NIST 800-53 REV 5 • PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
PE-2(3) — Restrict Unescorted Access
Restrict unescorted access to the facility where the system resides to personnel with {{ insert: param, pe-02.03_odp.01 }}.
Supplemental Guidance
Individuals without required security clearances, access approvals, or need to know are escorted by individuals with appropriate physical access authorizations to ensure that information is not exposed or otherwise compromised.
Practitioner Notes
Unescorted access to your facility — the ability to move around without someone watching you — should be restricted to personnel who meet specific criteria like security clearance, background checks, or employment status.
Example 1: Configure your badge access system so that only employees with completed background investigations can access the facility unescorted. Visitors and new employees pending background check completion receive a visitor badge that requires escort.
Example 2: Post signage at facility entrances reminding staff that all visitors and uncleared personnel must be escorted at all times. Include escort responsibilities in your security awareness training — the escort must remain in visual contact with the visitor at all times.