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Controls / Access Control / 3.1.12
3.1.12
AC.L2-3.1.12 · Level 2

Monitor and control remote access sessions.

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.1.12

Monitor and control remote access sessions.

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 4 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
3.1.12[a] remote access sessions are permitted.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing remote access implementation and usage (including restrictions); configuration management plan; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; remote access authorizations; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with responsibilities for managing remote access connections; system or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Remote access management capability for the system].
3.1.12[b] the types of permitted remote access are identified.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing remote access implementation and usage (including restrictions); configuration management plan; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; remote access authorizations; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with responsibilities for managing remote access connections; system or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Remote access management capability for the system].
3.1.12[c] remote access sessions are controlled.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing remote access implementation and usage (including restrictions); configuration management plan; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; remote access authorizations; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with responsibilities for managing remote access connections; system or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Remote access management capability for the system].
3.1.12[d] remote access sessions are monitored.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: Access control policy; procedures addressing remote access implementation and usage (including restrictions); configuration management plan; security plan; system configuration settings and associated documentation; remote access authorizations; system audit logs and records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with responsibilities for managing remote access connections; system or network administrators; personnel with information security responsibilities].
Test
[SELECT FROM: Remote access management capability for the system].

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.