NIST 800-53 REV 5 • SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS PROTECTION
SC-1 — Policy and Procedures
Develop, document, and disseminate to {{ insert: param, sc-1_prm_1 }}: {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.03 }} system and communications protection policy that: Procedures to facilitate the implementation of the system and communications protection policy and the associated system and communications protection controls; Designate an {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.04 }} to manage the development, documentation, and dissemination of the system and communications protection policy and procedures; and Review and update the current system and communications protection: Policy {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.05 }} and following {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.06 }} ; and Procedures {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.07 }} and following {{ insert: param, sc-01_odp.08 }}.
Supplemental Guidance
System and communications protection policy and procedures address the controls in the SC family that are implemented within systems and organizations. The risk management strategy is an important factor in establishing such policies and procedures. Policies and procedures contribute to security and privacy assurance. Therefore, it is important that security and privacy programs collaborate on the development of system and communications protection policy and procedures. Security and privacy program policies and procedures at the organization level are preferable, in general, and may obviate the need for mission- or system-specific policies and procedures. The policy can be included as part of the general security and privacy policy or be represented by multiple policies that reflect the complex nature of organizations. Procedures can be established for security and privacy programs, for mission or business processes, and for systems, if needed. Procedures describe how the policies or controls are implemented and can be directed at the individual or role that is the object of the procedure. Procedures can be documented in system security and privacy plans or in one or more separate documents. Events that may precipitate an update to system and communications protection policy and procedures include assessment or audit findings, security incidents or breaches, or changes in applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines. Simply restating controls does not constitute an organizational policy or procedure.
Practitioner Notes
This control requires you to create and maintain a written policy for how your organization protects its systems and communications. Think of it as the rulebook that tells everyone how data should be secured when it moves between systems or sits on your network.
Example 1: Draft a System and Communications Protection policy document that covers topics like encryption requirements, firewall rules, and network segmentation. Store it in SharePoint with version control and assign your IT manager as the owner who reviews it annually.
Example 2: In M365 Compliance Center, use the Compliance Manager to track your SC family controls. Upload your policy document as evidence and set a recurring calendar reminder for annual review and update.