sc-7-3-access-points

name	SC-7(3)_access-points
description	Limit the number of external network connections to the system.
category	configuration
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sc-7-3","sc","enhancement"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows","network"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-311"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	["SC-7"]
severity_boost	{}

SC-7(3) Access Points

Enhancement of: SC-7

High-Level Description

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

Limiting the number of external network connections facilitates monitoring of inbound and outbound communications traffic. The Trusted Internet Connection DHS TIC initiative is an example of a federal guideline that requires limits on the number of external network connections. Limiting the number of external network connections to the system is important during transition periods from older to newer technologies (e.g., transitioning from IPv4 to IPv6 network protocols). Such transitions may require implementing the older and newer technologies simultaneously during the transition period and thus increase the number of access points to the system.

What to Check

• Verify SC-7(3) Access Points is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-7(3)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-7

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-7(3) 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

Limit the number of external network connections to the system.