What is a requirement for the design and installation of a Protected Distribution System (PDS)?

The requirement for the design and installation of a Protected Distribution System (PDS) is that it must meet CNSSI No. 7003 requirements. This standard outlines the necessary criteria to safeguard classified information transmitted over a PDS. It ensures that the system is adequately protected against interception and compromise, incorporating guidelines for physical security measures and operational procedures.

Meeting the CNSSI No. 7003 requirements is crucial as it sets a baseline for the security and integrity of sensitive communications within the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. These established standards are developed specifically to ensure that systems are appropriately designed to protect national security information.

Other considerations, such as cost-effectiveness, the use of commercial products, or employing the latest technology, while important in the broader context of system acquisitions and operational effectiveness, do not establish the primary requirements that a PDS must adhere to for safeguarding classified communications. Thus, they are secondary to compliance with CNSSI No. 7003 when designing and installing a PDS.