NIST 800-53 Security Controls Implementation

Tip

Master Federal Security Excellence

Achieve comprehensive NIST 800-53 compliance while leveraging cutting-edge Microsoft technologies. Our integrated approach provides the security framework federal agencies and contractors need to exceed government security requirements and maintain operational excellence.

Achieve comprehensive NIST 800-53 compliance with our expert implementation services using integrated Microsoft technologies. Our team provides full Risk Management Framework (RMF) support for federal agencies and contractors requiring FedRAMP, FISMA, and government security compliance.

Info

Microsoft for Government Compliance

Microsoft provides the most comprehensive NIST 800-53 compliant platform:

  • Azure Government - FedRAMP High authorized cloud platform
  • Microsoft 365 Government - Complete productivity suite with NIST controls
  • Microsoft Sentinel - AI-powered SIEM with government threat intelligence
  • Microsoft Defender - Comprehensive endpoint and cloud security
  • Native NIST 800-53 control implementation across all Microsoft services

NIST 800-53 Control Families Implementation

Access Control (AC) Family

Complete access control implementation using Microsoft identity and access management.

AC-2 - Account Management

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Azure Active Directory centralized account management
  • Privileged Identity Management (PIM) for elevated access
  • Azure AD Access Reviews for periodic account certification
  • Microsoft Graph for automated account lifecycle management

Our Services:

  • Account management policy development
  • Automated provisioning and deprovisioning workflows
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) implementation
  • Account monitoring and anomaly detection

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
AC-2(1) Automated Management Azure AD + Logic Apps Automated workflows Provisioning reports
AC-2(2) Removal of Temporary Accounts Azure AD Lifecycle Management Time-based expiration Account status alerts
AC-2(3) Disable Inactive Accounts Azure AD Sign-in Analytics Risk-based policies Inactive account reports
AC-2(4) Automated Audit Actions Microsoft Sentinel Automated investigation Audit trail analytics

AC-3 - Access Enforcement

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Azure AD Conditional Access policies
  • Microsoft Intune device-based access controls
  • Azure Policy for resource access governance
  • Microsoft Information Protection for data access controls

Our Services:

  • Zero Trust access model implementation
  • Risk-based access policy development
  • Least privilege access enforcement
  • Continuous access monitoring and adjustment

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
AC-3(2) Dual Authorization Azure AD PIM Multi-person approval Approval logs
AC-3(3) Mandatory Access Control Azure Information Protection Classification-based access Access analytics
AC-3(4) Discretionary Access Control SharePoint/OneDrive Permission management Sharing reports
AC-3(7) Role-Based Access Control Azure AD RBAC Custom role definitions Role assignment tracking

AC-4 - Information Flow Enforcement

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Microsoft Purview data governance and classification
  • Azure Network Security Groups for traffic control
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps for SaaS security
  • Azure Firewall for network-level enforcement

Our Services:

  • Data flow mapping and classification
  • Network segmentation strategy
  • Cross-domain security implementation
  • Information flow monitoring and alerting

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
AC-4(1) Object Security Attributes Microsoft Purview Automatic classification Classification reports
AC-4(2) Processing Domains Azure Network Segmentation Virtual network isolation Traffic analysis
AC-4(3) Dynamic Information Flow Azure Policy Dynamic policy enforcement Flow monitoring
AC-4(4) Content Check Encrypted Information Microsoft 365 DLP Encrypted content scanning DLP reports

System and Communications Protection (SC) Family

Comprehensive system protection using Microsoft security technologies.

SC-7 - Boundary Protection

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Azure Firewall with application rules and threat intelligence
  • Azure Network Security Groups for micro-segmentation
  • Azure Front Door for application layer protection
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud for hybrid boundary protection

Our Services:

  • Network architecture design and implementation
  • Firewall rule development and management
  • Intrusion detection and prevention setup
  • Boundary monitoring and alerting

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SC-7(1) Physically Separated Subnetworks Azure Virtual Networks Network isolation Network topology reports
SC-7(2) Public Access Azure Application Gateway Public endpoint protection Access logs
SC-7(3) Access Points Azure Firewall Controlled access points Connection monitoring
SC-7(4) External Telecommunications Azure ExpressRoute Dedicated connections Circuit monitoring

SC-8 - Transmission Confidentiality and Integrity

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2+ across all Microsoft services
  • Azure VPN Gateway for site-to-site encryption
  • Microsoft Information Protection for email encryption
  • Azure Key Vault for encryption key management

Our Services:

  • End-to-end encryption implementation
  • Certificate management and lifecycle
  • Secure communication protocol configuration
  • Transmission monitoring and validation

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SC-8(1) Cryptographic Protection Azure Key Vault End-to-end encryption Encryption status reports
SC-8(2) Pre/Post Transmission Handling Microsoft Purview Data handling policies Transmission logs
SC-8(3) Cryptographic Protection for Message Externals Microsoft 365 Message Encryption External message protection Encryption analytics
SC-8(4) Conceal/Randomize Communications Azure Traffic Manager Traffic pattern obfuscation Traffic analysis

SC-28 - Protection of Information at Rest

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Azure Storage Service Encryption with customer-managed keys
  • BitLocker encryption for Windows endpoints via Intune
  • SQL Transparent Data Encryption for database protection
  • Azure Disk Encryption for virtual machine storage

Our Services:

  • Encryption strategy development and implementation
  • Key management lifecycle and procedures
  • Data classification and protection mapping
  • Encryption compliance monitoring and reporting

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SC-28(1) Cryptographic Protection Azure Key Vault Customer-managed encryption Key usage analytics
SC-28(2) Offline Storage Azure Backup Immutable backup storage Backup integrity reports
SC-28(3) Cryptographic Keys Azure Key Vault HSM Hardware security modules Key lifecycle tracking

System and Information Integrity (SI) Family

Comprehensive integrity protection using Microsoft monitoring and analytics.

SI-2 - Flaw Remediation

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Microsoft Update Management via Azure Automation
  • Windows Update for Business through Intune
  • Azure Security Center vulnerability assessment
  • Microsoft Defender Vulnerability Management for comprehensive patching

Our Services:

  • Vulnerability management program development
  • Patch management policy and procedures
  • Emergency patching procedures
  • Remediation tracking and reporting

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SI-2(1) Central Management Azure Update Management Centralized patch deployment Patch compliance reports
SI-2(2) Automated Flaw Remediation Azure Automation Scripted remediation Automation execution logs
SI-2(3) Time to Remediate Azure Security Center SLA-based remediation Remediation time analytics
SI-2(4) Automated Patch Management Tools Intune + Ninja One Automated patch deployment Update success rates

SI-3 - Malicious Code Protection

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with real-time protection
  • Microsoft Defender for Office 365 email and collaboration protection
  • Azure Security Center for cloud workload protection
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps for SaaS security

Our Services:

  • Comprehensive anti-malware strategy development
  • Real-time protection configuration and tuning
  • Threat hunting and advanced analytics
  • Incident response for malware events

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SI-3(1) Central Management Microsoft 365 Defender Unified security management Security dashboard
SI-3(2) Automatic Updates Microsoft Defender Automatic definition updates Update status tracking
SI-3(3) Non-Signature Based Detection Microsoft Defender ATP Behavioral analytics Threat detection reports
SI-3(4) Updates Only by Privileged Users Intune Device Management Administrative controls Configuration change logs

SI-4 - Information System Monitoring

Microsoft Implementation:

  • Microsoft Sentinel SIEM with AI-powered analytics
  • Azure Monitor comprehensive logging and metrics
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud security posture monitoring
  • Azure Network Watcher for network monitoring

Our Services:

  • Security monitoring strategy and implementation
  • Custom detection rules and alerts development
  • 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) services
  • Threat intelligence integration and analysis

Controls Matrix:

Control Enhancement Microsoft Tool Implementation Monitoring
SI-4(1) System-Wide Intrusion Detection Microsoft Sentinel Comprehensive SIEM Real-time alerting
SI-4(2) Automated Tools for Real-Time Analysis Azure Monitor + Logic Apps Automated analysis workflows Analysis performance metrics
SI-4(3) Automated Tool Integration Microsoft Graph Security API Tool integration Integration status reports
SI-4(4) Inbound and Outbound Communications Azure Firewall + NSG Traffic monitoring Network flow analytics

Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation

RMF Step 1: Categorize Information Systems

  • Information system categorization using FIPS 199 standards
  • Impact level determination (Low, Moderate, High)
  • Security categorization documentation and approval
  • System boundaries and authorization boundaries definition

RMF Step 2: Select Security Controls

  • Control baseline selection based on system categorization
  • Tailoring activities for organizational requirements
  • Control enhancement selection for higher assurance
  • Compensating controls identification and documentation

RMF Step 3: Implement Security Controls

  • Microsoft technology integration for control implementation
  • Configuration management and change control procedures
  • Security control testing and validation
  • Implementation evidence collection and documentation

RMF Step 4: Assess Security Controls

  • Independent assessment of security control effectiveness
  • Vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
  • Control assessment report generation
  • Risk determination and acceptance procedures

RMF Step 5: Authorize Information System

  • Security plan development and approval
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
  • Authority to Operate (ATO) package preparation
  • Continuous monitoring plan development

RMF Step 6: Monitor Security Controls

  • Ongoing assessment and monitoring procedures
  • Change management and impact analysis
  • Incident response and lessons learned integration
  • Reauthorization planning and execution

NIST 800-53 Control Assessment Matrix

Warning

Comprehensive Control Coverage

Our assessment covers all 324 NIST 800-53 Rev 5 security controls using Microsoft technologies for implementation, monitoring, and continuous compliance.

Control Family Coverage

Control Family Total Controls Microsoft Implementation Automation Level Compliance Score
Access Control (AC) 25 controls Azure AD + Intune Highly Automated Excellent
Awareness and Training (AT) 6 controls Viva Learning + Custom Highly Automated Strong
Audit and Accountability (AU) 16 controls Sentinel + Azure Monitor Highly Automated Excellent
Security Assessment (CA) 9 controls Security Center + Compliance Manager Highly Automated Excellent
Configuration Management (CM) 14 controls Intune + Azure Policy Highly Automated Excellent
Contingency Planning (CP) 13 controls Azure Backup + Site Recovery Highly Automated Strong
Identification and Authentication (IA) 12 controls Azure AD + MFA Highly Automated Excellent
Incident Response (IR) 10 controls Sentinel + Logic Apps Highly Automated Strong
Maintenance (MA) 6 controls Azure Automation Highly Automated Strong
Media Protection (MP) 8 controls Information Protection + Intune Highly Automated Strong
Physical and Environmental Protection (PE) 20 controls Azure IoT + Hybrid Controls Moderately Automated Strong
Planning (PL) 11 controls Compliance Manager + Documentation Moderately Automated Strong
Program Management (PM) 32 controls Microsoft 365 + Power Platform Highly Automated Strong
Personnel Security (PS) 8 controls Azure AD + HR Integration Highly Automated Strong
Risk Assessment (RA) 10 controls Security Center + Sentinel Highly Automated Strong
System and Services Acquisition (SA) 23 controls Azure DevOps + Policy Moderately Automated Strong
System and Communications Protection (SC) 51 controls Azure Security + Networking Highly Automated Excellent
System and Information Integrity (SI) 23 controls Defender Suite + Monitoring Highly Automated Excellent

NIST 800-53 Implementation Roadmap

Core Infrastructure and Identity:

  • Azure Government tenant setup and configuration
  • Microsoft 365 Government deployment and hardening
  • Identity and Access Management baseline implementation
  • Basic monitoring and logging configuration

Deliverables:

  • System categorization and boundaries documentation
  • Security control baseline selection
  • Core Microsoft platform deployment
  • Initial risk assessment and gap analysis

Microsoft Tools Deployed:

  • Azure Active Directory Government
  • Microsoft 365 Government (E5)
  • Azure Security Center
  • Basic Azure Monitor setup

Comprehensive Control Implementation:

  • All 18 control families implementation using Microsoft technologies
  • Automated compliance monitoring and reporting
  • Security baseline enforcement across all systems
  • Continuous monitoring infrastructure deployment

Deliverables:

  • Complete security control implementation
  • Microsoft Sentinel SIEM deployment
  • Automated compliance dashboards
  • Security control assessment reports

Microsoft Tools Deployed:

  • Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM)
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • Azure Policy governance
  • Microsoft Compliance Manager

RMF Completion and ATO Preparation:

  • Independent security control assessment
  • Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
  • ATO package preparation and submission
  • Continuous monitoring plan implementation

Deliverables:

  • Security Assessment Report (SAR)
  • Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
  • Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation
  • Continuous monitoring procedures

Microsoft Tools Deployed:

  • Advanced Sentinel analytics
  • Power BI compliance dashboards
  • Azure Automation for remediation
  • Microsoft Graph Security integration

NIST 800-53 Service Packages

Basic NIST 800-53 Compliance:

  • Low-impact system implementation
  • Core security controls deployment
  • Basic monitoring and reporting
  • Quarterly compliance assessments
  • Business hours support

Competitive pricing for small agencies and contractors

Comprehensive NIST Implementation:

  • Moderate-impact system support
  • Full RMF implementation and support
  • 24/7 SOC monitoring
  • Monthly compliance assessments
  • Dedicated compliance architect

Scalable pricing for medium agencies and prime contractors

Strategic Government Compliance:

  • High-impact system authorization
  • Multi-system boundary management
  • Dedicated compliance team
  • Continuous authorization support
  • White-glove service delivery

Enterprise pricing for large agencies and enterprise contractors

NIST 800-53 Compliance Benefits

🔒 Risk Mitigation
  • Strong security control implementation for Microsoft environments
  • Significant reduction in security incidents through proactive monitoring
  • High audit success rate for ATO renewals
  • Complete evidence collection and documentation automation
⚡ Operational Efficiency
  • Substantial reduction in compliance preparation time
  • Faster incident response through automation
  • Improved security posture scoring
  • Automated evidence collection for continuous monitoring
💻 Microsoft Government Integration
  • FedRAMP High authorized Azure Government platform
  • NIST 800-53 native compliance across all Microsoft services
  • Real-time compliance scoring and monitoring
  • Automated evidence collection for government audits
Tip

Achieve NIST 800-53 Compliance with Microsoft

Implement comprehensive NIST 800-53 security controls while leveraging the power of Microsoft Government technologies for efficient, automated compliance management.

Schedule your NIST assessment to identify gaps and develop a roadmap for achieving Authority to Operate (ATO).