Information security

INF042

Communication security

Communication security (COMSEC) safeguards reduce the threat of unauthorised people gaining access to your communications. 

COMSEC includes cryptography, transmission security, emission security, traffic-flow security, and physical security of COMSEC equipment.

Your organisation should use mitigation strategies to reduce the threat of unauthorised access to communications. Encrypt all communications during transmission. You may need high-grade cryptographic equipment. 

The standards relevant to these requirements are:

  • NZCSP 301 Safeguarding Communications Security (COMSEC) Material. This standard provides the minimum security requirements for the control and accountability of communications security material within New Zealand Government and agencies.
  • New Zealand Communications Security Standard No. 400 (NZCSS 400). This standard provides a minimum standard of installation engineering for all New Zealand Government agencies, organisations, or personnel concerned with the planning or engineering of New Zealand installations processing protectively-marked information.
  • New Zealand Information Security Manual

 

The Communications Security Standards are classified documents. For more information, contact:

Government Communications Security Bureau
Pipitea House, 1-15 Pipitea Street
Thorndon, Wellington

Phone (04) 819-8200

Email: ism@gcsb.govt.nz

If you have technical questions on cryptographic products, contact:

Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), Manager, Cryptographic Services

Phone: (04) 472-6881

Fax: (04) 499-3701

Email: cryptohelpdesk@gcsb.govt.nz

Page last modified: 28/03/2023