**GAO-08-525**                      Published: Jun 27, 2008. Publicly Released: Jul 28, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Many federal operations are supported by automated systems that may contain sensitive information such as national security information that, if lost or stolen, could be disclosed for improper purposes. Compromises of sensitive information at numerous federal agencies have raised concerns about the extent to which such information is vulnerable. The use of technological controls such as encryption--the process of changing plaintext into ciphertext--can help guard against the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. GAO was asked to determine (1) how commercially available encryption technologies can help agencies protect sensitive information and reduce risks; (2) the federal laws, policies, and guidance for using encryption technologies; and (3) the extent to which agencies have implemented, or plan to implement, encryption technologies. To address these objectives, GAO identified and evaluated commercially available encryption technologies, reviewed relevant laws and guidance, and surveyed 24 major federal agencies.

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## Topics

Information Security

Access controlAuthenticationClassified defense informationComputer networksComputer securityConfidential communicationsData encryptionData encryption standardData storageData transmissionElectronic data interchangeGovernment information disseminationInformation accessInformation disclosureInformation infrastructureInformation managementInformation securityInformation security managementInformation security regulationsInformation storage and retrievalInformation technologyInternal controlsLaptopsPolicy evaluationProprietary dataRegulatory agenciesReporting requirementsSecurity policiesSecurity regulationsSoftwareStandards evaluationWireless networksPolicies and procedures