Creating a template for a cryptographic key management procedure, suitable as evidence for PCI DSS v4.0 Requirement 3.6.1, involves detailing the processes and controls for generating, distributing, storing, and managing the lifecycle of cryptographic keys. This procedure should ensure the security of keys and compliance with PCI DSS standards. Here's a template outline for a Cryptographic Key Management Procedure: --- **[Company Name]** **Cryptographic Key Management Procedure** **Document Version:** [Version Number] **Date:** [Date] **1. Introduction** 1.1. Purpose of the Procedure 1.2. Scope and Applicability 1.3. Document Ownership and Maintenance **2. Key Management Lifecycle Overview** 2.1. Key Generation 2.2. Key Distribution 2.3. Key Storage 2.4. Key Usage 2.5. Key Archival 2.6. Key Destruction **3. Key Generation** 3.1. Key Generation Process 3.2. Key Strength and Cryptographic Algorithms 3.3. Secure Key Generation Tools and Methods 3.4. Documentation and Records **4. Key Distribution** 4.1. Secure Distribution Methods 4.2. Authentication and Verification of Key Recipients 4.3. Distribution Records **5. Key Storage and Protection** 5.1. Secure Key Storage Mechanisms 5.2. Access Controls to Key Storage 5.3. Protection from Unauthorized Disclosure **6. Key Usage and Access Control** 6.1. Authorized Key Usage 6.2. Access Controls for Key Usage 6.3. Audit Trails and Usage Logs **7. Key Archival and Backup** 7.1. Key Archival Procedures 7.2. Secure Backup and Storage 7.3. Access to Archived Keys **8. Key Destruction and Replacement** 8.1. Key Expiration and End-of-Life Procedures 8.2. Secure Key Destruction Methods 8.3. Documentation of Key Destruction **9. Incident Response and Key Compromise** 9.1. Incident Response Plan for Key Compromise 9.2. Key Replacement Process 9.3. Notification and Reporting Procedures **10. Training and Awareness** 10.1. Training for Personnel Involved in Key Management 10.2. Awareness Programs on Key Security **11. Review and Audit** 11.1. Regular Review of Key Management Procedures 11.2. Internal and External Audit Requirements **12. Approval and Implementation** 12.1. Approval Authorities 12.2. Implementation and Enforcement **Appendix A: Key Management Roles and Responsibilities** - Definitions and Responsibilities of Key Roles **Appendix B: Change Log** - History of Changes and Revisions --- This document is a foundational template and should be customized to fit your organization's specific cryptographic key management needs, including the types of keys used, the environments where they are used, and compliance with PCI DSS v4.0 and other relevant standards. Regular reviews and updates to this procedure are essential to ensure ongoing compliance and to address changes in the technological and threat landscape.