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Command and Control

What is Command and Control?

The infrastructure and communication channels used by attackers to maintain remote control over compromised systems within a target network.

Information Security

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as command and control. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on command and control

Requirements naming command and control across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

Alternate Communications Paths. Establish [organization-defined] for system operations organizational command and control

NIST800-SC-47 · Alternate Communications Paths. Establish [organization-defined] for system operations organizational command and control

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) cybersecurity is governed through: (a) 14 CFR Part 107 (small UAS rule) including operational restrictions + remote pilot certification;

FAA-CSA-UAS-Drone · Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS / Drones) Cybersecurity
FISMA1 control

44 USC 3556 - Federal Information Security Incident Center (FedCIRC, now CISA US-CERT). The CISA Director operates the federal information security incident center providing: (a) timely warnings on emerging threats;

FISMA-3556-FederalCIRC-3557-NSS · Federal Information Security Incident Center (44 USC 3556) + National Security Systems Exclusion (44 USC 3557)

Coordinate command and control across multiple agencies through unified or joint command structures as appropriate.

ISO22320-8.2 · Multi Agency Coordination

Questions people ask about command and control

What is Command and Control?
The infrastructure and communication channels used by attackers to maintain remote control over compromised systems within a target network.
Why is Command and Control important for compliance?
Command and Control is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding command and control helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Command and Control?
Command and Control appears in the requirement text of NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5, FAA Cybersecurity Framework for Aviation, FISMA, ISO 22320:2018, ITU-T X.805 - Security Architecture for End-to-End Communications. Across these standards we have identified 6 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Command and Control?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how command and control applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Command and Control applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.