How to Use This Calculator
This NIST 800-53 Security Control Calculator is designed to help assess the implementation of cybersecurity controls across virtual desktop platforms, in accordance with NIST SP 800-53 Revision 5.
🔧 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set System Characteristics:
- Select Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability levels based on your system classification (Low, Moderate, or High).
- For most business and healthcare use cases, MODERATE is appropriate.
- Add Control Assessments:
- Select the Control Family (e.g., Access Control).
- Enter a valid Control ID (e.g., AC-2, IA-5, AU-6).
- Specify how the control is implemented:
- Protect: Does this control prevent threats?
- Detect: Does it monitor or alert?
- Respond: Can it take corrective action?
- Choose Implementation Status (Implemented, Partially Implemented, etc.).
- Provide an Implementation Percentage (e.g., 1.0 for full, 0.5 for partial).
- Click Add Control.
- Repeat: Add more controls to cover all required families (AC, AU, IA, SC, SI, etc.).
- Review Score: Your Overall Score will update as you assess more controls.
📊 Use Case Example: VDI Security Comparison
You can use this tool to compare virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) platforms like:
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- VMware Horizon
- Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS)
For each platform, assess how well it implements each control and compare scores to select the most secure option.
📁 Resources
This calculator is ideal for internal security teams, risk analysts, and IT managers to perform qualitative and quantitative cybersecurity assessments based on NIST 800-53 guidance.