V-202054

Discussion

To ensure individual accountability and prevent unauthorized access, administrators must be individually identified and authenticated. Individual accountability mandates that each administrator is uniquely identified. A group authenticator is a shared account or some other form of authentication that allows multiple unique individuals to access the network device using a single account. If a device allows or provides for group authenticators, it must first individually authenticate administrators prior to implementing group authenticator functionality. Some devices may not have the need to provide a group authenticator; this is considered a matter of device design. In those instances where the device design includes the use of a group authenticator, this requirement will apply. This requirement applies to accounts created and managed on or by the network device.

Check Content

Determine if the network device ensures that administrators are authenticated with an individual authenticator prior to using a group authenticator. This requirement may be verified by demonstration, configuration review, or validated test results. If the network device does not authenticate administrators with an individual authenticator prior to using a group authenticator, this is a finding.