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SCAP

What is SCAP?

Security Content Automation Protocol, a suite of specifications for standardizing the format and nomenclature of security configuration and vulnerability information.

Information Security

Terms that appear alongside scap

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

Frameworks that govern scap

NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5View framework →NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0View framework →CIS Controls v8View framework →

What the standards actually require on scap

Requirements naming scap across 4 standards, quoted from the control text.

DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)1 control

Automated review results from SCAP benchmark scans or XCCDF result files (or CMRS results) are imported into the checklist, which reports the results with matching Rule IDs and revision numbers ready to import, those with matching Rule IDs but a different revi...

disa-security-technical-implementation-guides-stigs::ASSESS-4 · ASSESS-4 Import automated SCAP or XCCDF results, matched on Rule ID and revision, then complete the manual portion →
NIST SP 800-1283 controls

Establish continuous monitoring of configuration items to detect deviations from approved baselines using automated scanning, agent-based reporting, and SCAP content aligned with the organization's monitoring strategy.

SecCM-MONITOR-1 · Continuous Monitoring of Configurations →
CIS Controls v82 controls

Scan externally exposed enterprise assets for vulnerabilities automatically with a SCAP-compliant scanner, at least once a month.

CIS-7.6 · Perform Automated Vulnerability Scans of Externally-Exposed Enterprise Assets →
NIST SP 800-1372 controls

Architect ISCM technology stack per Section 3.3 + 3.4 including: SIEM + EDR/XDR + vulnerability scanners + configuration management + identity governance + GRC platforms + integration via APIs + SCAP + OSCAL + STIX/TAXII.

NISTSP137-3 · ISCM Technical Architecture and Automation →

Questions people ask about scap

What is SCAP?
Security Content Automation Protocol, a suite of specifications for standardizing the format and nomenclature of security configuration and vulnerability information.
Why is SCAP important for compliance?
SCAP is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding scap helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address SCAP?
SCAP appears in the requirement text of DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), NIST SP 800-128, CIS Controls v8, NIST SP 800-137. Across these standards we have identified 8 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about SCAP?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how scap 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 1,016 frameworks.

See how SCAP applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 1,016 frameworks with 316K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

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