03.13.10 —

What this control requires

Source: NIST SP 800-171 R3 §03.13.10 (official control text).

Why this matters

Cryptographic keys are the foundation of data protection — they encrypt communications, authenticate identities, and ensure data integrity. Poor key management turns strong encryption into a false promise: weak keys, reused keys, or keys stored in plain text leave systems vulnerable to compromise even when encrypted. Adversaries routinely target key material because a single stolen key can unlock entire datasets or enable persistent unauthorized access. This control ensures keys are generated securely, stored safely, rotated regularly, and destroyed properly — maintaining the cryptographic promise that protected data remains protected throughout its lifecycle.

What evidence assessors expect

Assessors typically look for: PDF, screenshot, CSV export, configuration export. FORCE coaches you through the exact implementation steps and captures each artifact in-platform.

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