| name | PS-3(1)_classified-information |
| description | Verify that individuals accessing a system processing, storing, or transmitting classified information are cleared and indoctrinated to the highest cl |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","ps-3-1","ps","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["any"] |
| cwe_ids | [] |
| chains_with | ["AC-3","AC-4"] |
| prerequisites | ["PS-3"] |
| severity_boost | {"AC-3":"Chain with AC-3 for comprehensive security coverage","AC-4":"Chain with AC-4 for comprehensive security coverage"} |
PS-3(1) Classified Information
Enhancement of: PS-3
High-Level Description
Family: Personnel Security (PS)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
Classified information is the most sensitive information that the Federal Government processes, stores, or transmits. It is imperative that individuals have the requisite security clearances and system access authorizations prior to gaining access to such information. Access authorizations are enforced by system access controls (see AC-3 ) and flow controls (see AC-4).
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for PS-3(1) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.
Step 2: Validate Implementation
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly
# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness
Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.
Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Usage |
|---|
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Verify that individuals accessing a system processing, storing, or transmitting classified information are cleared and indoctrinated to the highest classification level of the information to which they have access on the system.
Implementation Guidance
Classified information is the most sensitive information that the Federal Government processes, stores, or transmits. It is imperative that individuals have the requisite security clearances and system access authorizations prior to gaining access to such information. Access authorizations are enforced by system access controls (see ) and flow controls (see ).
