Device Class 2: Sensor Capability And Data

Control ID: SC-42 Sensor Capability And Data	Family: System and Communications Protection	Source: NIST 800-53r4
Control: The information system: Prohibits the remote activation of environmental sensing capabilities with the following exceptions: [Assignment: organization-defined exceptions where remote activation of sensors is allowed]; and Provides an explicit indication of sensor use to [Assignment: organization-defined class of users].
Supplemental Guidance: This control often applies to types of information systems or system components characterized as mobile devices, for example, smart phones, tablets, and E-readers. These systems 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, for example, cameras, microphones, 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 specific movements of an individual. Related Controls: N/A
Control Enhancements: (1) Sensor Capability And Data \| Reporting To Authorized Individuals Or Roles The organization ensures that the information system is configured so that data or information collected by the [Assignment: organization-defined sensors] is only reported to authorized individuals or roles. Supplemental Guidance: In situations where sensors are activated by authorized individuals (e.g.,end users), it is still possible that the data/information collected by the sensors will be sent to unauthorized entities. Related Controls: N/A (2) Sensor Capability And Data \| Authorized Use The organization employs the following measures: [Assignment: organization-defined measures], so that data or information collected by [Assignment: organization-defined sensors] is only used for authorized purposes. Supplemental Guidance: Information collected by sensors for a specific authorized purpose potentially could be misused for some unauthorized purpose. For example, GPS sensors that are used to support traffic navigation could be misused to track movements of individuals. Measures to mitigate such activities include, for example, additional training to ensure that authorized parties do not abuse their authority, or (in the case where sensor data/information is maintained by external parties) contractual restrictions on the use of the data/information. Related Controls: N/A
References: N/A
Mechanisms: Mechanisms defined in AC-3 are sufficient to enable device control
Protocol Implementation Conformance Statements: N/A