Security questionnaire answers › Data protection
How do you manage encryption keys? How to answer it in a security questionnaire
Why buyers ask this
Strong encryption fails if keys are exposed, so buyers check who can reach keys and how they are rotated.
What a strong answer includes
- Name the key management service and whether keys are provider-managed or customer-managed.
- Describe rotation frequency and what triggers emergency rotation.
- Explain access control and logging for key use.
Sample answer to adapt
Replace the bracketed parts with your own facts. Only state what is true for your environment.
Keys are generated and stored in [KMS/HSM]. Access is limited to [roles] under least privilege, key use is logged, and keys rotate [annually/automatically]. Secrets are stored in [secrets manager] and never in source code.
Evidence to attach
- Key management policy
- KMS access policy
- Rotation configuration
Common mistakes
- Storing keys beside the data they protect.
- No rotation schedule or no owner for rotation.
Answer questionnaires from your own documents
Korrali Trust drafts answers from your policies and evidence so every response traces back to its source, and a person reviews it before it goes out.