Under active development Content is continuously updated and improved

SC-28(3)Protection of Information at Rest | Cryptographic Keys

IL5
IL6

>Control Description

Provide protected storage for cryptographic keys [Assignment: organization-defined safeguards; hardware-protected key store].

>DoD Impact Level Requirements

No specific parameter values or requirements for this impact level.

>Discussion

A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is an example of a hardware-protected data store that can be used to protect cryptographic keys.

>Related Controls

>Assessment Interview Topics

Questions assessors commonly ask

Process & Governance:

  • What policies govern the implementation of cryptographic keys?
  • How are system and communications protection requirements defined and maintained?
  • Who is responsible for configuring and maintaining the security controls specified in SC-28(3)?
  • What is your cryptographic key management policy?

Technical Implementation:

  • How is cryptographic keys technically implemented in your environment?
  • What systems, tools, or configurations enforce this protection requirement?
  • How do you ensure that cryptographic keys remains effective as the system evolves?
  • What encryption mechanisms and algorithms are used to protect data?

Evidence & Documentation:

  • What documentation demonstrates the implementation of SC-28(3)?
  • Can you provide configuration evidence or system diagrams showing this protection control?
  • What logs or monitoring data verify that this control is functioning correctly?
  • Can you demonstrate that FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography is used?

Ask AI

Configure your API key to use AI features.