SC-8: Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity

CSF v1.1 References:

PF v1.0 References:

Baselines:

  • Low

    N/A

  • Moderate
  • High
  • Privacy

    N/A

Previous Version:

Control Statement

Protect the [Assignment (one or more): confidentiality, integrity] of transmitted information.

Supplemental Guidance

Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted information applies to internal and external networks as well as any system components that can transmit information, including servers, notebook computers, desktop computers, mobile devices, printers, copiers, scanners, facsimile machines, and radios. Unprotected communication paths are exposed to the possibility of interception and modification. Protecting the confidentiality and integrity of information can be accomplished by physical or logical means. Physical protection can be achieved by using protected distribution systems. A protected distribution system is a wireline or fiber-optics telecommunications system that includes terminals and adequate electromagnetic, acoustical, electrical, and physical controls to permit its use for the unencrypted transmission of classified information. Logical protection can be achieved by employing encryption techniques.

Organizations that rely on commercial providers who offer transmission services as commodity services rather than as fully dedicated services may find it difficult to obtain the necessary assurances regarding the implementation of needed controls for transmission confidentiality and integrity. In such situations, organizations determine what types of confidentiality or integrity services are available in standard, commercial telecommunications service packages. If it is not feasible to obtain the necessary controls and assurances of control effectiveness through appropriate contracting vehicles, organizations can implement appropriate compensating controls.

Control Enhancements

SC-8(1): Cryptographic Protection

Baseline(s):

  • Moderate
  • High

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to [Assignment (one or more): prevent unauthorized disclosure of information, detect changes to information] during transmission.

SC-8(2): Pre- and Post-transmission Handling

Baseline(s):

(Not part of any baseline)

Maintain the [Assignment (one or more): confidentiality, integrity] of information during preparation for transmission and during reception.

SC-8(4): Conceal or Randomize Communications

Baseline(s):

(Not part of any baseline)

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to conceal or randomize communication patterns unless otherwise protected by [Assignment: organization-defined alternative physical controls].

SC-8(5): Protected Distribution System

Baseline(s):

(Not part of any baseline)

Implement [Assignment: organization-defined protected distribution system] to [Assignment (one or more): prevent unauthorized disclosure of information, detect changes to information] during transmission.