← Back to General Purpose Operating System Security Requirements Guide

V-203688

CAT II (Medium)

The operating system must protect wireless access to and from the system using encryption.

Rule ID

SV-203688r991568_rule

STIG

General Purpose Operating System Security Requirements Guide

Version

V3R3

CCIs

CCI-001444

Discussion

Allowing devices and users to connect to or from the system without first authenticating them allows untrusted access and can lead to a compromise or attack. Since wireless communications can be intercepted, it is necessary to use encryption to protect the confidentiality of information in transit. Wireless technologies include, for example, microwave, packet radio (UHF/VHF), 802.11x, and Bluetooth. Wireless networks use authentication protocols (e.g., EAP/TLS, PEAP), which provide credential protection and mutual authentication. This requirement applies to those operating systems that control wireless devices.

Check Content

Verify the operating system protects wireless access to and from the system using encryption. If it does not, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the operating system to protect wireless access to and from the system using encryption.