How to answer 'Describe your cryptographic key management lifecycle' on a CAIQ
I. Reviewer Guidance & Pitfalls
Cover key generation (FIPS 140-2 Level 2/3 HSMs), storage, access control, annual automated rotation, and revocation procedures.
II. Example Answer Passing Enterprise Audit
Compliant Response
Sealed · CEK-01
Master encryption keys are generated and stored in FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Hardware Security Modules (AWS KMS), rotate automatically every 365 days, and access is restricted to automated IAM roles (SOC 2, CC6.1).
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