SC-36_distributed-processing-and-storage

SC-36 Distributed Processing and Storage

High-Level Description

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

Distributing processing and storage across multiple physical locations or logical domains provides a degree of redundancy or overlap for organizations. The redundancy and overlap increase the work factor of adversaries to adversely impact organizational operations, assets, and individuals. The use of distributed processing and storage does not assume a single primary processing or storage location. Therefore, it allows for parallel processing and storage.

What to Check

• Verify SC-36 Distributed Processing and Storage is documented in SSP
• Confirm control is operating effectively
• Review evidence of continuous monitoring for SC-36

How to Test

Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for SC-36 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

Distribute the following processing and storage components across multiple [organization-defined]: [organization-defined].

Implementation Guidance

Distributing processing and storage across multiple physical locations or logical domains provides a degree of redundancy or overlap for organizations. The redundancy and overlap increase the work factor of adversaries to adversely impact organizational operations, assets, and individuals. The use of distributed processing and storage does not assume a single primary processing or storage location. Therefore, it allows for parallel processing and storage.

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - SC-36
• 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 (CP-6, CP-7, PL-8, SC-32) reviewed