"Key management refers to management of cryptographic keys in a cryptosystem."
The study of techniques used to manage the use, distribution, and storage of keys for cryptographic systems.
Cryptography: The study of techniques for secure communication in the presence of adversaries. This includes various techniques such as encryption, decryption, symmetric key cryptography, and public key cryptography.
Key management: The process of generating, storing, distributing, revoking, and destroying security keys in a secure manner to protect against unauthorized access, theft, and loss.
Key generation: The process of creating a unique key based on mathematical algorithms to ensure that the key is as random and unpredictable as possible.
Key storage: The process of securely storing the cryptographic keys so that unauthorized access is prevented. Techniques may include key escrow, key splitting, and key wrapping.
Key distribution: The process of securely transmitting the cryptographic keys to the intended parties in a secure and trusted manner. Techniques may include key agreement protocols and digital certificates.
Key revocation: The process of revoking a security key in the event of a security breach, such as a lost or stolen key.
Key destruction: The process of securely destroying a key when it is no longer needed, to prevent unauthorized access.
Hybrid encryption: A combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques to provide both confidentiality and authenticity of the message.
Digital signatures: A technique used to provide authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation to a message. This involves the use of a private key to sign a message and a public key to verify the signature.
Certificate authorities: Trusted third-party organizations that issue digital certificates to authenticate the identity of individuals, organizations, or devices.
Key management standards: Regulatory and industry standards that provide guidelines and best practices for key management to ensure security and compliance. Examples include ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-57, and FIPS 140-2.
Key management software: Tools and applications that automate and simplify the key management process, including key generation, distribution, and revocation. Examples include Keycloak, Hashicorp Vault, and OpenSSL.
Threat modeling: The process of identifying and analyzing potential security threats to key management systems and developing appropriate countermeasures.
Key management in the cloud: Considerations and best practices for managing keys in the cloud, including key management as a service (KMaaS), bring your own key (BYOK) and cloud key management service (CKMS).
Symmetric Key Management: Symmetric key management involves the use of a single shared key to encrypt and decrypt data. The key needs to be securely exchanged between parties beforehand and is typically used for shorter periods of time.
Asymmetric Key Management: Asymmetric key management involves the use of a pair of keys for encryption and decryption. One key is kept private while the other is publicly available. This method is often used for long-term security as the private key remains unchanged.
Group Key Management: Group key management involves the use of a key shared by a group of users. This method helps to ensure the security of the data exchanged between multiple parties.
Key Distribution Center (KDC) Key Management: KDC key management is a method of managing symmetric keys where a central system distributes keys to authorized parties. This method is often used for communication where a secure connection needs to be established quickly.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Key Management: PKI key management is a method of managing asymmetric keys that uses a hierarchical model of digital certificates issued by trusted authorities. It is commonly used for web browsing, email, and other communication methods.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Key Management: QKD key management uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate a shared key that cannot be intercepted or duplicated. This method is considered one of the most secure methods of key management and is often used in high-security applications.
Hash-Based Key Management: Hash-based key management involves the use of a hash function to generate and manage keys. It is often used in situations where a secure key needs to be generated quickly.
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Key Management: ASIC key management is a hardware-based method of managing keys that is used in specialized applications like smart cards and secure authentication devices.
Cloud Key Management: Cloud key management is the management of cryptographic keys within a cloud computing environment. This method helps to secure data stored in cloud-based applications and services.
Mobile Device Management (MDM) Key Management: MDM key management is a method of managing keys on mobile devices. This method is often used to protect sensitive information accessed through mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
"This includes dealing with the generation, exchange, storage, use, crypto-shredding (destruction) and replacement of keys."
"It includes cryptographic protocol design, key servers, user procedures, and other relevant protocols."
"Key management concerns keys at the user level, either between users or systems."
"This is in contrast to key scheduling, which typically refers to the internal handling of keys within the operation of a cipher."
"Successful key management is critical to the security of a cryptosystem."
"It is the more challenging side of cryptography in a sense that it involves aspects of social engineering such as system policy, user training, organizational and departmental interactions, and coordination between all of these elements."
"System policy plays a role in key management by establishing guidelines and rules for the use and handling of cryptographic keys."
"User training is necessary to ensure individuals understand how to properly generate, exchange, store, and use cryptographic keys."
"Organizational and departmental interactions are important for coordination and collaboration in implementing key management practices across different areas or units."
"Key servers are used to store and distribute cryptographic keys securely."
"Crypto-shredding refers to the destruction of cryptographic keys to ensure they cannot be recovered or accessed."
"The replacement of keys is a part of key management, ensuring that keys are regularly updated to maintain the security of the cryptosystem."
"Cryptographic protocol design involves the development of protocols and algorithms for secure key exchange, storage, and use."
"User procedures are the guidelines and steps that individuals need to follow when handling cryptographic keys."
"Key management involves aspects of social engineering that cannot be fully automated, in contrast to pure mathematical practices."
"Key management practices ensure security by implementing measures to protect cryptographic keys from unauthorized access or misuse."
"Key management is a critical aspect of cryptography, as it focuses on the practical implementation and management of cryptographic keys."
"Poor key management can lead to compromised security, potential breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information."
"Effective key management is crucial for maintaining system and network security, as it secures the foundation of cryptographic operations and prevents unauthorized decryption or encryption."