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SC-8(4)

Conceal or Randomize Communications

System and Communications Protection (SC)
Baselines
Low · Not includedModerate · Not includedHigh · Not included
Description

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to conceal or randomize communication patterns unless otherwise protected by [assignment].

Discussion

Concealing or randomizing communication patterns addresses protection from unauthorized disclosure of information. Communication patterns include frequency, periods, predictability, and amount. Changes to communications patterns can reveal information with intelligence value, especially when combined with other available information related to the mission and business functions of the organization. Concealing or randomizing communications prevents the derivation of intelligence based on communications patterns and applies to both internal and external networks or links that may be visible to individuals who are not authorized users. Encrypting the links and transmitting in continuous, fixed, or random patterns prevents the derivation of intelligence from the system communications patterns. Alternative physical controls include protected distribution systems.

Implementation guidance

No content available.

CSF 2.0 crosswalk

No CSF mappings exist for this control.