Is the destruction of keying material a responsibility of management?

Management is indeed responsible for the destruction of keying material because it is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of communication systems. Keying material, which may include encryption keys and other sensitive cryptographic information, must be destroyed in accordance with established policies to prevent unauthorized access and protect against breaches.

This responsibility falls to management primarily because they set the policies and protocols that dictate how keying material should be handled throughout its lifecycle—this includes its generation, distribution, and eventual destruction. Effective management ensures that the destruction process aligns with compliance regulations and best practices in COMSEC (communications security).

Additionally, management must ensure that personnel are trained in proper procedures and that appropriate measures are in place to securely destroy keying material, thereby minimizing risks associated with potential misuse. Consequently, it is not solely the technician's responsibility nor limited to specific instances like audits; it is a comprehensive duty that encompasses overall security management.