High-Performance Computing Security Architecture, Threat Analysis, and Security Posture

Published

February 9, 2024

Author(s)

Yang Guo, Ramaswamy Chandramouli, Lowell Wofford, Rickey Gregg, Gary Key, Antwan Clark, Catherine Hinton, Andrew Prout, Albert Reuther, Ryan Adamson, Aron Warren, Purushotham Bangalore, Erik Deumens, Csilla Farkas

Abstract

Security is essential component of high-performance computing (HPC). HPC systems often differ based on the evolution of their system designs, the applications they run, and the missions they support. An HPC system may also have its own unique security requirements, follow different security guidance, and require tailored security solutions. Their complexity and uniqueness impede the sharing of security solutions and knowledge. This NIST Special Publication aims to standardize and facilitate the information and knowledge-sharing of HPC security using an HPC system reference architecture and key components as the basics of an HPC system lexicon. This publication also analyzes HPC threats, considers current HPC security postures and challenges, and makes best-practice recommendations.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-223

Report Number

800-223

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-223

Local Download

Keywords

high-performance computing, HPC reference architecture, HPC security, HPC security posture, HPC threat analysis, security guidance.

Citation

Guo, Y. , Chandramouli, R. , Wofford, L. , Gregg, R. , Key, G. , Clark, A. , Hinton, C. , Prout, A. , Reuther, A. , Adamson, R. , Warren, A. , Bangalore, P. , Deumens, E. and Farkas, C. (2024), High-Performance Computing Security Architecture, Threat Analysis, and Security Posture, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-223, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=957182 (Accessed October 11, 2025)