| name | SC-45(2)_secondary-authoritative-time-source |
| description | Identify a secondary authoritative time source that is in a different geographic region than the primary authoritative time source; |
| category | configuration |
| version | 5.2.0 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sc-45-2","sc","enhancement"] |
| tech_stack | ["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows","network"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-311"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | ["SC-45"] |
| severity_boost | {} |
SC-45(2) Secondary Authoritative Time Source
Enhancement of: SC-45
High-Level Description
Family: System and Communications Protection (SC)
Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5
It may be necessary to employ geolocation information to determine that the secondary authoritative time source is in a different geographic region.
What to Check
How to Test
Step 1: Review Documentation
Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-45(2) 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 |
|---|
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check encryption and network controls | cloud_audit_encryption |
| nmap | Network scanning | nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers |
Remediation Guide
Control Statement
Identify a secondary authoritative time source that is in a different geographic region than the primary authoritative time source; and
Synchronize the internal system clocks to the secondary authoritative time source if the primary authoritative time source is unavailable.
Implementation Guidance
It may be necessary to employ geolocation information to determine that the secondary authoritative time source is in a different geographic region.
