sc-40-wireless-link-protection

name	SC-40_wireless-link-protection
description	Protect external and internal [organization-defined] from the following signal parameter attacks: [organization-defined].
category	configuration
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sc-40","sc"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows","network"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-311"]
chains_with	["AC-18","SC-5"]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{"AC-18":"Chain with AC-18 for comprehensive security coverage","SC-5":"Chain with SC-5 for comprehensive security coverage"}

SC-40 Wireless Link Protection

High-Level Description

Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Wireless link protection applies to internal and external wireless communication links that may be visible to individuals who are not authorized system users. Adversaries can exploit the signal parameters of wireless links if such links are not adequately protected. There are many ways to exploit the signal parameters of wireless links to gain intelligence, deny service, or spoof system users. Protection of wireless links reduces the impact of attacks that are unique to wireless systems. If organizations rely on commercial service providers for transmission services as commodity items rather than as fully dedicated services, it may not be possible to implement wireless link protections to the extent necessary to meet organizational security requirements.

What to Check

• Verify SC-40 Wireless Link Protection is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-40

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-40 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

Protect external and internal [organization-defined] from the following signal parameter attacks: [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

Wireless link protection applies to internal and external wireless communication links that may be visible to individuals who are not authorized system users. Adversaries can exploit the signal parameters of wireless links if such links are not adequately protected. There are many ways to exploit the signal parameters of wireless links to gain intelligence, deny service, or spoof system users. Protection of wireless links reduces the impact of attacks that are unique to wireless systems. If organizations rely on commercial service providers for transmission services as commodity items rather than as fully dedicated services, it may not be possible to implement wireless link protections to the extent necessary to meet organizational security requirements.