USPS to review encryption practices

Federal Business Opportunity Web site

The U.S. Postal Service will conduct a comprehensive review of its data encryption practices in light of new offerings and new electronic threats.

Although stolen mail accounts for only 4 percent of identity thefts, according to a recent Federal Trade Commission survey, USPS officials say they are increasingly concerned about data security and privacy as the agency expands into new online service offerings.

In a notice posted Jan. 4, USPS asks vendors to provide information about their data encryption products. The notice indicates that the agency would like to adopt a uniform method of data encryption and centralized key management for all its operating systems, storage media, databases, networks and network exchanges with business partners.