IR 4(5) Automatic Disabling Of System

---
name: "IR-4(5)_automatic-disabling-of-system"
description: "Implement a configurable capability to automatically disable the system if [organization-defined] are detected."
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - ir-4-5
  - ir
  - enhancement
tech_stack:
  - any
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites:
  - IR-4
severity_boost: {}
---

# IR-4(5) Automatic Disabling of System

> **Enhancement of:** IR-4

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Incident Response (IR)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Organizations consider whether the capability to automatically disable the system conflicts with continuity of operations requirements specified as part of [CP-2](#cp-2) or [IR-4(3)](#ir-4.3) . Security violations include cyber-attacks that have compromised the integrity of the system or exfiltrated organizational information and serious errors in software programs that could adversely impact organizational missions or functions or jeopardize the safety of individuals.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify IR-4(5) Automatic Disabling of System is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for IR-4(5)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control IR-4

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for IR-4(5) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

### Step 2: Validate Implementation

```
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
```

### Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

## Tools

| Tool          | Purpose                           | Usage |
| ------------- | --------------------------------- | ----- |
| Manual Review | Documentation and interview-based | N/A   |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Implement a configurable capability to automatically disable the system if [organization-defined] are detected.

### Implementation Guidance

Organizations consider whether the capability to automatically disable the system conflicts with continuity of operations requirements specified as part of [CP-2](#cp-2) or [IR-4(3)](#ir-4.3) . Security violations include cyber-attacks that have compromised the integrity of the system or exfiltrated organizational information and serious errors in software programs that could adversely impact organizational missions or functions or jeopardize the safety of individuals.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                               | Severity | Impact                       |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ---------------------------- |
| IR-4(5) Automatic Disabling of System not implemented | Medium   | Incident Response            |
| IR-4(5) partially implemented                         | Low      | Incomplete Incident Response |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title                 |
| ------ | --------------------- |
| N/A    | No direct CWE mapping |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - IR-4(5)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=ir-4.5)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

- [ ] Control documented in SSP
- [ ] Implementation evidence collected
- [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
- [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
- [ ] Related controls (none) reviewed