Sc 45 2 Secondary Authoritative Time

---
name: "SC-45(2)_secondary-authoritative-time-source"
description: "Identify a secondary authoritative time source that is in a different geographic region than the primary authoritative time source;"
category: "configuration"
version: "5.2.0"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - nist
  - sp800-53
  - rev5
  - sc-45-2
  - sc
  - enhancement
tech_stack:
  - aws
  - azure
  - gcp
  - linux
  - windows
  - network
cwe_ids:
  - CWE-311
chains_with: []
prerequisites:
  - SC-45
severity_boost: {}
---

# SC-45(2) Secondary Authoritative Time Source

> **Enhancement of:** SC-45

## High-Level Description

**Family:** System and Communications Protection (SC)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

It may be necessary to employ geolocation information to determine that the secondary authoritative time source is in a different geographic region.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify SC-45(2) Secondary Authoritative Time Source is documented in SSP
- [ ] Validate all 2 control requirements are implemented
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-45(2)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control SC-45

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-45(2) 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                                |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check encryption and network controls | `cloud_audit_encryption`             |
| nmap            | Network scanning                      | `nmap -sV --script ssl-enum-ciphers` |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Identify a secondary authoritative time source that is in a different geographic region than the primary authoritative time source; and
Synchronize the internal system clocks to the secondary authoritative time source if the primary authoritative time source is unavailable.

### Implementation Guidance

It may be necessary to employ geolocation information to determine that the secondary authoritative time source is in a different geographic region.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                      | Severity | Impact                                          |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| SC-45(2) Secondary Authoritative Time Source not implemented | High     | System and Communications Protection            |
| SC-45(2) partially implemented                               | Medium   | Incomplete System and Communications Protection |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                                |
| ------- | ------------------------------------ |
| CWE-311 | Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-45(2)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=sc-45.2)
- [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