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Cipher

What is Cipher?

An algorithm for performing encryption or decryption of data. Ciphers transform plaintext into ciphertext (encryption) and back again (decryption) using a key.

Information Security

Terms that appear alongside cipher

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as cipher. The number is how many controls name both.

Frameworks that govern cipher

ISO 27001:2022View framework →NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5View framework →

What the standards actually require on cipher

Requirements naming cipher across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

PCI DSS 4.01 control

Cryptographic cipher suites and protocols in use are documented and reviewed at least every 12 months, with a plan to address known weaknesses and respond to changes.

12.3.3 · Cryptographic cipher suites and protocols inventory →
3GPP 5G Security Architecture (TS 33.501)3 controls

RRC and UP security over air interface including ciphering and integrity protection

TS33.501-6.6 · AS Security →
AWS Well-Architected Security Pillar1 control

Require TLS 1.2 or higher for all client to service and service to service traffic, including within VPCs, and disable legacy protocols and ciphers.

SEC09-BP02 · Enforce encryption in transit →
FFIEC IT Examination Handbook1 control

Sensitive data is encrypted in transit using current TLS versions with strong cipher suites and certificate validation.

IS-IV.F.2 · Data in Transit Encryption →
HL7 FHIR Security Framework1 control

HL7 FHIR Transport Security. TRANSPORT LAYER SECURITY (TLS) - all FHIR APIs MUST use TLS 1.2+ for production + TLS 1.3 recommended; certificate validation + trust chain + certificate pinning where appropriate + HSTS + secure session establishment + cipher suit...

HL7-FHIR-Transport-TLS-Communication · HL7 FHIR Transport Security - TLS 1.2+, Communication Security, Time Keeping, Server CapabilityStatement →
ISMAP (Japan)1 control

ISMAP Data Protection establishes comprehensive data lifecycle controls. (1) Data Classification: customer government data must be classified per Japanese government data classification scheme + including (a) General + (b) Sensitive + (c) Confidential + (d) St...

ISMAP-DataProtection-Classification-Encryption-DataResidencyJapan-Backup-SecureDeletion-Cryptography-FIPS · ISMAP Data Protection - Data Classification + AES-256 Encryption At Rest + TLS 1.3 In Transit + Data Residency Japan + Backup + Secure Deletion + Cryptography per FIPS 140-3 + CRYPTREC + KMS HSM →

Questions people ask about cipher

What is Cipher?
An algorithm for performing encryption or decryption of data. Ciphers transform plaintext into ciphertext (encryption) and back again (decryption) using a key.
Why is Cipher important for compliance?
Cipher is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding cipher helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address Cipher?
Cipher appears in the requirement text of PCI DSS 4.0, 3GPP 5G Security Architecture (TS 33.501), AWS Well-Architected Security Pillar, FFIEC IT Examination Handbook, HL7 FHIR Security Framework. Across these standards we have identified 8 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Cipher?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how cipher applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how Cipher applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

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Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.