CMMC Practice AC.L2-3.1.18 – Mobile Device Connection: Control connection of mobile devices.
Links to Publicly Available Resources
This article from CIO provides seven best practices to help companies secure their mobile envrionments. This document provides assessment guidance for conducting Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) assessments for Level 2. Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based service that focuses on mobile device management (MDM) and mobile application management (MAM). You control how your organization’s devices are used, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The NCCoE mobile device security efforts are dedicated to solving businesses most pressing mobile cybersecurity challenges. This NIST Special Publication helps organizations centrally manage and secure mobile devices against a variety of threats. In this course, you'll learn what mobile device management (MDM) is, and how it can be used to secure your environment and create a great user experience. This SANS course will prepare you to effectively evaluate the security of iOS and Android mobile devices, assess and identify flaws in mobile applications, and conduct a mobile device penetration test, which are all critical skills required to protect and defend mobile device deployments. You will learn how to pen test the biggest attack surface in your organization; dive deep into evaluating mobile apps and operating systems and their associated infrastructure; and better defend your organization against the onslaught of mobile device attacks. Some simple steps to keep you and your devices safe and secure. This article provides companies with ideas on how to mitigate the risk that mobiles carry with them as attackers turn to target them. In this edition of the On Call Compliance Solutions Compliance Tip of the Week, we discuss how to control the connection of a mobile device.
Discussion [NIST SP 800-171 R2]
A mobile device is a computing device that has a small form factor such that it can easily be carried by a single individual; is designed to operate without a physical connection (e.g., wirelessly transmit or receive information); possesses local, non-removable or removable data storage; and includes a self-contained power source. Mobile devices may also include voice communication capabilities, on-board sensors that allow the device to capture information, or built-in features for synchronizing local data with remote locations. Examples of mobile devices include smart phones, e-readers, and tablets.
Due to the large variety of mobile devices with different technical characteristics and capabilities, organizational restrictions may vary for the different types of devices. Usage restrictions and implementation guidance for mobile devices include: device identification and authentication; configuration management; implementation of mandatory protective software (e.g., malicious code detection, firewall); scanning devices for malicious code; updating virus protection software; scanning for critical software updates and patches; conducting primary operating system (and possibly other resident software) integrity checks; and disabling unnecessary hardware (e.g., wireless, infrared). The need to provide adequate security for mobile devices goes beyond this requirement. Many controls for mobile devices are reflected in other CUI security requirements. NIST SP 800-124 provides guidance on mobile device security.
Further Discussion
Establish guidelines and acceptable practices for proper configuration, use, and management of mobile devices. Devices that process, store, or transmit CUI must be identified with a device-specific identifier. There are many different types of identifiers, and it is important to select one that can accommodate all devices and be used in a consistent manner. These identifiers are important for facilitating the required monitoring and logging function.
In addition to smartphones, consider the security of other portable devices such as e-readers and tablets.
AC.L2-3.1.16, AC.L2-3.1.17, and AC.L2-3.1.18 are complementary practices in that they all establish requirements to control the connection of mobile devices and wireless devices through the use of authentication, authorization, and encryption mechanisms.