# NIST800 53 MP-8(4) — Classified Information

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_nist80053_mp84_bca5a8ade0-nist800-53-mp-84-classified-information
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [NIST](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112528) › [Media Protection](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/f_gen_62000112528_mediaprotection)
- Last updated: 2026-05-30
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

NIST800 53 · Control MP-8(4) · Priority: critical · Component: Media Protection

### What this control covers

Downgrade system media containing classified information before release to unauthorized individuals, using approved tools/techniques to sanitize and transfer to unclassified media. This control supports the Classified Information Downgrading capability within the Media Protection family.

### Why it matters

Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.

### How to implement

#### AWS

Codify the policy intent as **SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards** so the cloud enforces what the document says.

#### Azure

Codify in **Azure Policy initiatives** (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.

#### On-premises

Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.

### Evidence to collect

-   `policy_document` — A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.

Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Classified Information.

### Quick checklist

-   Policy — Management / Information
-   Information — Management / Information
-   Protection — Management / Information
-   Transfer — Management / Information
-   Unauthorized — Management / Information
-   System — Management / Information

### Related articles on this site

-   [NIST 800-171 3.8.3 Sanitize or destroy system media containing CUI before disposal or release for reuse.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229312-nist-800-171-3-8-3-sanitize-or-destroy-system-media-containing-cui-before-disposal-or-release-for-reu)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.8.1 Protect (i.e., physically control and securely store) system media containing CUI, both paper and digital.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229310-nist-800-171-3-8-1-protect-i-e-physically-control-and-securely-store-system-media-containing-cui-)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.13.4 Prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via shared system resources.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229337-nist-800-171-3-13-4-prevent-unauthorized-and-unintended-information-transfer-via-shared-system-resour)
-   [CMMC 2.0 SC.3.182 Prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via shared system resources.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229743-cmmc-2-0-sc-3-182-prevent-unauthorized-and-unintended-information-transfer-via-shared-system-resource)

## Related compliance guidance

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: a practical implementation guide for cloud teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-53-rev-5): How the 800-53 catalogue, baselines and the Risk Management Framework fit together, and which controls take the most work in the cloud.
- [NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC: a practical guide to protecting CUI in the cloud](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/nist-sp-800-171-rev-3): If the driver is a DoD or federal contract handling CUI, 800-171 (and CMMC) is the scope you actually need.