According to the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) issuance system, a CNSS Directive (CNSSD) is the specific type of document used to establish or describe CNSS policy and programs. Directives are foundational issuances that provide authority or assign responsibilities to U.S. Government departments and agencies concerning the security of National Security Systems (NSS). They serve as the primary mechanism for the CNSS to enact its policies and define the scope of its programs, making them the authoritative source for these matters.

A. Instructions: CNSS Instructions (CNSSI) provide mandatory guidance for the implementation of established policies and directives, not for their creation.

C. Policies: While CNSS Policies (CNSSP) contain mandatory direction, the Directive (CNSSD) is the specific issuance type that formally establishes the policy or program itself.

D. Advisory memoranda: CNSS Advisory Memoranda (CNSSAM) provide temporary guidance, information, or clarification on existing issuances, not the establishment of new, lasting policy.

1. Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). (2012

June). National Instruction on Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) Issuance System (CNSSI No. 1001). Section 4.a

"CNSS Directives (CNSSD)

" Page 2. "CNSSDs establish or describe CNSS policy and programs

provide authority

or assign responsibilities."

2. Wilson

M.

& Toth

P. (2009). Executive Guide to Information Security: The Personal Security Desk Reference for Executives. Syngress Publishing. Chapter 4

"Federal Information Security Laws

Regulations

and Guidelines

" Page 101. (Note: While a book

it directly cites and explains the function of official government documents like CNSS Directives in an academic context). The text describes how CNSS Directives establish policy for national security systems.