---
title: "NIST 800-171 3.13.12 (SC.L2-3.13.12): Collaborative Devices"
description: "NIST SP 800-171 3.13.12 Collaborative Devices: 1 SPRS point, allowed on a CMMC POA&M. The text, what assessors check and the evidence."
url: https://policycortex.com/nist-800-171/system-and-communications-protection/3.13.12
sealed: 2026-11-11
amended: 2026-11-11
register: nist-800-171/system-and-communications-protection/3.13.12
records: 7
digest: sha3:6e28330a7b2625254d06904aa5f1322bdfb0008a66e9122fec10ee609e69572c
---

# NIST 800-171 3.13.12 (SC.L2-3.13.12): Collaborative Devices

NIST 800-171 / System and Communications Protection / 3.13.12

"Prohibit remote activation of collaborative computing devices and provide indication of devices in use to users present at the device." ([NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2, requirement 3.13.12](https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-171r2))

CMMC Level 2 practice SC.L2-3.13.12.

## What 3.13.12 means in practice

Cameras, microphones and networked whiteboards cannot be switched on remotely, and they show the people in the room when they are in use, for example with a light. Dedicated video conferencing systems that a participant calls or connects to are excluded.

## SPRS points and the CMMC POA&M

- **CMMC Level 2 practice**: SC.L2-3.13.12
- **SPRS points**: 1 point. When it is not met, the DoD Assessment Methodology subtracts 1 from the score of 110.
- **CMMC POA&M**: Allowed. It is worth 1 point, and 32 CFR 170.21(a)(2)(ii) admits requirements worth 1 point. Conditional status also needs a score of at least 88, and the item must be closed within 180 days.

Sources: [NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Methodology, version 1.2.1 (June 24, 2020), Annex A](https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/cyber/docs/safeguarding/NIST-SP-800-171-Assessment-Methodology-Version-1.2.1-6.24.2020.pdf); [32 CFR 170.21, Plan of Action and Milestones requirements](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-32/section-170.21).

## What an assessor checks for 3.13.12

NIST SP 800-171A gives 3 determination statements for 3.13.12, each found satisfied or other than satisfied. Determine if:

- 3.13.12[a] collaborative computing devices are identified.
- 3.13.12[b] collaborative computing devices provide indication to users of devices in use.
- 3.13.12[c] remote activation of collaborative computing devices is prohibited.

[NIST SP 800-171A (June 2018), assessment objectives for 3.13.12](https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-171A)

## Evidence that shows 3.13.12 is met

- An inventory of collaborative computing devices.
- Settings that block remote activation.
- Photos or specifications showing the in-use indicator.

## How PolicyCortex gathers the evidence

No PolicyCortex collector reads the evidence for 3.13.12. Your team provides the evidence listed above.

## Related pages

- **Calculator**: [SPRS score calculator: mark 3.13.12 and the other 109 requirements and see the score.](https://policycortex.com/sprs-score-calculator#family-SC)
- **Sample package**: [Sample package: an SSP, a POA&M and an evidence chain the product generated from demonstration data.](https://policycortex.com/sample-package)
- **Family**: [All 16 System and Communications Protection requirements (3.13).](https://policycortex.com/nist-800-171/system-and-communications-protection)
- **Previous**: [3.13.11: FIPS Cryptography](https://policycortex.com/nist-800-171/system-and-communications-protection/3.13.11)
- **Next**: [3.13.13: Mobile Code](https://policycortex.com/nist-800-171/system-and-communications-protection/3.13.13)
- **All requirements**: [All 110 NIST SP 800-171 requirements, by family.](https://policycortex.com/nist-800-171)

Meet the requirement once. Keep the evidence current. [Request Access](https://app.policycortex.com/auth?mode=request-access) · [Book a call](https://policycortex.com/book)

## Register colophon

| Seq | Label | SHA3-256 | Prev |
|---|---|---|---|
| REC 0000 | REQUIREMENT | 7cd80ab5695c | d476a3d80f38 |
| REC 0001 | MEANING | 80b14bd3b082 | 7cd80ab5695c |
| REC 0002 | POINTS AND POA&M | 84d69be674f8 | 80b14bd3b082 |
| REC 0003 | ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES | a54aa8bcef77 | 84d69be674f8 |
| REC 0004 | EVIDENCE | 713f3f7cb5fc | a54aa8bcef77 |
| REC 0005 | COLLECTORS | b9a064f8ef5a | 713f3f7cb5fc |
| REC 0006 | RELATED | 6e28330a7b26 | b9a064f8ef5a |

Head sha3:6e28330a7b2625254d06904aa5f1322bdfb0008a66e9122fec10ee609e69572c. Each digest is SHA3-256 over the previous digest, the register key, the record label, and the record copy; a second party can recompute it from this document.