DATA-5 Key Management

What is DATA-5 Key Management Control about?

DATA-5 Key management control is about how your organization handles the generation, exchange, storage, use, replacement, and protection of keys. The keys must be managed and restricted to only authorized personnel. Typically, the key management system includes key servers, user procedures, and protocols, including cryptographic protocol design.

To manage keys in SOC 2, there is no formal requirement.

Available tools in the marketplace

The following listing is “crowdsourced” from our customer base or from external research. TrustCloud does not personally recommend any of the tools below, as we haven’t used them.

Key Management Tools

Azure Key vault

AWS KMS

Available templates

TrustCloud has a curated list of templates, internally or externally sourced, to help you get started. Click on the link for a downloadable version.

• N/A for this section.

Control implementation

NOTE: This control is automated by TrustCloud. Connect your system to enjoy the benefits of automation.

For a manual implementation:

Document the standard in place to ensure the security of cryptographic keys in the organization. A key management system that includes:

• Algorithms and key sizes
• Key lifecycle management
• Secure storage
• Access controls
• Key usage
• Secure distribution
• Availability
• Audit logs

Ensure the keys are only accessible to authorized personnel.

What evidence do auditors look for?

Most auditors, at a minimum, are looking for the below-suggested action:

• Provide the key management configuration settings.

Evidence example

For the suggested action, an example is provided below:

• Provide the key management configuration settings.

TrustCloud’s example: 

Key management demonstrates that KMS is used as a key management tool.