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How to write an RFP for encryption

Requirements, questions, and evaluation criteria specific to encryption procurement

7 min read

RFPs are critical for encryption software procurement because organizations must balance stringent security requirements with usability and performance. A well-structured RFP ensures vendors address both current and future threats, while aligning with specific compliance and business needs.

What makes encryption RFPs different

Encryption RFPs are unique due to the complex interplay of cryptographic algorithms, key management strategies, and compliance mandates. Unlike other software categories, a failure in encryption can lead to irreversible data loss or significant regulatory penalties.

Furthermore, the evolving threat landscape, including the rise of quantum computing, necessitates a focus on crypto-agility and future-proof solutions.nnProcuring encryption solutions also requires careful consideration of integration with existing infrastructure and applications. The RFP must clearly define interoperability requirements with identity and access management (IAM) systems, data loss prevention (DLP) tools, and cloud environments.

Finally, performance is a critical factor, as poorly optimized encryption can significantly impact application latency and user experience.

  • Data residency and sovereignty requirements
  • Integration with existing security infrastructure (IAM, DLP, SIEM)
  • Crypto-agility and post-quantum readiness
  • Performance impact on business applications

RFP vs RFI vs RFQ

Here's when to use each document type when procuring encryption software.

RFI

Request for Information

Use early in your search to understand what vendors offer and narrow your list. Gather general capabilities, company background, and high-level pricing ranges.

RFP

Request for Proposal

Use when you know your requirements and want detailed vendor solutions and pricing. This is your main evaluation document for shortlisted vendors.

RFQ

Request for Quote

Use when requirements are fixed and you just need final pricing. Often used after RFP when you're ready to negotiate with finalists.

For encryption software, an RFI is valuable for initial market scanning to understand emerging technologies like homomorphic encryption or post-quantum cryptography. An RFP is essential for detailed evaluation of vendor capabilities, compliance adherence, and integration complexities, while an RFQ is typically unsuitable due to the customization and configuration required.

Technical requirements checklist

Use this checklist when defining your RFP scope.

Key Management

  • Centralized key generation, storage, and rotation
  • HSM integration support
  • Key lifecycle management automation
  • Role-based access control for key access

Cryptographic Algorithms

  • AES-256 encryption
  • RSA and ECC support
  • Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithm support
  • FIPS 140-2/3 validation

Data Discovery and Classification

  • Automated sensitive data discovery
  • Data classification based on sensitivity levels
  • Policy-based encryption enforcement
  • Support for structured and unstructured data

Integration Capabilities

  • Integration with IAM systems (e.g., Active Directory, Okta)
  • Integration with DLP solutions
  • Integration with SIEM platforms
  • API for custom application integration

Deployment Options

  • Cloud-based deployment
  • On-premise deployment
  • Hybrid deployment
  • Multi-cloud support

Questions to include in your RFP

Architecture & Deployment

  • Describe your platform's architecture and how it ensures data isolation in multi-tenant environments.
    Ensures data confidentiality and prevents cross-tenant access.
  • What deployment models do you support (cloud, on-premise, hybrid) and what are the advantages of each?
    Determines deployment flexibility and alignment with infrastructure strategy.
  • Detail your disaster recovery and business continuity plans, including RTO and RPO metrics.
    Ensures data availability and resilience in case of outages.
  • How does your solution support data residency and sovereignty requirements for different geographic regions?
    Addresses legal and regulatory compliance for global operations.

Key Management

  • Describe your key management lifecycle, including generation, storage, rotation, and revocation.
    Ensures keys are properly managed and protected throughout their lifecycle.
  • What HSMs do you support for secure key storage, and how does your solution integrate with them?
    HSMs provide a secure, tamper-resistant environment for key storage.
  • How does your platform automate key rotation and minimize downtime during the process?
    Reduces the risk of key compromise and ensures continuous availability.
  • Can your platform manage keys across multiple cloud providers and on-premise environments from a single console?
    Centralized key management simplifies administration and reduces complexity.

Cryptography & Algorithms

  • What cryptographic algorithms do you support (AES, RSA, ECC, etc.) and what are their key lengths?
    Ensures strong encryption and alignment with industry standards.
  • Is your cryptographic module FIPS 140-2/3 validated, and can you provide proof of certification?
    FIPS validation ensures the module meets government security standards.
  • What post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms do you support and how do you facilitate a hybrid transition to these standards?
    Prepares for the future threat of quantum computing.
  • How does your solution ensure crypto-agility, allowing for rapid algorithm updates without code rewrites?
    Enables quick adaptation to new threats and vulnerabilities.

Data Discovery & Classification

  • How does your solution automatically discover and classify sensitive data (PII, PCI, PHI) across different data stores?
    Automates the identification of data requiring encryption.
  • Can your platform automatically apply encryption policies based on the context and classification of the data?
    Ensures consistent and appropriate encryption enforcement.
  • How does your solution handle encryption of data in use (confidential computing) for AI/ML workloads?
    Protects data during processing and analysis.
  • Describe your support for homomorphic encryption and its potential use cases.
    Enables computation on encrypted data without decryption.

Integration & Interoperability

  • What pre-built integrations do you offer with IAM systems (e.g., Active Directory, Okta) for user authentication and authorization?
    Simplifies user management and access control.
  • How does your solution integrate with DLP tools to prevent data leakage?
    Enhances data loss prevention capabilities.
  • Do you provide an API for custom application integration and automation?
    Enables seamless integration with existing systems and workflows.
  • How does your platform integrate with SIEM solutions for security monitoring and incident response?
    Provides visibility into encryption-related security events.

Performance & Scalability

  • What is the measured performance latency impact (in milliseconds) of your encryption and decryption processes on a standard database query?
    Quantifies the performance overhead of encryption.
  • How does your solution scale to handle increasing data volumes and user loads?
    Ensures performance remains consistent as data grows.
  • Do you offer hardware acceleration (e.g., AES-NI) to mitigate performance impact?
    Hardware acceleration can significantly improve performance.
  • What are your recommended system requirements and configurations for optimal performance?
    Provides guidance for proper deployment and configuration.

Compliance and security requirements

Depending on your industry, you may need to require proof of these certifications and standards.

PCI DSS

Required if handling cardholder data. If applicable, request current PCI DSS compliance certificate and Attestation of Compliance (AOC).

HIPAA

Required if processing or storing protected health information (phi). If applicable, request a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and documentation of HIPAA compliance measures.

GDPR

Required if processing personal data of eu citizens. If applicable, request documentation of GDPR compliance measures, including data breach notification procedures and data subject rights.

CCPA/CPRA

Required if processing personal data of california residents. If applicable, request documentation of CCPA/CPRA compliance measures, including data subject rights and data security practices.

FIPS 140-2/3

Required for government agencies and regulated industries. If applicable, request FIPS 140-2/3 validation certificate for the cryptographic module.

Evaluation criteria

Here is the suggested weighting for encryption RFPs.

Functionality Fit How well the solution meets the stated requirements and use cases.
25%
Security & Compliance Adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements (FIPS, PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR).
20%
Key Management Capabilities Robustness and automation of key lifecycle management processes.
15%
Integration & Interoperability Ease of integration with existing security infrastructure and business applications.
15%
Performance & Scalability Impact on application performance and ability to scale to handle increasing data volumes.
10%
Vendor Stability & Roadmap Financial stability of the vendor and their commitment to innovation (PQC, FHE).
10%
Total Cost of Ownership Implementation, licensing, and ongoing maintenance costs.
5%

Some weights were adjusted based on your priorities.

  • Increase if replacing a highly customized legacy system.
  • Increase for highly regulated industries.
  • Increase if a complex integration landscape exists.

Red flags to watch

  • Lack of FIPS 140-2/3 Validation

    Indicates the cryptographic module hasn't been independently certified for security.

  • Vague Pricing Responses

    Suggests potential hidden costs or complex fee structures that inflate TCO.

  • Inability to Support Hybrid PQC Migration

    Indicates a lack of crypto-agility and potential disruption during post-quantum transition.

  • Poor Performance Benchmarks

    Suggests the encryption process may significantly impact application performance and user experience.

  • Manual-Only Key Rotation

    Increases the risk of key compromise and potential outages due to human error.

Key metrics to request

Ask vendors to provide benchmarks from similar customers.

Implementation timeline for similar customers

Helps set realistic expectations and identify potential delays.

Average time to first value

Indicates how quickly you'll see ROI from the investment.

Key rotation velocity (percentage of keys rotated automatically)

Measures the efficiency and automation of key management processes.

Performance latency impact on database queries

Quantifies the performance overhead of encryption on critical business operations.

Percentage of sensitive data automatically discovered and classified

Measures the effectiveness of data discovery and classification capabilities.