability and Data. See the Assessment section below for the related SP 800-53A examine/interview/test procedures. No engineering interpretation has been authored for this control yet.
Discussion (NIST Supplemental Guidance)
Sensor capability and data applies to types of systems or system components characterized as mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, smart phones, and tablets. Mobile devices often include sensors that can collect and record data regarding the environment where the system is in use. Sensors that are embedded within mobile devices include microphones, cameras, Global Positioning System (GPS) mechanisms, and accelerometers. While the sensors on mobiles devices provide an important function, if activated covertly, such devices can potentially provide a means for adversaries to learn valuable information about individuals and organizations. For example, remotely activating the GPS function on a mobile device could provide an adversary with the ability to track the movements of an individual. Organizations may prohibit individuals from bringing cellular telephones or digital cameras into certain designated facilities or controlled areas within facilities where classified information is stored or sensitive conversations are taking place.
Enhancements NIST SOURCE
SC-42(1) Reporting to Authorized Individuals or Roles LOW MODERATE HIGH
Verify that the system is configured so that data or information collected by the [sensors] is only reported to authorized individuals or roles.
Discussion
In situations where sensors are activated by authorized individuals, it is still possible that the data or information collected by the sensors will be sent to unauthorized entities.
SC-42(2) Authorized Use LOW MODERATE HIGH
Employ the following measures so that data or information collected by [sensors] is only used for authorized purposes: [measures].
Discussion
Information collected by sensors for a specific authorized purpose could be misused for some unauthorized purpose. For example, GPS sensors that are used to support traffic navigation could be misused to track the movements of individuals. Measures to mitigate such activities include additional training to help ensure that authorized individuals do not abuse their authority and, in the case where sensor data is maintained by external parties, contractual restrictions on the use of such data.
SC-42(3) Prohibit Use of Devices WITHDRAWN
Withdrawn. Incorporated into SC-42.
SC-42(4) Notice of Collection LOW MODERATE HIGH
Employ the following measures to facilitate an individual’s awareness that personally identifiable information is being collected by [sensors]: [measures].
Discussion
Awareness that organizational sensors are collecting data enables individuals to more effectively engage in managing their privacy. Measures can include conventional written notices and sensor configurations that make individuals directly or indirectly aware through other devices that the sensor is collecting information. The usability and efficacy of the notice are important considerations.
SC-42(5) Collection Minimization LOW MODERATE HIGH
Employ [sensors] that are configured to minimize the collection of information about individuals that is not needed.
Discussion
Although policies to control for authorized use can be applied to information once it is collected, minimizing the collection of information that is not needed mitigates privacy risk at the system entry point and mitigates the risk of policy control failures. Sensor configurations include the obscuring of human features, such as blurring or pixelating flesh tones.
Implementation Guidance
Original engineering commentary written for this explorer — not NIST source text and not authoritative guidance.
No engineering interpretation has been authored for SC-42 yet. This section is architected to receive it — see the Requirements and Assessment sections above for the authoritative NIST source content in the meantime.
Assessment
Assessment Objectives
- one or more of the following PARAMETER VALUES is/are selected: {the use of devices possessing <SC-42_ODP[02] environmental sensing capabilities> in <SC-42_ODP[03] facilities, areas, or systems>; the remote activation of environmental sensing capabilities on organizational systems or system components with the following exceptions: <SC-42_ODP[04] exceptions where remote activation of sensors is allowed>};
- environmental sensing capabilities in devices are defined (if selected);
- facilities, areas, or systems where the use of devices possessing environmental sensing capabilities is prohibited are defined (if selected);
- exceptions where remote activation of sensors is allowed are defined (if selected);
- group of users to whom an explicit indication of sensor use is to be provided is defined;
- <SC-42_ODP[01] SELECTED PARAMETER VALUES> is/are prohibited;
- an explicit indication of sensor use is provided to <SC-42_ODP[05] group of users>.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System and communications protection policy; procedures addressing sensor capabilities and data collection; access control policy and procedures; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit records; system security plan; privacy plan; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System/network administrators; organizational personnel with information security and privacy responsibilities; system developer; organizational personnel installing, configuring, and/or maintaining the system; organizational personnel responsible for sensor capabilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Mechanisms implementing access controls for the remote activation of system sensor capabilities; mechanisms implementing the capability to indicate sensor use].
STIGs & CCIs
No STIG checks or CCI mappings are currently loaded for SC-42. This section is architected to display, per product: STIG ID, Finding ID, Severity, Title, Description, Check, Fix, CCI, and NIST control mapping — but nothing is populated here until a real DISA STIG/CCI dataset is ingested.
Learn more about STIG/CCI integration →Evidence
Categorized from the SP 800-53A "Examine"/"Test" artifact list above by keyword — not an authoritative NIST evidence list.
Policy
- System and communications protection policy
- access control policy and procedures
- system security plan
- privacy plan
Configuration
- system design documentation
- system configuration settings and associated documentation
Testing
- Mechanisms implementing access controls for the remote activation of system sensor capabilities
- mechanisms implementing the capability to indicate sensor use
Other Records
- procedures addressing sensor capabilities and data collection
- system audit records
- other relevant documents or records