The National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators, SAFECOM and the Federal Partnership for Interoperable Communications have released a fact sheet to help law enforcement and public safety agencies manage encryption keys in order to protect voice communications from unauthorized personnel.
The Encryption Key Management Fact Sheet provides information on how public safety agencies can manage cryptographic keys and reasons why agencies should encrypt land mobile radio systems, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Friday.
The document also cites the role of key management facilities and key fill devices in the management of encryption keys, explains how key management helps maintain interoperability of LMR platforms and radios and offers information on the Advanced Encryption Standard 256 algorithm.
“With proper planning and awareness, encryption can be both operable and interoperable,” said Scott Wright of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Outreach and education efforts, such as this [fact sheet], will help the public safety community with their planning efforts.”
