sc-8-transmission-confidentiality-and-integrity

name	SC-8_transmission-confidentiality-and-integrity
description	Protect the [organization-defined] of transmitted information.
category	configuration
version	5.2.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["nist","sp800-53","rev5","sc-8","sc"]
tech_stack	["aws","azure","gcp","linux","windows","network"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-311"]
chains_with	["AC-17","AC-18","AU-10","IA-3","IA-8","IA-9","MA-4","PE-4","SA-4","SA-8"]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{"AC-17":"Chain with AC-17 for comprehensive security coverage","AC-18":"Chain with AC-18 for comprehensive security coverage","AU-10":"Chain with AU-10 for comprehensive security coverage"}

SC-8 Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity

High-Level Description

Family: System and Communications Protection (SC) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

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.

What to Check

• Verify SC-8 Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-8

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-8 implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

Step 2: Validate Implementation

# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null

Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.