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NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 · SC-13

Cryptographic Protection

US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) · cited in 7 of our lessons

Explanation

What it asks for. The organisation must determine its cryptographic uses and implement the types of cryptography required for each use.

In practice. This means a cryptography standard that lists approved algorithms, key lengths and protocols for uses such as data at rest, data in transit, signing and hashing, with deprecated options banned. Organisations should keep an inventory of where cryptography is used to support migration, including future post-quantum transitions. Auditors look for the standard, configuration evidence and scan results. Validated cryptographic modules may be required in some regulated settings.

Common gaps. Weak or deprecated algorithms remain in legacy systems and libraries. Few organisations have a cryptographic inventory, which makes planned migrations hard. Developers sometimes write their own cryptography instead of using vetted libraries.

Open SP 800-53 at NIST
The official text
a. Determine the [Assignment: organization-defined cryptographic uses] ; and b. Implement the following types of cryptography required for each specified cryptographic use: [Assignment: organization-defined types of cryptography]. Discussion: Cryptography can be employed to support a variety of security solutions, including the protection of classified information and controlled unclassified information, the provision and implementation of digital signatures, and the enforcement of information separation when authorized individuals have the necessary clearances but lack the necessary formal access approvals. Cryptography can also be used to support random number and hash generation. Generally applicable cryptographic standards include FIPS-validated cryptography and NSA-approved cryptography. For example, organizations that need to protect classified information may specify the use of NSA-approved cryptography. Organizations that need to provision and implement digital signatures may specify the use of FIPS-validated cryptography. Cryptography is implemented in accordance with applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.

From NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5, a work of the US government in the public domain.

Lessons that cite it

Real incidents where this item mattered.