Covert Channel
What is Covert Channel?
A communication path that was not designed for information transfer but can be exploited to secretly transmit data in violation of security policies.
Frameworks that govern covert channel
What the standards actually require on covert channel
Requirements naming covert channel across this standard, quoted from the control text.
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 51 control
Covert Channel Analysis. Perform a covert channel analysis to identify those aspects of communications within the system that are potential avenues for covert [organization-defined] channels; and Estimate the maximum bandwidth of those channels
NIST800-SC-31 · Covert Channel Analysis. Perform a covert channel analysis to identify those aspects of communications within the system that are potential avenues for covert [organization-defined] channels; and Estimate the maximum bandwidth of those channels →Questions people ask about covert channel
What is Covert Channel?
A communication path that was not designed for information transfer but can be exploited to secretly transmit data in violation of security policies.
Why is Covert Channel important for compliance?
Covert Channel is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding covert channel 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 Covert Channel?
Covert Channel appears in the requirement text of NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5. Across these standards we have identified 1 control that names it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Covert Channel?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how covert channel 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 Covert Channel 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.