# Time Synchronization and NTP Security
One-sentence definition: Keep clocks accurate and secure to ensure reliable logs and protocols.
## Key Facts
- Tiered NTP hierarchy; authenticated NTP where available; restrict queries.
- Monitor skew and drift; alert on outliers; redundant time sources.
- Protect time servers (no internet exposure without controls).
- **Verify:** check official (ISC)² CBK and current exam outline.
## Exam Relevance
- Choose NTP hygiene to maintain forensic timelines.
**Mnemonic:** “**Right time, right truth**.”
## Mini Scenario
Q: SIEM correlation broken—root cause?
A: Clock skew; fix NTP and re-ingest.
## Revision Checklist
- Two NTP protections.
- Monitoring item.
- Exposure risk.
## Related
[[Log Integrity Time Sync and Retention]] · [[Security Operations Center (SOC) Fundamentals]] · [[MITRE ATT&CK Mapping for Testing]] · [[DNS Security Operations (Logging RPZ DNSSEC)]] · [[Domain 7 - Index]]