SC-7(26)—Boundary Protection | Classified National Security System Connections
IL6
>Control Description
Prohibit the direct connection of a classified national security system to an external network without the use of ⚙organization-defined boundary protection device.
>DoD Impact Level Requirements
No specific parameter values or requirements for this impact level.
>Discussion
A direct connection is a dedicated physical or virtual connection between two or more systems. Organizations typically do not have complete control over external networks, including the Internet. Boundary protection devices (e.g., firewalls, gateways, and routers) mediate communications and information flows between classified national security systems and external networks.
In addition, approved boundary protection devices (typically managed interface or cross-domain systems) provide information flow enforcement from systems to external networks.
>Assessment Interview Topics
Questions assessors commonly ask
Process & Governance:
- •What policies govern the implementation of classified national security system connections?
- •How are system and communications protection requirements defined and maintained?
- •Who is responsible for configuring and maintaining the security controls specified in SC-7(26)?
Technical Implementation:
- •How is classified national security system connections technically implemented in your environment?
- •What systems, tools, or configurations enforce this protection requirement?
- •How do you ensure that classified national security system connections remains effective as the system evolves?
- •What network boundary protections are in place (firewalls, gateways, etc.)?
Evidence & Documentation:
- •What documentation demonstrates the implementation of SC-7(26)?
- •Can you provide configuration evidence or system diagrams showing this protection control?
- •What logs or monitoring data verify that this control is functioning correctly?
- •Can you provide network architecture diagrams and firewall rulesets?
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