3.14.6
SI.L2-3.14.6 · Level 2
Monitor organizational systems, including inbound and outbound communications traffic, to detect…
NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.14.6
Monitor organizational systems, including inbound and outbound communications traffic, to detect attacks and indicators of potential attacks
Assessment objectives
From NIST SP 800-171A · 3 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; continuous monitoring strategy; system and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; facility diagram or layout; security plan; system design documentation; system monitoring tools and techniques documentation; locations within system where monitoring devices are deployed; system protocols; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; personnel installing, configuring, and maintaining the system; personnel with responsibility monitoring the system; personnel with responsibility for the intrusion detection system].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing intrusion detection capability and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing system monitoring capability; organizational processes for intrusion detection and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing the monitoring of inbound and outbound communications traffic].
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; continuous monitoring strategy; system and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; facility diagram or layout; security plan; system design documentation; system monitoring tools and techniques documentation; locations within system where monitoring devices are deployed; system protocols; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; personnel installing, configuring, and maintaining the system; personnel with responsibility monitoring the system; personnel with responsibility for the intrusion detection system].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing intrusion detection capability and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing system monitoring capability; organizational processes for intrusion detection and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing the monitoring of inbound and outbound communications traffic].
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; continuous monitoring strategy; system and information integrity policy; procedures addressing system monitoring tools and techniques; facility diagram or layout; security plan; system design documentation; system monitoring tools and techniques documentation; locations within system where monitoring devices are deployed; system protocols; system configuration settings and associated documentation; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: System or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities; personnel installing, configuring, and maintaining the system; personnel with responsibility monitoring the system; personnel with responsibility for the intrusion detection system].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Organizational processes for system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing intrusion detection capability and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing system monitoring capability; organizational processes for intrusion detection and system monitoring; mechanisms supporting or implementing the monitoring of inbound and outbound communications traffic].
What we look for in practice
The following are placeholder notes that should be refined based on practice experience.
What assessors look for in practice. Documented evidence that this control is implemented across all CUI-handling systems within scope. Specific artifacts vary, but expect requests for written procedures, system configurations, and operational records demonstrating the control is active.
Common failure patterns. Typical issues include incomplete documentation, inconsistent implementation across systems, and missing periodic review records. Refine this section as your practice accumulates direct assessment experience.
Strong evidence looks like. Formal policy referencing this control, technical configurations demonstrating enforcement, periodic review logs with sign-off, and procedures for handling exceptions.
Scoring and POA&M context. 5-point control under the DoD Assessment Methodology. Highest scoring impact — treat as a foundational requirement. Not POA&M-eligible — must be implemented at assessment time.