Encryption & Key Management Policy (OP-POL-001)
1. Objective
This policy establishes comprehensive requirements for encryption technologies and cryptographic key management to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data processed, transmitted, and stored by the video streaming platform. The policy ensures strict compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices while maintaining operational efficiency and user experience across all platform operations.
2. Scope
This policy applies comprehensively to all data encryption, cryptographic operations, and key management activities within [Company Name]’s video streaming platform operations. The scope encompasses data at rest, data in transit, user authentication, content protection, and all cryptographic keys used across all systems, applications, and geographic regions where the company operates its services.
3. Policy
3.1 Encryption Standards and Algorithms
All encryption implementations must use approved cryptographic standards:
- AES-256 for symmetric encryption of data at rest
- RSA-4096 or ECDSA P-384 for asymmetric encryption and digital signatures
- TLS 1.3 for all data transmission and API communications
- SHA-256 or SHA-3 for cryptographic hashing and integrity verification
- PBKDF2, bcrypt, or Argon2 for password hashing with appropriate iteration counts
- Regular review and update of approved algorithms based on security research
3.2 Data Encryption Requirements
Encryption must be applied based on data classification and sensitivity:
User Data Encryption:
- All personally identifiable information (PII) encrypted at rest using AES-256
- User viewing history and preferences encrypted with field-level encryption
- Payment information tokenized and encrypted according to PCI DSS requirements
- User communications and messages end-to-end encrypted where feasible
Content Protection:
- Digital Rights Management (DRM) for premium and licensed content
- Content encryption during upload, processing, and storage
- Secure content delivery with encrypted streaming protocols
- Watermarking for content leak detection and prevention
System and Infrastructure Encryption:
- Full disk encryption for all servers and workstations
- Database encryption at rest with transparent data encryption (TDE)
- Backup encryption using approved algorithms and key management
- Log file encryption for security and audit logs
3.3 Key Management Framework
Cryptographic keys must be managed through comprehensive lifecycle procedures:
- Centralized key management system with hardware security modules (HSMs)
- Role-based access controls for key management operations
- Key generation using cryptographically secure random number generators
- Key escrow and recovery procedures for business continuity
- Regular key rotation schedules based on key type and risk assessment
- Secure key destruction and sanitization procedures
3.4 Key Lifecycle Management
All cryptographic keys must follow structured lifecycle management:
Key Generation:
- Use of certified random number generators and entropy sources
- Key ceremony procedures for master keys with multiple authorized participants
- Documentation of key parameters, purposes, and authorized usage
Key Distribution:
- Secure key distribution mechanisms using authenticated channels
- Key wrapping and protection during transmission
- Verification of key integrity upon receipt
Key Storage:
- Hardware security modules (HSMs) for master keys and high-value keys
- Encrypted key storage with access logging and monitoring
- Geographic distribution of key storage for disaster recovery
Key Rotation:
- Automated key rotation for operational keys (quarterly minimum)
- Manual rotation procedures for master keys (annually minimum)
- Emergency key rotation procedures for compromised keys
Key Destruction:
- Secure deletion and sanitization of retired keys
- Documentation of key destruction with audit trails
- Verification of complete key removal from all systems
3.5 Platform-Specific Encryption Requirements
Special encryption considerations for video streaming operations:
Content Delivery Encryption:
- HTTPS/TLS for all content delivery endpoints
- Progressive download encryption for mobile applications
- Adaptive bitrate streaming with encrypted segments
- CDN-level encryption and secure content caching
Mobile Application Encryption:
- Application-level encryption for locally stored content
- Secure communication protocols for API interactions
- Platform-specific encryption using iOS Keychain and Android Keystore
- Offline content encryption with time-limited access
Analytics and Recommendation Data:
- Anonymization and pseudonymization techniques for user analytics
- Differential privacy techniques for aggregate data analysis
- Encrypted machine learning model parameters and training data
- Secure multi-party computation for cross-platform analytics
Payment Card Data (PCI DSS Requirements):
- Sensitive Authentication Data (SAD), including the full contents of any track, card validation codes (e.g., CVV2), and PIN data, must never be stored after authorization.
- The Primary Account Number (PAN) must be rendered unreadable wherever it is stored. When displayed, the PAN must be masked, with a maximum of the first six and last four digits being the maximum number of digits to be displayed.
- All cryptographic keys used for encryption of cardholder data must be managed in accordance with PCI DSS key management requirements, including secure key generation, distribution, and storage.
3.6 Regulatory Compliance
Encryption implementations must meet regulatory requirements:
- GDPR encryption requirements for personal data protection
- CCPA encryption standards for consumer data protection
- Export control compliance for cryptographic technologies
- Regional encryption requirements for cross-border data transfers
- Law enforcement access procedures with appropriate legal protections
4. Standards Compliance
| Policy Section | Standard/Framework | Control Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | ISO/IEC 27001:2022 | A.10.1.1 |
| 3.1 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 3.1, 3.2 |
| 3.2 | SOC 2 Type II | CC6.1 |
| 3.2 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 3.4 |
| 3.2 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 |
| 3.3 | NIST Cybersecurity Framework | PR.DS-1 |
| 3.3 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 3.5.1 |
| 3.4 | ISO/IEC 27001:2022 | A.10.1.2 |
| 3.4 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 3.6.1 |
| 3.6 | GDPR | Art. 32 |
| 3.6 | PCI DSS v4.0 | Req. 4.1, 4.2 |
5. Definitions
Hardware Security Module (HSM): A dedicated cryptographic device that provides secure key generation, storage, and cryptographic operations.
Digital Rights Management (DRM): Technology used to protect copyrighted digital content from unauthorized access, copying, and distribution.
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE): Database encryption that encrypts data at the storage level without requiring application changes.
Key Escrow: The practice of storing cryptographic keys with a trusted third party for recovery purposes.
Key Ceremony: A formal procedure involving multiple authorized personnel to generate or handle high-value cryptographic keys.
Differential Privacy: A technique that adds mathematical noise to data to protect individual privacy while maintaining analytical utility.
Perfect Forward Secrecy: A property that ensures past communications remain secure even if long-term keys are compromised.
6. Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Cryptography Officer | Define encryption standards, oversee key management operations, and ensure compliance with cryptographic policies and regulations. |
| Key Management Team | Operate key management systems, execute key lifecycle procedures, and maintain HSM infrastructure and security. |
| [Development Department/Team Name] | Implement encryption in applications, integrate with key management systems, and follow secure cryptographic development practices. |
| [IT/Infrastructure Department/Team Name] | Deploy and maintain encryption infrastructure, configure system-level encryption, and ensure secure cryptographic implementations. |
| Compliance Team | Monitor regulatory compliance, conduct encryption audits, and ensure adherence to international cryptographic standards and export controls. |
| [Security Department/Team Name] | Monitor cryptographic implementations, investigate encryption-related incidents, and validate cryptographic control effectiveness. |