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Controls / Maintenance / 3.7.5
3.7.5
MA.L2-3.7.5 · Level 2

Require multifactor authentication to establish nonlocal maintenance sessions via external network…

NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 · §3.7.5

Require multifactor authentication to establish nonlocal maintenance sessions via external network connections and terminate such connections when nonlocal maintenance is complete.

Assessment objectives

From NIST SP 800-171A · 2 objectives must be met to satisfy this control
3.7.5[a] multifactor authentication is required to establish nonlocal maintenance sessions via external network connections.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System maintenance policy; procedures addressing nonlocal system maintenance; security plan; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; maintenance records; diagnostic records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with system maintenance responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[select from: Organizational processes for managing nonlocal maintenance; mechanisms implementing, supporting, and managing nonlocal maintenance; mechanisms for strong authentication of nonlocal maintenance diagnostic sessions; mechanisms for terminating nonlocal maintenance sessions and network connections].
3.7.5[b] nonlocal maintenance sessions established via external network connections are terminated when nonlocal maintenance is complete.
Examine
[SELECT FROM: System maintenance policy; procedures addressing nonlocal system maintenance; security plan; system design documentation; system configuration settings and associated documentation; maintenance records; diagnostic records; other relevant documents or records].
Interview
[SELECT FROM: Personnel with system maintenance responsibilities; personnel with information security responsibilities; system or network administrators].
Test
[select from: Organizational processes for managing nonlocal maintenance; mechanisms implementing, supporting, and managing nonlocal maintenance; mechanisms for strong authentication of nonlocal maintenance diagnostic sessions; mechanisms for terminating nonlocal maintenance sessions and network connections].

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.