Type 3 Key

A Type 3 key is cryptographic keying material used in a cryptographic device to protect unclassified sensitive information, including when the device itself is a Type 1 or Type 2 product. The term comes from U.S. government information-security and COMSEC terminology and should be interpreted within that classification framework.

Type 3 key handling is determined by the cryptographic system, key-management specification, organizational security policy, and any applicable government requirements for protecting unclassified sensitive information. Controls can cover generation, distribution, loading, storage, access, accounting, replacement, compromise response, and destruction. The label alone does not replace the system's approved key-management procedures.

Type 3 is a specialized U.S. government cryptographic classification, so its handling requirements depend on the product, protocol, key-management system, and authoritative standard using the term. It should not be confused with unrelated product labels or generic 'type 3' keys. The controlling security documentation determines the operational protections that apply.