UnixTime

Research Note

Key Escrow and Emergency Recovery Checklist

Use this checklist when cryptographic keys must be recoverable for legal, operational, continuity, or organizational control reasons.

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When to use this

Use this checklist when cryptographic keys must be recoverable for legal, operational, continuity, or organizational control reasons.

Escrow and recovery checklist

  • Escrow need is justified.
  • Legal and privacy implications reviewed.
  • Authorized recovery roles defined.
  • Dual control or approval defined where needed.
  • Escrow storage is protected.
  • Recovery procedure is documented.
  • Recovery activity is logged and reviewed.
  • Unauthorized key injection is prevented.
  • Circumvention paths are assessed.
  • Recovery test or tabletop completed.

Recovery record

Key/use case Recovery reason Approved by Recovered by Date/time Evidence Post-review
TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD