# IA-13(1)_protection-of-cryptographic-keys

> Cryptographic keys that protect access tokens are generated, managed, and protected from disclosure and misuse.

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/ia-13-1-protection-of-cryptographic-keys` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/ia-13-1-protection-of-cryptographic-keys`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/ia-13-1-protection-of-cryptographic-keys/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/ia-13-1-protection-of-cryptographic-keys

---


# IA-13(1) Protection of Cryptographic Keys

> **Enhancement of:** IA-13

## High-Level Description

**Family:** Identification and Authentication (IA)
**Framework:** NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5

Identity assertions and access tokens are typically digitally signed. The private keys used to sign these assertions and tokens are protected commensurate with the impact of the system and information resources that can be accessed.

## What to Check

- [ ] Verify IA-13(1) Protection of Cryptographic Keys is documented in SSP
- [ ] Confirm control is operating effectively
- [ ] Review evidence of continuous monitoring for IA-13(1)
- [ ] Verify enhancement builds upon base control IA-13

## How to Test

### Step 1: Review Documentation

Examine the System Security Plan (SSP) and related artifacts for IA-13(1) implementation details. Verify the organization has documented how this control is satisfied.

### Step 2: Validate Implementation

```
# For cloud environments, use cloud-audit-mcp tools
# For on-premises, review system configurations directly

# Example: Check if account management policies exist
grep -r "account.management\|access.control" /etc/security/ 2>/dev/null
```

### Step 3: Test Operating Effectiveness

Verify the control is actively functioning, not just documented. Check logs, configurations, and operational evidence.

## Tools

| Tool            | Purpose                        | Usage                      |
| --------------- | ------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| cloud-audit-mcp | Check authentication settings  | `cloud_audit_iam_policies` |
| hackbrowser | Test authentication mechanisms | `hackbrowser`        |

## Remediation Guide

### Control Statement

Cryptographic keys that protect access tokens are generated, managed, and protected from disclosure and misuse.

### Implementation Guidance

Identity assertions and access tokens are typically digitally signed. The private keys used to sign these assertions and tokens are protected commensurate with the impact of the system and information resources that can be accessed.

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                   | Severity | Impact                                       |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| IA-13(1) Protection of Cryptographic Keys not implemented | High     | Identification and Authentication            |
| IA-13(1) partially implemented                            | Medium   | Incomplete Identification and Authentication |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                   |
| ------- | ----------------------- |
| CWE-287 | Improper Authentication |

## References

- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 - IA-13(1)](https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/cprt/catalog#/cprt/framework/version/SP_800_53_5_1_1/home?element=ia-13.1)
- [NIST SP 800-53A Rev 5 (Assessment Procedures)](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/a/r5/final)
- [NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 Full Catalog](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/sp/800/53/r5/upd1/final)

## Checklist

- [ ] Control documented in SSP
- [ ] Implementation evidence collected
- [ ] Operating effectiveness validated
- [ ] Continuous monitoring in place
- [ ] Related controls (SC-12, SC-13) reviewed