2.2.1.1 Ensure time synchronization is in use

Information

System time should be synchronized between all systems in an environment. This is typically done by establishing an authoritative time server or set of servers and having all systems synchronize their clocks to them.

Notes:

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On systems where host based time synchronization is not available, verify that chrony is installed or systemd-timesyncd is enabled.

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On systems where host based time synchronization is available consult your documentation and verify that host based synchronization is in use.

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If another method for time synchronization is being used, this section may be skipped.

Time synchronization is important to support time sensitive security mechanisms like Kerberos and also ensures log files have consistent time records across the enterprise, which aids in forensic investigations.

Solution

On systems where host based time synchronization is not available, install chrony

OR

enable systemd-timesyncd :

Run the following command to install chrony :

# zypper install chrony

OR

Run the following command to enable systemd-timesyncd

# systemctl enable systemd-timesyncd

Note: On systems where host based time synchronization is available consult your virtualization software documentation and setup host based synchronization.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3682

Item Details

Category: AUDIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

References: 800-53|AU-7, 800-53|AU-8, CSCv7|6.1

Plugin: Unix

Control ID: 29b1b11819eb4f25c9e5cf9d50517cc53f823d0e0e42a6378557546a6f7c7ff1