Acceptable Encryption Policy
Three-part encryption policy with technology standards and key management.
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This template is a starting point, not legal or compliance advice. Have your legal team review and customize it before implementation. Generated with AI assistance.
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How This Template Works
The audience for this policy includes the IT people in your company involved in designing, purchasing, and implementing systems. You'll want to make sure vendors and partners understand and agree to your acceptable encryption requirements when they implement solutions on your network.
This document consists of three parts: the acceptable encryption policy and two supporting standards—one for encryption technology and one for the handling of encryption keys. You may want to create an IT Security Subcommittee that reports to your IT Steering Committee and assign that subcommittee the task of customizing and maintaining this policy.
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Acceptable Encryption Policy
Core policy document with 5 fundamental rules for encryption usage.
- Encryption for Confidential/Restricted data across public channels
- VoIP faxing encryption requirements
- Mandatory encryption for high-risk systems (laptops, portable devices)
- Prohibition on disabling production system encryption
- Restrictions on encryption-defeating tools
Encryption Technology Standard
Technical standards defining approved encryption methods and implementation requirements.
- Approved algorithms: PGP, SSL, S/MIME, X.509
- FIPS standards: AES (FIPS 197), RSA (FIPS 186-2), 3DES (FIPS-46-3), Blowfish
- Comprehensive application coverage (email, files, FTP, telecommuting)
- Vendor selection criteria and long-term roadmap requirements
- Scalability and cost-effectiveness requirements
- Data recovery capability with ADK technology
Key Management Standard
Establishes standards for encryption key lifecycle management.
- Automated key management with self-enrollment
- Digital signature requirements
- Secure off-network key storage
- Periodic audit requirements
- Key lifecycle states: Pre-operational, Operational, Post-operational, Obsolete
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this policy template include?
The template includes three comprehensive documents: the main Acceptable Encryption Policy with 5 core rules, an Encryption Technology Standard with 6 implementation guidelines, and a Key Management Standard with 5 lifecycle management requirements.
Who should use this encryption policy?
This policy is designed for IT departments, security teams, and anyone involved in designing, purchasing, or implementing systems. It's also essential for vendors and partners who need to understand your encryption requirements. Deploy this with our [Data Security Policy](/templates/data-security-policy) and [Network Security Policy](/templates/network-security-policy) for comprehensive protection.
What types of data require encryption under this policy?
The policy mandates encryption for all Confidential and Restricted information when transmitted across public channels, stored on high-risk devices (laptops, portable storage), or sent via third-party transports.
Which encryption methods are approved?
The policy approves industry-standard methods including PGP, SSL, S/MIME, X.509, and FIPS-approved algorithms: AES (FIPS 197), RSA (FIPS 186-2), 3DES (FIPS-46-3), and Blowfish.
How is the policy structured for easy implementation?
The template is organized into three distinct sections that can be customized separately: the main policy (rules), technology standards (approved methods), and key management (lifecycle procedures). Each includes clear requirements and implementation guidance.
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This template is a starting point, not legal or compliance advice. Have your legal team review and customize it before implementation.