# NIST800 53 PL-8(1) — Defense In Depth

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_nist80053_pl81_56fc0c7310-nist800-53-pl-81-defense-in-depth
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [NIST](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112528) › [Planning](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/f_gen_62000112528_planning)
- Last updated: 2026-05-30
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

NIST800 53 · Control PL-8(1) · Priority: critical · Component: Planning

### What this control covers

The security and privacy architectures are developed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of organizational information, minimize privacy risks to individuals, and integrate into the enterprise architecture. The architecture considers dependencies on external systems and services, while being regularly updated and reflected in security and privacy plans. This control supports the Security Architecture Model capability within the Planning 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.

#### Google Workspace

Use **Data Export** (Takeout-style) and **Vault search** to scope DSARs. Apply **Drive labels + DLP** so personal data classes are discoverable.

#### 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: Defense In Depth.

### Quick checklist

-   Policy — Management / Information
-   Information — Management / Information
-   Security — Management / Information
-   Control — Management / Information
-   Individuals — Management / Information
-   Privacy — Management / Information

### Related articles on this site

-   [NIST 800-171 3.2.1 Ensure that managers, systems administrators, and users of organizational systems are made aware of the security risks associated with their activities and of the applicable policies, standards, and procedures related to](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229264-nist-800-171-3-2-1-ensure-that-managers-systems-administrators-and-users-of-organizational-systems-)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.4.2 Establish and enforce security configuration settings for information technology products employed in organizational systems.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229281-nist-800-171-3-4-2-establish-and-enforce-security-configuration-settings-for-information-technology-p)
-   [NIST 800-171 3.13.2 Employ architectural designs, software development techniques, and systems engineering principles that promote effective information security within organizational systems.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229335-nist-800-171-3-13-2-employ-architectural-designs-software-development-techniques-and-systems-engine)
-   [CMMC 2.0 AT.2.056 Ensure that managers, systems administrators, and users of organizational systems are made aware of the security risks associated with their activities and of the applicable policies, standards, and procedures related to t](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229422-cmmc-2-0-at-2-056-ensure-that-managers-systems-administrators-and-users-of-organizational-systems-a)

## 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.