Can you accommodate encryption requirements using open standards?

This question is asking whether your organization can implement encryption using open standards rather than proprietary encryption methods. Open standards for encryption are publicly available specifications for implementing encryption algorithms and protocols. Examples include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), TLS (Transport Layer Security), RSA, and other widely accepted encryption standards that have been thoroughly reviewed by the security community. Why this matters in a security assessment: 1. Interoperability: Open standards ensure your encrypted data can work with other systems and services. 2. Security validation: Open standards have typically undergone extensive peer review and testing. 3. Avoiding vendor lock-in: Proprietary encryption might tie you to specific vendors. 4. Regulatory compliance: Many regulations specifically require the use of open encryption standards. 5. Future-proofing: Open standards are more likely to be supported long-term. The assessor wants to confirm you're not using obscure, proprietary, or "home-grown" encryption methods that haven't been properly vetted by security experts. The security principle "don't roll your own crypto" is relevant here - creating custom encryption is extremely risky and almost always less secure than established standards.