# NIST 800-171 3.13.12 Prohibit remote activation of collaborative computing devices and provide indication of devices in use to users present at the device.

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229249-nist-800-171-3-13-12-prohibit-remote-activation-of-collaborative-computing-devices-and-provide-indica
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [NIST](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112528) › [800-171](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/62000168440)
- Last updated: 2026-05-29
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

**Description:**

Collaborative computing devices include networked white boards, cameras, and microphones. Indication of use includes signals to users when collaborative computing devices are activated. Dedicated video conferencing systems, which rely on one of the participants calling or connecting to the other party to activate the video conference, are excluded.

  

\[29\] Dedicated video conferencing systems, which rely on one of the participants calling or connecting to the other party to activate the video conference, are excluded.

  

**Priority**: High

  

**Category**: Baseline Security Configurations 

  

**Services Associated with AWS:**

1.  AWS IoT Core
2.  AWS Device Defender
3.  Amazon Chime
4.  AWS IoT Core

  

**Objective Evidence:**  

-   Administrative: documented policies, standards & procedures  
    
-   Administrative: supporting documentation to demonstrate the "secure practices" used to build technology platform-specific secure baseline configurations  
    
-   Technical: screen shot of configuration settings 

  

Possible Technology Considerations : 

-   IT Asset Management (ITAM)  
    
-   Secure Baseline Configurations (SBC) 

  

**What needs to be answered?**

Have collaborative computing devices (e.g., cameras, microphones, etc.) been configured so they cannot be remotely activated? Are users notified when collaborative computing devices are in use?  

-    Prohibit Remote Activation Check  
    Description: This check ensures that collaborative computing devices, such as networked white boards, cameras, and microphones, cannot be remotely activated without authorized access or user knowledge. The check verifies that there are proper access controls in place to prevent unauthorized remote activation.
-   Indication of Device Use Check  
    Description: This check ensures that users receive clear and visible indications when collaborative computing devices are in use. The check verifies that signals or alerts are implemented and operational to notify users whenever these devices are activated.

**More Details:**

Collaborative computing devices not in use within organization.

## Related compliance guidance

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: a practical implementation guide for cloud teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-53-rev-5): How the 800-53 catalogue, baselines and the Risk Management Framework fit together, and which controls take the most work in the cloud.
- [NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC: a practical guide to protecting CUI in the cloud](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-171-rev-3): If the driver is a DoD or federal contract handling CUI, 800-171 (and CMMC) is the scope you actually need.