2.2.1 Enable 'Set time and date automatically'

Information

Correct date and time settings are required for authentication protocols, file creation, modification dates and log entries.

Note: If your organization has internal time servers, enter them here. Enterprise mobile devices may need to use a mix of internal and external time servers. If multiple servers are required use the Date & Time System Preference with each server separated by a space.

Rationale:

Kerberos may not operate correctly if the time on the Mac is off by more than 5 minutes. This in turn can affect Apple's single sign-on feature, Active Directory logons, and other features.

Solution

Perform the following to implement the prescribed state:

1. Open System Preferences
2. Select Date & Time
3. Select Set date and time automatically

Alternatively run the following commands:

sudo systemsetup -setnetworktimeserver

sudo systemsetup setusingnetworktime on

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2112

Item Details

Category: AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

References: 800-53|AU-8(1), CSCv6|6.1

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 40ca082988feb12f00e1007f784a1cd3cc357e8bc7cc765a3e9b483a5964efe9