CP-9(8)_cryptographic-protection

CP-9(8) Cryptographic Protection

Enhancement of: CP-9

High-Level Description

Family: Contingency Planning (CP) Framework: NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

The selection of cryptographic mechanisms is based on the need to protect the confidentiality and integrity of backup information. The strength of mechanisms selected is commensurate with the security category or classification of the information. Cryptographic protection applies to system backup information in storage at both primary and alternate locations. Organizations that implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect information at rest also consider cryptographic key management solutions.

What to Check

• Verify CP-9(8) Cryptographic Protection is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for CP-9(8)
• Verify enhancement builds upon base control CP-9

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for CP-9(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.

Tools

Remediation Guide

Control Statement

Implement cryptographic mechanisms to prevent unauthorized disclosure and modification of [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

The selection of cryptographic mechanisms is based on the need to protect the confidentiality and integrity of backup information. The strength of mechanisms selected is commensurate with the security category or classification of the information. Cryptographic protection applies to system backup information in storage at both primary and alternate locations. Organizations that implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect information at rest also consider cryptographic key management solutions.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - CP-9(8)
• NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)
• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog

Checklist

• Control documented in SSP
• Implementation evidence collected
• Operating effectiveness validated
• Continuous monitoring in place
• Related controls (SC-12, SC-13, SC-28) reviewed