This white paper outlines encryption options for Project 25 (P25) land mobile radio systems, stressing the importance of securing public-safety communications. It explains various encryption types, highlighting AES-256 as the standard for federal use due to its strength and interoperability. Older methods like DES and ARC4 are noted as inadequate. The paper covers FIPS 140-2/3 certification levels, recommending certified modules to ensure data protection. It also addresses key management through Over-the-Air Rekeying (OTAR) and weighs the trade-offs of Level 3 encryption. Agencies are urged to adopt strong, standardized encryption practices.

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