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Cryptographic Key

What is Cryptographic Key?

A piece of information used by a cryptographic algorithm to transform plaintext into ciphertext or vice versa. Key security is fundamental to the strength of any cryptographic system.

Information Security

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

What the standards actually require on cryptographic key

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

Access to secret and private cryptographic keys and key material must be restricted to a small number of designated key custodians on a need-to-know basis with enforced dual control.

CO-17 · Access to Secret and Private Cryptographic Keys and Key Material Is Restricted
PCI DSS 4.08 controls

Access to cleartext cryptographic key components is restricted to the fewest custodians necessary.

3.6.1.3 · Access to cryptographic keys restricted

Establish and manage cryptographic keys using NIST-approved key management technology and processes.

FEDRAMP-SC-12 · Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management

Cryptographic key management processes, and supporting cryptographic key management procedures, are developed, implemented and maintained.

ISM-0507 · Cryptographic key management processes, and supporting cryptographic key management proced
FedRAMP High2 controls

Establish and manage cryptographic keys per FedRAMP requirements (FIPS-validated, key escrow/recovery as appropriate).

SC-12 · Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management

Establish and manage cryptographic keys per FedRAMP requirements (FIPS-validated, key escrow/recovery as appropriate).

SC-12 · Cryptographic Key Establishment and Management

Questions people ask about cryptographic key

What is Cryptographic Key?
A piece of information used by a cryptographic algorithm to transform plaintext into ciphertext or vice versa. Key security is fundamental to the strength of any cryptographic system.
Why is Cryptographic Key important for compliance?
Cryptographic Key is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding cryptographic key 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 Cryptographic Key?
Cryptographic Key appears in the requirement text of PCI PIN Security, PCI DSS 4.0, NIST SP 800-171A Rev 3 - Assessing CUI Security Requirements, Australian Information Security Manual, FedRAMP High. Across these standards we have identified 25 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about Cryptographic Key?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how cryptographic key 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 Cryptographic Key applies across compliance frameworks

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

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