Standard Operating Procedure for Data Encryption Policies

Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish policies and procedures for the encryption of sensitive data to protect confidentiality, integrity, and compliance with data security regulations within the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the handling, processing, and storage of sensitive data within the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Information Security Officer: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of data encryption policies and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Data Custodians: Responsible for identifying data that requires encryption, implementing encryption measures, and ensuring compliance with encryption policies.
• IT Security Personnel: Responsible for implementing and maintaining technical measures to support data encryption, ensuring the security of the data infrastructure.

Procedure

1. Data Classification: Classify data based on its sensitivity and the need for encryption. Clearly define criteria for determining which data requires encryption to protect confidentiality and integrity.
2. Encryption Algorithms: Select and implement appropriate encryption algorithms based on industry standards and regulatory requirements. Ensure that the selected algorithms provide the necessary level of security for the type of data being protected.
3. Encryption Key Management: Establish procedures for the generation, storage, rotation, and disposal of encryption keys. Ensure that encryption keys are protected from unauthorized access and regularly updated to enhance security.
4. Full Disk Encryption: Implement full disk encryption on devices that store sensitive data, such as laptops and mobile devices. Ensure that encryption is activated by default and cannot be easily disabled by users.
5. File and Database Encryption: Implement encryption for sensitive files and databases. Define access controls to restrict access to encrypted data to authorized personnel only. Ensure that encryption is applied consistently across all relevant systems.
6. Transmission Encryption: Encrypt data during transmission over networks, especially when transmitted over public or untrusted networks. Use secure communication protocols (e.g., TLS) to protect data in transit.
7. Mobile Device Encryption: Implement encryption on mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) to protect data stored on these devices. Define policies for the use of encryption on company-issued and personal mobile devices accessing sensitive data.
8. Cloud Storage Encryption: Apply encryption to data stored in cloud environments. Define encryption requirements for cloud service providers and ensure that data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
9. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to verify compliance with data encryption policies. Assess the effectiveness of encryption measures and address any identified non-compliance promptly.
10. Incident Response: Establish procedures for responding to incidents related to potential data breaches. Document the steps to be taken in the event of a breach and communicate promptly with relevant stakeholders.
11. Training: Provide training to personnel involved in the handling and protection of sensitive data. Ensure that employees understand the importance of data encryption and are aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Abbreviations

No abbreviations are used in this SOP.

Documents

• Data Classification Policy
• Encryption Algorithms Documentation
• Encryption Key Management Procedures
• Full Disk Encryption Guidelines
• Transmission Encryption Standards
• Mobile Device Encryption Policy
• Cloud Storage Encryption Requirements
• Audit Reports
• Incident Response Plan
• Training Records

Reference

ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems

SOP Version

Version 1.0