University Policies and Procedures Manual (previously Business Policies and Procedures Manual)

UPPM 87.33

For more information contact:
   Information Technology Services

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1.0     Overview and Purpose

1.1      Information Assurance Policies Generally

The purposes of the information assurance policies in UPPM Chapter 87: Information Technology and Security are to:

• Set requirements to ensure the privacy, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Washington State University (WSU) data;
• Support institutional goals and strategies with appropriate methods for administratively, technically, and operationally protecting data; and
• Define the criteria WSU follows to meet requirements for protecting data, which are determined by Information Owners.

The policies in this chapter comply with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS 199), which are intended to help organizations achieve a common level of quality and interoperability in information technology (IT) by requiring categorization of systems as low-impact, moderate-impact, or high-impact for the stated security objectives of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. To determine the potential consequence of a loss event, the Federal Information Processing Standards:

• Define WSU Information Owners’ impact categorization rating (Low, Moderate, or High);
• Dictate which security controls are mandatory based upon the categorization level;
• Define the strength, frequency, and formalization of those controls; and
• Influence audit burden and continuous monitoring rigor.

See UPPM 87.01 for definitions, general information, and violations related to this policy, as well as additional information regarding roles and responsibilities.

1.2      Specific Policy Overview and Purpose

Robust encryption helps safeguard institutional information, including but not limited to research data, student records, and financial and personal information. This policy sets forth encryption requirements, including what types of data must be encrypted, methods of encryption, and compliance with industry standards and applicable laws.

2.0    Applicability

This policy applies to all WSU system users who have contact with, or potentially may have contact with, WSU data, applications, and computing resources.

Security control exceptions to policy statements in UPPM Chapter 87 are managed and maintained in accordance with UPPM 87.23.

3.0    Roles and Responsibilities

3.1      Chief Information Officer

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) of WSU, or designee, is responsible for administering this policy and reviewing it on an annual basis.

3.2     Information System Owners

WSU Information System Owners, or their delegates, are responsible and accountable for developing appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for this policy’s implementation. 

3.3     Office of Information Security and Assurance (OISA)

WSU’s Office of Information Security and Assurance (OISA) shall maintain the standard (PDF) associated with this policy and provide guidance for the associated procedures for the implementation of this policy (see examples (PDF)).

Note: While all units are required to adhere to the standard established by OISA (NIST SP 800-53), procedural examples for implementation are optional.

4.0   Requirements

WSU institutional information that is classified as internal, confidential, or regulated, and is stored, processed, shared, or transmitted on WSU or third-party information systems, must be encrypted. This requirement includes all production, development, test, and back-up information systems.  

All electronic media, including mobile device endpoints and portable storage media, that contain WSU internal, confidential, or regulated data must be encrypted and stored in physically secure locations.    

WSU institutional information must use cryptographic mechanisms to protect data during transmission and while at rest in accordance with UPPM 87.53. 

Cryptographic keys are to be securely established and managed in accordance with WSU key management requirements. High-impact systems must maintain the availability of WSU institutional information in the event of the loss of cryptographic keys.  

Encryption methods must use industry-standard encryption technologies that have been validated by an established standards body such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Acceptable industry standard cryptographic key management practices must be appropriately managed and maintained to safeguard the cryptographic keys and to protect the integrity of the encryption processes. 

The encryption systems used must comply with applicable laws and regulations. Any export or import of encryption products (e.g., source code, software, or technology) must comply with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries involved. The United States Department of Commerce provides additional guidance specific to such encryption export controls.

Public key certificates issued to WSU must use a Registered Certificate Authority. 

5.0    Training

See UPPM 87.21 for training requirements related to UPPM Chapter 87.

In addition to the requirements in UPPM 87.21, Information System Owners are responsible for ensuring that users receive appropriate information security and privacy training commensurate with their roles, responsibilities, and authorized access to information systems under the Information System Owner’s authority.

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Revisions:  Feb. 2026 (Rev. 651 – NEW).