protected distribution system
Answers for CDSE's Protected Distribution System course. Every answer is verified verbatim against the official CDSE student guide.
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01What is the primary purpose of a Protected Distribution System (PDS)?
The primary purpose of a PDS is to protect unencrypted national security information (NSI) that is transmitted via wire line or optical fiber.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The purpose of a PDS is to protect unencrypted national security information (NSI) that is transmitted via wire line or optical fiber.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗02What are the two categories of Protected Distribution Systems (PDS)?
The two categories of PDS are Category 1 and Category 2.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“There are two categories of PDS.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗03What type of carrier is used in a Category 1 PDS?
A Category 1 PDS uses a simple carrier, which is constructed of metal or polyvinyl chloride pipe at least schedule-40 grade or utilizes armored cable.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“There is a single type of carrier for a Category 1 PDS. It is called a simple carrier, and it is constructed of metal or polyvinyl chloride pipe-at least schedule-40 grade-or utilizes armored cable.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗04What is required for a PDS that must pass through an uncontrolled access area?
Data in the carrier passing through an uncontrolled access area (UAA) must be encrypted.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“If the carrier connects two controlled access areas by passing through an uncontrolled access area (UAA), data in the carrier passing through the UAA must be encrypted.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗05What is the role of the Authorizing Official (AO) in the PDS lifecycle?
The AO is responsible for PDS approval, certification, and recertification, as well as approving reactivation of a PDS.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The AO is responsible for PDS approval, certification, and recertification. The AO also must approve reactivation of a PDS.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗06What are the three factors that guide the selection of a PDS category?
The three factors are the classification or type of data, the threat environment, and the type of access area in which the PDS is installed.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The guidance for selecting a Category 1 or Category 2 PDS is based on three factors.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗07What is the requirement for visual inspections of PDS?
Visual inspections are required for most PDS except those transmitting Confidential data in a Low threat area, alarmed carriers, and continuously viewed carriers.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Visual inspections are required for most PDS except PDS transmitting Confidential data in a Low threat area, alarmed carriers, and continuously viewed carriers.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗08What must be done if an incident of tampering or unauthorized interception occurs with a PDS?
The incident must be reported immediately to all organizations that use the PDS and to the local security authority.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When an incident of tampering, penetration, or unauthorized interception occurs, the incident must be reported immediately to all organizations that use the PDS and to the local security authority.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗09What is the construction requirement for a hardened carrier in a Category 2 PDS?
Hardened carriers must be constructed of a ferrous material, such as ferrous electrical metallic tubing, ferrous pipe conduit, or ferrous rigid sheet metal ducting.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Hardened carriers must be constructed of a ferrous material, namely, ferrous, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), ferrous pipe conduit, or ferrous rigid sheet metal ducting.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗10What is the minimum depth for burying a carrier in a low threat location?
In a low threat location, the carrier must be buried one meter below the surface.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“For low threat locations, bury the carrier one meter below the surface.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗11What should be done to secure access to buried carriers?
Use a PDS lock or alarm for manholes and any other access points to secure access to buried carriers.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“To secure access to buried carriers, use a PDS lock or alarm for manholes and any other access points.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗12What is required for marking a PDS?
The PDS must be clearly marked to make it easily identifiable to the inspector, but it should not indicate that it is a PDS or that it carries National Security Information (NSI).
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Clearly mark the PDS to make it easily identifiable to the inspector.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗13What is the requirement for the inspection log of a PDS?
All inspections must be logged with the date and time of the inspection and the name and title of the inspector, and the log must be maintained for at least one year.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“CNSSI No. 7003 requires that you log all inspections with the date and time of the inspection and the name and title of the inspector. Maintain the log for at least one year.”
— CDSE — Protected Distribution System (CS140.16) Student Guide ↗Know questions we're missing?
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