High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Overlay

Published

May 4, 2026

Author(s)

Yang Guo, Jeremy Licata, Jeff Neel, Gary Key, James Waterman, Ian Lee, Catherine Hinton, David Shrader, Andrew Prout, Albert Reuther, Ted Bohrer, Katsutoshi Ishisoko, Kyle Earley, Aron Warren, Tony DeNardo, Ian Czarnezki, Erik Deumens

Abstract

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 safeguard AI models, protect sensitive data, and realize 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 of the system. 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 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.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-234

Report Number

800-234

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-234

Local Download

Keywords

high-performance computing, HPC reference architecture, HPC security, moderate control baselines, security controls, security overlay, overlay.

Citation

Guo, Y. , Licata, J. , Neel, J. , Key, G. , Waterman, J. , Lee, I. , Hinton, C. , Shrader, D. , Prout, A. , Reuther, A. , Bohrer, T. , Ishisoko, K. , Earley, K. , Warren, A. , DeNardo, T. , Czarnezki, I. and Deumens, E. (2026), High-Performance Computing (HPC) Security Overlay, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-234, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=962025 (Accessed May 5, 2026)

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