Protected Distribution System
System and Communications Protection
NIST Control Text
Implement [Assignment: organization-defined protected distribution system] to [Selection (one or more): prevent unauthorized disclosure of information; detect changes to information] during transmission.
NIST Discussion
The purpose of a protected distribution system is to deter, detect, and/or make difficult physical access to the communication lines that carry national security information.
Parameter Values
Assignment (PDS): Protected Distribution System per CNSSI 7003 [8]
Selection: Prevent unauthorized disclosure; detect changes to information
SL5 Supplemental Guidance
All Weight Enclave network traffic leaving the Red Zone perimeter requires PDS per CNSSI 7003. Unlike standard SCIF requirements (which apply only to unencrypted traffic), SL5 requires PDS for all Weight Enclave traffic including encrypted inter-building connections.