Overview

A strict requirement for federal contractors providing essential services to federal agencies is developing a wide-range of information security and privacy controls. Whatever the compliance mandate being imposed upon federal contractors is - FISMA, FedRAMP, eMASS RMF, DFARS NIST 800-171, CMMC, and more - information security and privacy policies and procedures are a must. Additionally, such documentation must be developed in accordance with none other than NIST SP 800-53, the unquestioned framework that’s been adopted by federal agencies - and federal contractors - since 2005.

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Reporting Requirements

Per NIST SP 800-53, “Cryptographic key management and establishment can be performed using manual procedures or automated mechanisms with supporting manual procedures. Organizations define key management requirements in accordance with applicable laws, executive orders, directives, regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines and specify appropriate options, parameters, and levels.”

Specifically, Per SC-12 of NIST SP 800-53, organizations are to “Establish and manage cryptographic keys when cryptography is employed within the system in accordance with the following key management requirements…”. The keyword here is “establish”, which means you need a policy in place for SC-12.

How to Get Started

Start by downloading our world-class cryptographic (encryption) key management policy and procedures template, along with additional NIST RMF information security and privacy policies and procedures at the Arlington Security Portal (ASP).

How Arlington Can Help

We have years of experience working within the broader federal agency apparatus in helping federal contractors develop high-quality, well-written, policies and procedures and additional NIST RMF information security and privacy materials. Our NIST RMF information security and privacy policies, procedures, programs, and plans have been used by thousands of federal contractors in helping organizations develop customized documentation for their growing security and compliance needs.