High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Overlay | NIST Releases SP 800-234

NIST Special Publication (SP) 800-234, High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Overlay, is now available. 

High-performance computing (HPC) systems provide fundamental computing infrastructure for large-scale and complex simulations, big data analysis, and the training of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models, all at exceptional speeds. Securing HPC systems is essential to protecting sensitive data, safeguarding AI models, and realizing the full benefits of HPC. The HPC system utilizes specialized hardware, software, and high-speed networks within intricate user environments, and high performance is a fundamental requirement. This NIST Special Publication introduces an HPC security overlay designed to address these unique security characteristics and requirements.

Built on the moderate baseline defined in NIST SP 800-53B, the HPC security overlay tailors 60 security controls from NIST SP 800-53 with supplemental guidance and/or discussion to enhance their applicability in HPC contexts. This overlay aims to provide practical, performance-conscious security guidance that can be readily adopted. For many organizations, it offers a robust foundation for securing HPC environments while also allowing for further customization to meet specific operational or mission needs. This document is intended for use by IT security managers, compliance officers, HPC system administrators, and agency program managers responsible for securing HPC environments.