PE 5 Access Control For Output Devices

---
name: "PE-5_access-control-for-output-devices"
description: "Control physical access to output from [organization-defined] to prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining the output."
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - pe-5
  - pe
tech_stack:
  - any
cwe_ids: []
chains_with:
  - PE-2
  - PE-3
  - PE-4
  - PE-18
prerequisites: []
severity_boost:
  PE-2: "Chain with PE-2 for comprehensive security coverage"
  PE-3: "Chain with PE-3 for comprehensive security coverage"
  PE-4: "Chain with PE-4 for comprehensive security coverage"
---

# PE-5 Access Control for Output Devices

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Physical and Environmental Protection (PE)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Controlling physical access to output devices includes placing output devices in locked rooms or other secured areas with keypad or card reader access controls and allowing access to authorized individuals only, placing output devices in locations that can be monitored by personnel, installing monitor or screen filters, and using headphones. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, scanners, audio devices, facsimile machines, and copiers.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify PE-5 Access Control for Output Devices is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for PE-5

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for PE-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

Control physical access to output from [organization-defined] to prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining the output.

### Implementation Guidance

Controlling physical access to output devices includes placing output devices in locked rooms or other secured areas with keypad or card reader access controls and allowing access to authorized individuals only, placing output devices in locations that can be monitored by personnel, installing monitor or screen filters, and using headphones. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, scanners, audio devices, facsimile machines, and copiers.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                | Severity | Impact                                           |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| PE-5 Access Control for Output Devices not implemented | Medium   | Physical and Environmental Protection            |
| PE-5 partially implemented                             | Low      | Incomplete Physical and Environmental Protection |

## CWE Categories

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

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - PE-5](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=pe-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 (PE-2, PE-3, PE-4, PE-18) reviewed