Control of Communications Test Equipment

B.

Test equipment must be secured.

There are equipment and other tools that if in the wrong hands could be used to"sniff" network traffic and also be used to commit fraud.

The storage and use of this equipment should be detailed in the security policy for this reason.

The following answers are incorrect: Test equipment is easily damaged.

Is incorrect because it is not the best answer, and from a security point of view not relevent.

Test equipment is difficult to replace if lost or stolen.

Is incorrect because it is not the best answer, and from a security point of view not relevent.

Test equipment must always be available for the maintenance personnel.

Is incorrect because it is not the best answer, and from a security point of view not relevent.

References: OIG CBK Operations Security (pages 642 - 643)

The control of communications test equipment should be clearly addressed by security policy for several reasons, including:

B. Test equipment can be used to browse information passing on a network: Communications test equipment is designed to analyze and monitor network traffic, which means that it has the ability to capture and inspect data packets as they travel across the network. This capability can be misused by malicious actors to intercept sensitive information, including passwords, confidential documents, and other sensitive data. Therefore, it is essential to have clear policies and procedures in place to prevent unauthorized access to this equipment, ensure that it is used only for legitimate purposes, and protect against potential data breaches.

A. Test equipment is easily damaged: Communications test equipment is often expensive and can be easily damaged if mishandled or misused. Damage to this equipment can result in downtime and disruption of critical network services, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Security policies should include guidelines for the proper use, maintenance, and storage of test equipment to minimize the risk of damage and ensure that it is always available when needed.

C. Test equipment is difficult to replace if lost or stolen: As mentioned earlier, communications test equipment can be expensive, and its loss or theft can result in significant financial losses. Additionally, the data stored on the equipment, such as captured network traffic, can be valuable to attackers. Security policies should include measures to prevent the loss or theft of test equipment, such as physical security controls, inventory management, and access restrictions.

D. Test equipment must always be available for the maintenance personnel: Communications test equipment is essential for maintaining and troubleshooting network infrastructure, and it must be available to authorized personnel when needed. Security policies should ensure that test equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and tested to ensure its reliability and accuracy. Additionally, policies should address the proper use of the equipment and define procedures for requesting, accessing, and returning it after use.

In summary, the control of communications test equipment should be clearly addressed by security policy to prevent unauthorized access, minimize the risk of damage, prevent loss or theft, and ensure the availability and reliability of this essential equipment.