SC-7(18) Fail Secure
Control enhancement of SC-7 Boundary Protection
Control
Prevent systems from entering unsecure states in the event of an operational failure of a boundary protection device.
Discussion
Fail secure is a condition achieved by employing mechanisms to ensure that in the event of operational failures of boundary protection devices at managed interfaces, systems do not enter into unsecure states where intended security properties no longer hold. Managed interfaces include routers, firewalls, and application gateways that reside on protected subnetworks (commonly referred to as demilitarized zones). Failures of boundary protection devices cannot lead to or cause information external to the devices to enter the devices nor can failures permit unauthorized information releases.
Related controls
Need SC-7(18) implemented and evidenced?
We assess where you stand against this control, document the gap, and build the remediation plan your auditor and your board will both accept.
Control catalog and framework text on this page is reproduced from official NIST publications — a public-domain work of the U.S. Government (17 U.S.C. §105). Maverc commentary, groupings, and readiness guidance are our own and are not part of any NIST publication.